Marcus was in Khaat's room, keeping her company. They were playing gin rummy when the paper bird flew into the room. Marcus plucked it out of the air easily and opened it and read the message.
"Brian's back with your wardrobe," he told her. "Nervous about what he bought?"
"Only a little," she said. "I'm actually more nervous about the possibility of him baking cookies. I think there's a better chance he did alright with the shopping." She went to get up from her bed, and Marcus put a strong hand under her shoulder to help steady her so she didn't put weight on her knee. He handed her the crutches near the bed, and, keeping a strong bracing arm under her shoulder, he apparated them both downstairs into the living room. When he didn't find them there, he lowered her into a chair and put the ottoman under her leg.
"Sit and stay," he told her. "I'll tell them you're down here." He went into the kitchen.
"So this is where you all are. Shall I bring Khaat in here?" Marcus asked.
"She's in the living room."
"No, I'll come in," Brian said. He reached into the bag and put the boxes from the jewelry store in his pocked and then picked up his bag and went into the living room.
"How did you do?" Khaat asked Brian.
"You tell me," he said, handing her the bag. She found the dresses first, a pretty floral sun dress for daytime wear and another dress--white with blue abstract designs--or a dressier situation.
"I love the dresses," she told him. "I probably would have picked that sundress myself. The tea length dress is probably one I'd have overlooked, but I do like it. It's a really good choice. What else did you find?"
"A pair of jeans--because jeans go everywhere and a white button down to go with them--because I love you in that look," he said, giving them to her. "A couple pairs of shorts and some tops. A pair of white capris."
"Sea green" she said, "I really like those, and the pink. I might get some more of those. And I love the tops. I like all the florals you found and the sea green gingham. That will be perfect with the shorts." She found the stack of several sarongs. "Oh, that's a great choice for a trip to a tropical place. I can do anything with those. And I love the fabrics."
"Well, I was told you could do a lot with them."
"I can. Shawls, tops, dresses, skirts--I can make them into almost anything."
"A dress? No way."
"Yes, way," she smiled at him. "And without magic." He peered into the bag. "Looks like there are more in the bag." She reached in and found a stack of several scarves in a variety of colors and prints. "These are great. I can wear them in my hair, or as shawls, or I can use them as tops. You were thinking versatility, weren't you?"
"I was," he smiled.
"I"m impressed. And am I wearing anything to bed?"
"Yes," he said, finding the chemise and the robe. "Will this do?"
"Definitely." He showed her the jacket, the shoes, the other accessories, and the handbags--a clutch, a handbag, and a beach bag. She liked it all.
"There isn't any jewelry, though. Are you planning on me going without?"
"No," he said. "I decided on maybe one thing you could wear all weekend." He handed her the box with the necklace. She opened it and found the little necklace with the little diamond.
"I love it," she said, surprised he would buy her a real diamond necklace for such an occasion. "Diamonds?"
"I'd give you the world if I could do it, but until I manage it, how about diamonds," he kissed her forehead.
"Thank you," she said. "It's beautiful."
"Not yet it isn't," he said. He took it and fastened it around her neck. It hung beautifully right above her emerald necklace. "Now its beautiful," he smiled.
"You'll spoil me," she said.
"Then do you want me to take this back?" he handed her the other box, and she opened it and found the tiny diamond heart earrings.
"Not a chance," she smiled. "I'm putting these on right away so you can't take them back. After all, who wants used diamonds?"
"Who, indeed?" he laughed. She put the earrings on. "I like them," he said. "Just a tiny bit of sparkle. I like it a lot. Well, do I have to make those stupid cookies?"
"No," she smiled. "I'll make the cookies. Thank you. You should shop for me all the time."
"No thanks," he laughed. "Maybe we can get your mother or Angus to make the cookies. I'd rather you stay off the leg so we can walk a bit on our trip."
"Deal," she laughed.
"Jack," Brian called, "I"m off the hook. Are you making cookies by yourself, or did you pass the test?"
by 
