Page 115 of Tamiko and the Two Janitors
Tami wrinkled her nose at Dad, but she was obviously happyto report, “He’s wonderful, and I can’t wait to introduce you properly.”
The session took a rabbit trail while Mom coaxed for moredetails. Tami stuck to basics. Met at work. Good with kids. Handsome and handy.
Melissa had to wait for her chance to refute Mom’s claim. “Ijust attended the birth of a litter of Kith wolf cubs.” With an uneasy smile,she said, “I guess that makes it puppy love.”
More asides, this time courtesy of Grandad, who wanted toknow more about the litter. If this kept up, they might not even get around toJoe. Fine by him. No such luck.
What to tell?
Most of his news—the really interesting details—all pointedto the fact that he was a reaver, too. And he wasn’t ready to tellallof them. Only Tami. He’d never keep secrets from Tami. “Umm … I made a friendwho’s always hungry. Any ideas on what to feed him?”
He submitted to Mom’s quizzing, since she loved that part.Yes, he meant Kip. Yes, they got along fine. Yes, he was to blame for themissing meatloaf a while back.
Biddie seemed to be enjoying their game. Slipping fromTami’s lap, she leaned into Joe’s side. “Is Joey-boy in love?”
“Not me, Chick-a-biddie. We’ll leave that to Tami.” Hescooped her up and gravely announced, “I’m a late bloomer.”
The tree-girl cuddled right in and whispered in his ear. “Kipis here.”
His heart leapt, and her eyes laughed. He hushed her,saying, “It’s Grandad’s turn.”
Biddie turned toward him and crooned, “Georgie-boy.”
When the old man actually blushed, Joe hid his smile behindher leaves. Grandad loved Biddie. She was all that remained of his boyhood. Shewas a lifelong hope, a dream come true. And she loved him right back.
Clearing his throat, Grandad said, “That meeting tonight. Theywere feeling things out, but both sides looked plenty pleased. And that means RedGate Farm will be more than an enclave.”
Tami frowned, “I must have missed something.”
“No,” said Melissa. “Nothing was discussed openly.”
“Lady Mettlebright told me herself. They’re going to arrangefor a Scattering.”
Dad raised a hand. “I haven’t heard that one.”
“Anything to do with trees isn’t broadcast news.” Grandadtapped the table with a finger. “They’ll bring a group here. Think of them ascolonists. All young—children or teens—and all looking for a good place toplant their golden seed.”
“Tree-kin?” asked Tami.
Grandad beamed. “Red Gate Farm is going to become anAmaranthine grove.”
Tami tried to slip outside unnoticed, but Joe waylaidher.
“Can I be there?” he asked.
She grabbed his hand, and they escaped the house together.They didn’t make it far, though. The door opened again, and small feet patteredalong the sidewalk after them. Which was perfect, really. Ash needed to meetBiddie.
“All together,” Tami said with satisfaction. Joe swung thelittle girl onto his shoulders, and they hastened toward shelter. She asked, “Doyou like Ash?”
“Not as much as you do.”
Hooking her arm through his, she hauled him to a standstill.“Still think he’s a keeper?”
Joe’s smile was shy. “I’m glad it’s him.”
As usual, Joe’s happiness had a way of doubling hers.Hand-in-hand, they rushed for the barn, all but tumbling through the door intheir haste. Only to stop in astonishment, for softly colored light wasspilling from the haymow.
“Did you notice from outside?” Tami whispered.
