Owen hadn't underestimated the number of people who would want to see Eva, and Carrie was feeling a little less generous now that all the people were crammed into the medical bay. They were moving through in a steady line, allowing everyone a moment with Eva and herself.

Of course Carrie was under no illusion that they were paying any attention to her, and she was fine with that. Eva was the star of the show, and people couldn't help oohing and awwing over her thick head of dark hair and ice-blue eyes so much like her father's. Carrie could relate, and she was getting antsy to have time alone with her family.

Davis seemed to pick up on her mood, because he lifted his arms to get everyone's attention. "Everyone out. Visiting hours are over for now. You’ll have plenty of time to see Eva later, but Carrie and Eva are both tired, and I'm sure my daughter is hungry."

Carrie was amused and a little surprised there was not a peep of protest as everyone in the room filed out. She actually laughed outright when Owen and Nikki left as well. "You can be very persuasive, General."

"It's my gift," he said with a wink before moving closer. He carefully nudged her over, being sure he didn't jar her, which she appreciated, as he sat on the table beside her, putting his arm around her and a hand against Eva's back. "This is my true gift, love. You and Eva."

"We really need to thank Freydon—" Carrie broke off abruptly as a light flashed in the room, and she knew what it meant.

Freydon Rote stood there before them, and the gelatinous peach blob was a welcome sight. Carrie's eyes misted as Freydon came closer, his expression one of pure joy despite the fact that his mouthpart never formed. She could just sense his joy pouring off him.

"She's marvelous. Congratulations, General and Carrie."

"You can call me Davis," said her mate, his voice sounding a little thick. "After everything you've done for us, I think we’re on a first-name basis."

Freydon’s mouth part appeared as he beamed in delight. "Thank you, Davis. I won't be returning, since there's no reason to come back now. You're all on the trajectory you're supposed to be on, and it's relatively smooth sailing from here."

Carrie looked down at Eva. "What about her?"

Freydon lifted what could be construed as arms. "May I hold her for a moment?"

Carrie hesitated only briefly, and only because she was afraid his gelatinous form wouldn't be able to support the infant. She quickly banished the thought, knowing Freydon wouldn't put Eva at risk, and she carefully handed over her daughter. His skin touched her, and it felt like jelly, which was a disconcerting sensation.

Freydon cradled Eva carefully, his form conforming to hers with perfection. "You're simply precious and perfect, aren't you, little Eva?" He lifted his head to look at Carrie and Davis. "I brought her a few gifts, including a Drakari pendant. It's supposed to be good luck, so she should wear it all the time when she's older and no longer risks choking on it.”

Carrie watched with some amusement as an appendage extended from his body to hold out a small package to Davis. "Thank you for the gifts, Freydon. You've already done so much for us, so it wasn't necessary."

Freydon simply smiled before handing Eva back to Carrie with a small sigh of regret that was obvious to all of them. "I do wish I could stay, but you need your quiet time and privacy, and there's always something for a Celestial Mates agent to be doing. I really will miss all of you, but I couldn't be happier with how things have developed."

Davis seemed choked up when he replied. "I couldn't be happier either, Freydon Rote. Safe travels through time and space."

"Thank you, Davis. Good luck to both of you."

Carrie let out a gasp as he started to disappear. "Wait, I have something for you."

Freydon stopped, the light dimming around him again. "You have something for me?"

She felt a little awkward for a moment. "You hinted that you might be back someday, so I thought I would do something for you. It's not much, but…" She trailed off before turning to look at Davis. "Could you please fetch the silver bag in my crochet trunk?"

Davis nodded and hurried off, leaving Carrie with Freydon, who was cooing at her daughter again. She wasn't sure why she felt self-conscious about giving him a gift, and by the time Davis returned with the small silver bag, she was over that. She nodded for him to give it to Freydon, and the alien accepted it with one of his gelatinous appendages.

It was endearing watching the peach alien open his present, as though he had never gotten one before. The bag was crocheted, and so was the item inside. He beamed with delight when he pulled out the white and black hat she had crocheted. Freydon immediately put it on, his form conforming to the hat, and Carrie was pleased that he had that ability, because she hadn't been certain what size to make him.

"It's absolutely marvelous, Carrie. Thank you for your thoughtfulness." He beamed at both of them as the light started to surge around him again. "Have a happy life, my friends." He spoke with authoritative confidence that left no doubt that was exactly what they would have. And then he was gone, and she blinked back tears.

"I guess that's the last time we'll see him then." She sniffed. "Do you think he's lonely? He’s always making matches for everyone, getting involved in their lives, but is a transitory part of the lives he touches." Tears streamed down her cheeks as she contemplated Freydon’s existence. "It seems sad, doesn't it? He finds happiness for others, but is always alone."

Davis nodded as he leaned forward, scooting closer to her again as he sat on the table once more to put his arm around her. "It is sad, but maybe there's a match for Freydon."

She nodded as Eva started to root for her nipple, helping the baby find the spot to latch on. "I sincerely hope so, though I guess we'll never know."

"No, but even if he is lonely, I get the feeling he takes immense pleasure in his life's work."

Carrie nodded as she laid her head against his chest. "I guess all any of us can ask for is to be happy." It would feel audacious to ask for more happiness when she already had so much, and she didn't have any need for extra. With Davis and Eva, she had everything she needed. "I love you, Davis."

"I love you too, Carrie."

As Eva nursed, they shared no more words, because none were necessary. They just basked in the moment of perfect happiness, certain that many more just like it awaited in their future.

* * *