We led Amy and the pony to the backyard. The flock of chickens was roaming around. A large recliner sat elevated on a pallet. Albert the giant pig lounged on his throne, accepting treats from my brothers.
"He ate a whole veggie burger in one bite," Isaac told me in awe.
"Does Baxter need a chair?" I asked Amy uncertainly.
She laughed. "He's fine. I'll give him a break every thirty minutes or so."
"Did you guys have parties in the cult?" Penny asked when went up to the terrace to welcome more guests.
"Just doomsday watches," I told her. "It seemed like every other quarter the world was about to end."
"Aren’t you glad it didn’t?"
"You mean so I can wear too-tight clothes?"
"You look so good I could lick you," Penny said, running her hands over my hips.
"Honestly, I don’t know how men back then even managed to father any children," I grumbled. "These pants are uncomfortably tight."
"But you look like a Halloween treat in them," Penny said.
"See, Edna, I knew I should have worn my Scottish barmaid costume!" Ida called out as she strolled out to the terrace.
"You’re supposed to be playing a wicked witch," her granddaughter Olivia said. She was there to help Hazel with catering.
"Penny!" The two women ran to hug each other. "I haven't seen you since high school! You look good! I heard you were back in town." She stole a glance at me. "Wow, is that Garrett?"
Penny giggled. Olivia giggled. Ida and even Judge Edna giggled.
"I don’t understand the joke," I said, frowning.
"Of course you don’t," Penny cooed.
Sebastian was the next to arrive. He was dressed up as a vampire.
"I couldn't help but go all out," he said as he kissed Penny on the cheek.
I wanted to punch him in the face, acquisition be damned. Penny squeezed my arm.
"What a charming vampire!" Ida said loudly as Sebastian kissed her and Edna on the cheeks as well.
"This is my little brother Alfie," Sebastian said. Alfie looked to be about Billy’s age, maybe eight years old or so. He, too, was dressed as a superhero.
"Welcome to our Halloween party!" Penny said, bending down to greet him.
"I like your decorations," Alfie said, pulling off his Spider-Man mask.
I whistled to my brothers.
"Come be good hosts," I ordered them. "You all can't just go off and play by yourselves and be antisocial."
"Come see the giant pig and the haunted tiny house! It’s so cool!" Otis said, tugging Alfie across the lawn.
"Hm," Penny said. "I thought there was going to be an age limit."
"You have a haunted tiny house?" Sebastian said, obviously trying not to stare at all of my little brothers.
"It's fine," I told him. "You can comment on my brothers."
