Magic Hour

Ellie glanced around the room. “How’s she doing?”

“She’s like any developing toddler. She’s learning words and reading expression and body language to pull it all together.”

“How do I tell her I’m sorry? Make her understand I trapped her for her own good?”

“She can’t understand that complex an idea yet.”

“Thirty-nine years old and I can’t make one little girl like me. No wonder I’m sterile. God saw my parenting potential.”

“You’re not sterile.”

“If I’m not, it’s over anyway. My eggs are drying up faster than fish on a barbecue.”

Julia went to her sister and said softly, “That’s about the fifth time you’ve told me you want to have kids.”

“It comes out at the weirdest times.”

“Dreams are like that. You can’t keep ’em submerged. I’ll tell you what, Ellie. Why don’t you try to connect with Alice? I’ll teach you how.”

Ellie sighed miserably. “Yeah, right. I can’t even get my dogs to heel.”

“Alice will give you a chance. Just spend time with her.”

“She can’t stand to be in the same room with me.”

“Try harder. Tonight, you’ll read her a story after dinner. I’ll g

o downstairs, leave you two alone.”

Ellie seemed to think about that. “She’ll stay in the fake forest.”

“Then try again tomorrow night. Sooner or later, she’ll give you a chance.”

“You really think so?”

“I know so.”

Ellie seemed to think about it. “Okay. I’ll give it a try.” She looked at Julia. “Thanks.”

Julia nodded.

Ellie started to leave. At the door, she paused and turned around. “I almost forgot why I came in here. Thursday is Thanksgiving. Can you cook?”

“Salads. You?”

“Only meals that involve melted cheese. Preferably Velveeta.”

“We’re a pathetic pair.”

“We are.”

Julia said, “We could try Mom’s old recipes. I’ll order a turkey today and go shopping. How hard can it be?”

“It’ll be like the old days with Mom and Dad. We can invite people over.”

“Cal’s family?” Julia said.

“Of course. Is there anyone else you’d like to ask?”