"Sounds great," Gabe said with a grin, taking the invitation to move further into the house, looking around with vibrant interest. His senses were extended to drink in the love in this house. The love ... the deception. But mainly the love. It reassured him. "Steph ain't much talkative when it comes to her family." He grinned at her over his shoulder. "If I didn't know better I'd think she was ashamed, but I ain't seeing anything but fine folks."

"Steph's a teenage girl," Melissa said, directing Fletcher to a seat as they reached the living-room. "I think she finds us boring." She cast a twinkling glance over at her daughter and husband. "Are we boring, dear?"

At the entrance to the living-room Gabe spun on his heel with a laugh, nudging Skul and raising his hands with mock innocence. "And who taught me? My Daddy don't count. Don't be throwin' accusations you can't back, pardner." The Archangel took a seat on the couch beside Fletcher, sitting comfortably just off the edge and leaned forward the way someone did when they were truly eager, glancing up at Des. "I'll have whatever you'll be havin', Mr Edgley."