Kaylee had been hugged by more family than she knew she had, some folks coming for a second and third go. But finally Edmondos Frye called everyone to order.

“Okay, folks,” he shouted. “This here is a party. So you all go get the stuff you brought, and we’ll make a start.”

There was general cheering and everyone hurried off to bring in the food and drink.

“You did this for me?” Kaylee said, wiping her eyes on the back of her hand.

“Momma?” Bethany held out her hankie.

“Thank you, sweetie,” her mother said, drying her face.

“You need to carry one all the time,” the little girl admonished, then hurried off to find Fiddler, who’d managed to slip his leash.

“Was I like that?” Kaylee asked her father, half laughing, half wanting to carry on crying.

“Not quite so … advanced, but pretty much. She’s very forward for a two year old.”

“That’s Simon. Him and his sister … certified geniuses.”

Eddie manoeuvred his daughter to a seat. “Come on, now. You take a rest. I think this has all been a bit much for you.”

“It was something of a shock,” she admitted. “I really thought …” Her voice trailed off.

“Thought we weren't so happy that you were coming home?”

“It ain't to stay, Pa. Just for two days, then we got a job to get to,” Kaylee had to point out.

“I know, Winnie. But these two days are gonna be the best you’ve ever had.”

She grinned at him, sniffing back more tears. “I love you, Pa.”

He hugged her tightly. “’N’ I love you, Winnie.”

She couldn’t help it. Just having her Daddy hold her, using his old pet name for her, got her going again.

“Hey, hey, now,” Simon said, coming up and squatting next to her. “What’s all this?”

“I think maybe the surprise was a bit overwhelming,” Eddie Frye said.

“No, no, it wasn't,” Kaylee said quickly. “I loved it. And I love that you’re all here, and there’s gonna be music, and dancing, and –”

“Dancing?” Simon’s face took on a rather worried look. He remembered their wedding, when he seemed to dance with every Fr