"They'll be starting the contests, soon enough," Katherine replies, for it is indeed growing late in the day. Even with all the excitement, MaryAnne has managed to fall asleep in Katherine's lap, and the loving teacher is methodically smoothing her hands through her dark, silken hair.

"Pie eating contests!"

"And pig rustlin'!"

The children giggle excitedly.

"An' there'll be horseshoes, an' golf, an' swimmin', an' an' an' fireworks!" James cries, still in Doc's lap. His chubby little fingers have started playing with Doc's hair. It's long and blonde and soft, and he couldn't resist.

"The fireworks don't really start until tonight, dummy!" Jack snipes. He looks instantly remorseful when Katherine shoots him a warning look.

"Perhaps it is time we adjourned, though, children," she says. "Some of the games have already started, and you'll want to be filling your tummies before all the excitement begins."

They don't need a second prompting, though some of the girls are more reluctant to go. They make Doc promise to dance with them later.

When they've departed, it's just Doc and Katherine and MaryAnne, still sleeping in her lap, and little James with one fist clutching at Doc's sleeve.