“Sorry, no,” he said to Lauren’s crestfallen expression. “No puppy. But I’ve been thinking about getting one. Do you think I should?”
She nodded eagerly. “Yeah! And we can come over and climb in your trees and play on your swingset!”
“That would be nice,” he replied neutrally. He didn’t have the heart to tell the girl that the rusty old swingset in the side yard was exhibit A on his ‘has to go’ list.
“So did Grandma kick you out?” Stacey asked.
“Yeah.” Little Katherine nodded agreement. “Grandma Sally said that it was a nice day outside and if we sat around all day our butts would get big and fat, and we should come out here and help you plant the flowers instead.”
Albert choked on a laugh as Stacey turned red. He was suddenly reminded of his Grandmother Harding, a woman who loved not
