He and Emma left for their apartment.
Fraoch said, “While they all shower we ought tae go pick up Lochinvar, he is missing all the fun.”
I said, “Tell him to ask Ash if she wants to come to dinner.”
CHAPTER 3
KAITLYN
DECISIONS AND LISTS ARE MADE
Our day was ordinary: dinner was cooking, filling the house with the aroma of brisket. We planned to eat out on the deck but rain clouds swept in and James said, “Ya know, we’ve been living without any modern comforts for days, I kinda want to be barefoot in the house with the temperature controls flowing.”
We set the big long dining room table and the kids were invited to join or not. Archie and Ben wanted to hear all about the visit to the Second Continental Congress. The girls figured they would probably want to hear stories too. Everyone gathered in the dining room, all up and down the sides of the table, including Uncle Lochinvar back from having been three days away at Ash’s house.
Zoe said, “Unkie Lochie, I no seen you infowever.”
The table was set with some of our best china and silver, which seemed fitting, a welcome home to the travelers after their adventure. And then we served buffet-style and there was total chaos while we filled plates for the kids, called for things from the refrigerator, filled water glasses, and passed out adult beverages. Finally we sat.
Zach unfurled his napkin on his lap and glanced out of the corner of his eye at Magnus. “Finally, good food. Let’s eat, and boy, do we have a lot to tell?—!”
We could all tell he knew Magnus would clear his throat. “Yetfirstwe must be thankful.”
Zach said, “I know, I know, just checking.”
Zoe and Isla folded their hands to pray, they were both really into this part.
Fraoch said, “Og Maggy, I ken ye are goin’ tae want tae make this one of yer longer speeches, but might I suggest as yer humble brotherandyer elder, though I daena want tae make a fuss of it, ye ken, that ye will keep it short so we can eat.”
Magnus laughed and breathed in deep as if he were going to really launch into a long one. “Our father, thank ye for the bountiful table. We are grateful for the return of our travelers, and this time of peace ye hae given us. Amen.”
We unfolded our hands and Magnus reached for his fork. Then we noticed Fraoch’s hands were still folded. He opened one eye. “That is it? Tis all ye are goin’ tae say?”
“Aye, now ye want one that is longer?”
“I was thinkin’ ye might mention many other things, ye dinna ask for the rain tae clear in the morn for m’fishing trip.”
We all laughed.
Isla said, “Uncle Frookie, your hands are still folded soyoujust asked for it.”
He grinned. “Och aye, tis true, Isla, I dinna need anyone else tae say it, just my lips tae God’s ears. Amen.” With the corner of his mouth up, about to laugh, he added, “Everyone eat, Og Maggy is done goin’ on and on with his prayer!”
And then the table descended into chaos again as we were reaching for butter and salt, passing things around, and jumping up for more ketchup.
Then, finally, the stories began.
James said, “Okay, so we told you all about Ben Franklin and the?—”
Lochinvar said, “Wait, who is Ben Franklin?”
James sighed. “You don’t know who…?”
Fraoch said, “This is a verra good question, Og Lochie, who is this man, is he important?”
James feigned being exasperated. “Important? Jeez, how do I…? Where do I start…? He was a Founding Father?—”
Lochinvar leaned forward, his mouth full of brisket. “Of America?”
