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“Very,” Ella said.

I laughed.

“And I got a journal with a lock,” Ella said. “They can’t read yet, but they draw on things.”

Her father swallowed a bite. “We’re working on that.”

He looked better now that he’d had a few minutes to eat. I thought of his Giving Tree tag. Months out of work, three children depending on him, and he’d asked for work gloves and thermal socks.

I refilled his water glass and let him finish his supper.

Across the room, Chloe had assumed control of the dessert inspection. One of the twins reached toward a cookie. She gently moved his hand.

“Counting first.”

Two-year-old Josie noticed the gathering and tried to climb down from her chair.

“Where are you going?” Atticus asked.

“With Chloe.”

“Finish your supper.”

Josie picked up her plate and offered it to Annie.

“All done.”

Annie looked at her husband.

“She’s found a solution.”

Eventually, Atticus carried her over, with Josie pointing the way.

At the next table, Finley was trying to eat while Daisy reached for her fork.

Soren held out his hands.

“Give her here.”

“She wants my supper,” Finley said.

“She can want mine instead,” Soren said

Finley passed their nine-month-old daughter across. Daisy caught hold of Soren’s collar and pulled herself closer.

He settled her against his chest and went back to eating.

By the time everyone had food, my feet hurt and there was soup on my apron.

Grant emerged from the kitchen carrying two plates. “Sit with me.”

“What if somebody needs something?” I asked.

“Blake and Holly have it. Ivy told me to make sure you ate.”

He nodded toward two empty chairs near the wall.

I sat, grateful.