“Can we stay another night? Pleeeease, Uncle Mal?”

They hadn’t even finished breakfast when the wave came in from Dillon’s home.

Mal kept his lips under control. “How come, Bethie? Can’t yet persuade Dillon to buy you your own spaceship?”

“He said no.” Bethie sighed mightily. “Not until I’m eighteen.”

“Hope you got that in writing.”

“Pleeease?”

This time his mouth twitched into a smile. “How do the others feel about this? And, more ‘specially, Dillon and Breed?”

The latter appeared behind Bethie on the screen, grinning. “We’re fine with it. And the other children too. If you say yes we’ve promised to take them to the Spring Festival out by Cadrie Pond.”

Mal felt a phantom stab in his guts, but glanced out of the bridge window at the snow still lying thickly before saying, “Spring? You sure you’ve got the right time of year?”

Breed laughed. “ I believe there was talk of cancelling it, but it was decided to go ahead.”

“And there’ll be ice skating, rides, stalls selling stuff,” Bethie put in. “Pleeeeeeease?”

Mal considered the puppy-dog eyes came across the ether pretty well. He glanced back over his shoulder towards the other parents standing in the doorway to the bridge. “Well? Do we let them?”

“I doubt they can get into that much trouble,” Zoe said.

“Really?” Mal stared at his first mate. “You met our kids lately?”

“I suppose one more night ain’t gonna hurt,” Kaylee murmured. “Long as it’s just the one.”

Simon squeezed her hand, but nodded.

Freya smiled. “You know you’re going to say yes.”

“Guess I am.” He turned back to the monitor but Bethie had already disappeared, and whoops of joy could be heard in the background. “I take it she heard.”

Breed nodded. “I think she’s pleased.”

“ I think she thinks it means no lessons.” Mal chuckled. “Well, don’t let ‘em eat too much cotton candy.”

“I’ll remember that.” Breed grinned. “Hilde thinks they’re great.”

“Hm