Maria stooped down and picked up a metallic warrior the little boy's overburdened arms had dropped even as Elon continued to chuckle at the sight of the little boy's glee over his newfound treasure.
Maria held the toy warrior the boy had dropped out to Elon, who straightened back up to his feet even as she asked, "Did you make these?"
He shrugged and nodded his head as if to say it was no big deal.
"You'll have to make these for our sons one day Elon."
A look of such yearning passed across Elon's face at her words as she had never before seen equaled by another human being, but all he said was, "I will."
They both broke eye contact as Lisa finally waddled up to the door looking winded and tired out. Her belly was huge and Maria was astounded that she hadn't given birth yet.
Lisa gave her a curious look before her eyes tracked over to Elon, whom she gave a radiant but tired smile to, "It's so good to see you again Elon!"
"It's good to be here your Highness."
"Oh stop it!" Lisa said rolling her eyes at Elon.
She stepped closer and surprised Maria by enfolding her in a somewhat awkward sideways hug. The taller woman held Maria for a long moment before pulling back.
Her eyes were genuine with emotion as she gazed into Maria's and said, "I'm sorry that I couldn't make it to the funeral Maria."
"You have yourself and the baby to think of Lisa! No need to apologize!" Maria said as an involuntary shiver of emotion coursed through her as for a brief moment the grief of days past came back to make itself freely known within her consciousness that had temporarily forgotten it.
"I know, but I wish I could've been there for you, James, and Tyre."
Maria's gaze flickered over to Elon and she simply said in reply, "It worked out anyway."
Lisa didn't miss anything. Her gaze switched from one to the other of them before she asked, "So what's up with you two being together and on my doorstep so unexpectedly?"
Before Maria could stammer out something Elon smoothly said, "Maria and I have partnered up and your legendary hospitality is reason enough to come unexpectedly."
Lisa's eyebrows arched northward at the mentioning of 'partnering up'. She didn't look convinced about the last part of what Elon had said though, Maria thought to herself.
"Where's Flint?" Elon asked casually.
"He's out fishing with our oldest daughter. He'll be back in an hour or two. In the meantime let's see to getting lunch for you two not to mention the babies, who are stealing all my energy." Lisa turned and linked arms with both Elon and Maria and started back into the depths of the villa at the pace that she could manage.