When the door opened, Laura's heart caught in her throat, that lifelong anxiety gripping her for a moment. The little girl seemed to notice or sense it, and inched a bit closer to her mother for support. But once AC smiled and began to speak, Laura's fear quickly dissipated.
Stepping inside at the offer, looking around warily before waving her child along, she gave their host a smile. "The first? I don't think I've ever been the first to a party. Thank you for such a warm welcome. My name is Laura Finn, this is my daughter Caitlyn. Thank you for having us."
The girl, a mirror image of her mother, was much more relaxed and returned the smile and greeting politely. "I bet lots more people will come soon. Something smells delicious, so their noses will bring them."