Page 107 of Grown-Up Second Chance

“It will also get your mind off Joe,” Liz said.

“Joe who?” I said with a forced smile. “This is so good, Liz. You should make it more often.” I went to take another bite, but my plate was empty.

Fourths were too much even for me, although I was sure I would be able to finish them.

It would be fun to try out the camera on the moving geyser.

“Sounds like a plan,” I said, picking up the dishes and carrying them to the sink. “Thanks for thinking of it.” I turned to face them, and my throat choked up. “I love you guys,” I squeezed out.

“We love you, too,” Liz said.

My sisters got up and put their arms around me. We hugged for a few moments, and when we released, a little of the ache in my heart had diminished.

Suddenly, there was a sting on my butt.

Kathleen stood there, a smug look on her face, a towel in her hand.

I grabbed another one and swatted back.

Liz yanked one from the cupboard.

Soon we were all squealing, as our towels hit targets, but I’d swear I’d taken the most hits.

I opened up the door and ran out.

Kathleen was on my heels.

I ran from her and dodged around the back of the RV.

A sting made me turn.

Liz stood there, triumphant.

“Why you …” I chased her back around where Kathleen waited.

My sister smirked and struck.

I ran back around.

Liz met me.

I could hear Kathleen panting behind me.

I darted to a chair and threw myself down. “Uncle!” I cried. “Uncle!”

They laughed.

“Just like we used to do with Mama,” Liz said.

“Man, she had a wicked aim,” Kathleen said.

“You two don’t do so badly,” I said.

“You’ll get back in practice,” Kathleen said. “We’ll make sure of that. After all, what are sisters for?”

~ ~ ~

We packed a picnic lunch and headed for Old Faithful mid-morning. The line to get in was longer than it had been when we’d first arrived in June, and the license plates indicated a great many different states, as well as Canadian provinces.

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