“That’s why I need to get back to the farm. I’m expecting a dozen or so families to apply for seasonal work. We both need to be there. Can you come out?”
“Yes, I’ll try, but I promised Catherine some help around here.” He wiped his brow. “This is the time when we miss Charles. I mean we miss him other times too, but we sure could use him now. Have you heard from him?”
Edward jumped up onto the buggy’s seat and bent to pick up Jenny’s strings. “Yes, his last letter said he had been accepted, enrolled, and had started classes in constitutional law. He said he’s being teased about being British.”
“I’ll bet he is.” His smile dimmed to a realization. “I’m proud of him. UNC-Chapel Hill Law School isn’t too shabby.”
“Not at all. What about Ross?” He nodded toward the porch crowded with family. “Is he available?”
“He just told me he’d help, but Trev, if there’s trouble….”
They both looked on the porch as a seated and pregnant Joanne beamed up at a proud father-to-be. “I agree. We’ll leave him out of it, unless needs be.”
“It’s been a great family gathering. We missed Charles, but grateful that you….”
“Uncle Edward!” An exuberant and muddy boy ran up from the bluff and attempted an attack. “You’re here!”
“Wait, Burke, I’ll get down. You’ll upset Jenny.” Once on the ground, he caught his adopted nephew and tossed him up in an uncle-hug. “Catch anything?”
“Nothing big enough for dinner.” His young face fell from pleased to disappointed. “Birthday girl will tease me.”
Edward put the boy down and joined him on his eye level. “Burke, if she teases you, ask her how many atlases she has. That’ll keep her quiet for five seconds.” He hugged him again and turned him toward the house. Burke passed Catherine on the stone walkway and she patted his head as she hurried forward to speak to her brother-in-law.
“Expecting to get away without being polite?”
“No, ma’am, I wouldn’t dream of insulting the best thing that ever happened to our family.” His brotherly hug and family compliment pleased Trevor.
Eleanor Tatum 
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