Chapter 55

“Mom, Dad, hi,” Roger said. “Give us a minute to go up and get dressed.”

Without waiting for a reply, the boys ran upstairs. Lance went straight to his water bowl, drank deeply, and flopped down on his bed.

“What’s the matter, boy?” I said. “Did the guys wear you out?” Lance rolled over and closed his eyes in answer.

The boys came back into the kitchen area dressed in shorts and polo shirts. Roger hugged both his parents, and to my surprise, Steve hugged them as well.

“How about setting the table for us, guys?” I said before any other conversation could get underway.

Mason helped the boys carry plates, silverware, and other things to the deck, and Angela helped us carry the food outside.

As we ate, the boys filled the Cartwrights in on their long period of relaxation. When they finally wound down, Angela said, “This is really a lovely place. How long have you had it?”