The movement is enough for the house to properly be seen into, of course. It means Eliana's instinctive movement to comply is stopped by her mother's tight grip on her shoulder.

The research Alena had done clearly hadn't extended to 'partner/possible husband' and 'dog.'

It's a few heartbeats before there's enough breath in the air for the woman to nod and finally release the girl's shoulder. Her fingers smooth briefly at her daughter's hair before she gives the girl a careful push. "You go sit, Ellie, all right?"

Freed, the child bobs her head, sneaking a glance up at Tyler before dropping her eyes to make a quiet beeline for the cookies.

Alena takes another beat before stepping slowly, just a bit heavily, into the house. "I have some-- things I need to talk to you about."