Nylora said, “You really have babysitters?”
“Of course.Winnie is excellent with infants as well.”Krys finished fiddling with the tray.“She’s already on site if you want to talk with her to make sure.”
Nylora winced.“Could I?It will help me plan our evening more fully if I am comfortable with the babysitter.”
Krys lifted her walkie and said, “Hey, Anders, can you send Winnie up to the bride’s getting-ready room?”
There was a squawk and agreement.
Vaia looked up.“Winnie?”
“Adopted cousin.Half cousin, actually.”
Vaia grinned.“So, a lot of family works for you?”
“Depfords have big families and not all of them have a use for all the kids.I can usually find something for them to do.”She held up the second tray and said, “I am just going to drop this in the groom’s room.I will be right back.”
Azreen was getting information from his father and Solor, who was acting as his best man.They had known each other for years.
“Here are some snacks.It’s a long day, and you want to keep fortified, Azreen.”She looked at him as Solor reached for the sandwich, paused, shrugged, and grabbed one.Azreen and his father got some as well.
The older dragon looked at the sandwich and said, “Is this what you consider appropriate food?”
“No, that is what I consider to be staff lunch, but you should get something into you before the evening kicks off.Things will go quickly.So, we eat so we can focus, and you should eat so you can focus.There is much, much more elaborate food later.Hundreds of pounds of protein, a separate bar for allergens and vegetarians, you will see.If you don’t like it, feel free to let me know.”She grinned.“Off I go.Azreen, you know how to call me.”
She left the three men with their sports drinks and green tea.
Winnie was wearing her server gear when she stopped near the bride’s getting-ready room.
Krys smiled and knocked softly before opening the door.She walked in, and Winnie followed her.It was nearly two, and Vaia was getting her hair and makeup done.In an hour, she and Azreen would be dressed and getting photos done.
She made the introductions in a low tone.“Nylora, this is the babysitter.She has a clean criminal history, is proficient in children’s first aid, and has a food-handling certificate.Not particularly interesting, but she doesn’t adhere to the five-second rule.”
Winnie stepped forward.“I am also a part-time musician and dancer.And part-time everything else.”
Nylora looked at her and smiled.“Winnie, this is Soryn; Soryn, this is Winnie.”
“Does he mind dark energy?”
“Nope.He’s great with it.I do shadow puppets for him all the time.Here, take him.”
Winnie smiled, and there were some squeaking grunts before Soryn settled in her arms.She beamed.“We are going to get along fine.Will you be coming up to feed him, or is he on formula?”
“I will be coming up here when my dress is in danger.”
“I can bring him down as well if you want to stay close to the party.”The baby was clinging to her finger.
Nylora looked to Krys.“Is there another babysitter?”
“Yes, two for the older ones.Winnie is just here for Soryn, and frankly, she is the most reasonable expense at this party.”Krys grinned.“Winnie, you can change into your babysitting gear if Nylora wants you to start now.I am going to head back to the melee.Ladies, have a relaxing time.”
She left Winnie standing there with her midnight hair in a ponytail that didn’t allow the dark purple highlights to shine.Before she left, Vaia said, “Krys, don’t forget to come back here before we go for pictures.I have a special dress that is very washable, and it should let you move around easily.”
“Of course, Miss Depford.”Krys inclined her head and returned to the prep.The florist was setting up, and that usually required a bit of wrangling.
She went down and saw that everything was in hand.Krys headed to the kitchen and grabbed a sandwich.It was going to be a long day.
The dress was black and gold and fit everywhere.It was off-the-shoulder, but a sort of sleeve hung down off each shoulder piece and fluttered when she moved.
