A/N: Yup. Another movie for dramatic effect.
Chapter 3
Fall turned to winter while Kate and Frank continued their Friday nights together. They enjoyed swimming, the warmth of the hot tub and simply sharing a bed together.
Getting through the holidays, Henry looked at Frank as he put a small bag into his security detail's SUV that would take the two of them to New Year's Eve mass. "Kate has steak and lobster for the three of us after we're done and she goes to her church. Then you go home."
Henry looked at Frank. "Ring in the new year right," he smiled.
"I intend to Pop," Frank smiled. "I owe."
Henry grinned. "Just tell me you've got a bottle of champagne involved."
"All over it Pop," Frank replied.
The next morning, Kate woke, still naked in Frank's arms. She rolled onto her back. Frank kissed her. "Good morning."
"Good morning to you," Kate smiled. "Has Beans been out?"
"And fed," Frank said, kissing her cheek.
"What time is it?" Kate asked.
"Nearly nine."
Kate looked at Frank. "If you really love me, don't bring champagne again."
"I liked the result," Frank grinned.
"I did as well. But I don't like my headache right now," Kate said.
Frank laughed. "Sorry."
"Don't get me wrong," Kate smiled. "That's my only complaint."
Frank kissed her. "Pop has brunch at ten-thirty for us. He owes."
"And he'll have good coffee," Kate said, getting out of bed, pulling on her bathrobe.
"Kate?"
She looked at Frank. "He called me earlier this week, asking me to come up to the house. I did. He wanted to start an Amazon Prime account on his laptop so he could order the coffee I do."
"And…?" Frank asked, getting out of bed, pulling on his robe.
Kate smiled. "I told him he could just order it through me and pay me back. I live on Amazon Prime ordering stuff with Kelsey's help."
"Remind me again," Frank said.
"She's Josh's wife."
"Got it," Frank replied. "Back to Pop."
"The last thing he needs is putting his credit card on the web. Even with Amazon's secure site. Hackers can't get a hold of his credit card through them. However, they can find a way to get some personal info and call him. I fight off one scam call a week and they are damn good. I don't want your dad dealing with that."
Frank pulled Kate into a hug. "Thank you," he said, kissing her.
At the weekly Reagan family Sunday dinner a few days later, everyone raved about the new coffee. Henry and Frank smiled at each other.
-0000-
Baker knocked on Garrett Moore's open door the first day of February. "Can we talk about the Commissioner's schedule?"
Garrett smiled. "Come in, shut the door and sit down," he motioned to one the chairs in front of his desk. Baker complied, sitting down.
"Sir, I've figured out a few things," she said, looking at Moore.
"Excellent work Detective," Garrett smiled.
"So why does the Commissioner want to be off on Friday, Valentine's Day at three sir?"
"Gee Detective," Garrett said, looking her in the eye. "You haven't figured that out?"
Baker shook her head. "Sir, may I be point blank?"
"Shoot," Garrett smiled.
"Is the Commissioner covered in these, ummm, events?"
"Detective, what are you trying to ask?" Moore inquired.
"Sir, I've figured out that the Commissioner has a woman in his life."
"You deserve your detective shield," Garret smiled and then deeply looked at Baker. "But I get where you are coming from Abigail. So I will tell you this. And you alone. She and her personal and professional resume will blow your socks off." Moore looked at Baker. "My apologies for my old school analogy."
"None needed sir," Baker replied. She eyed Moore. "That good?"
"That good Abigail," Moore grinned. "Now please tell me you and David are following the boss's lead and having a night out with Cody staying with a relative."
"We do have plans and Cody is staying with my mom," Abigail smiled.
"Excellent," Garrett smiled, getting up out of his chair. He reached for his office door and then looked at Baker. "Detective, this convo stays here."
"Understood sir," Baker smiled, rising from her chair. Garrett opened the door for her.
-0000-
Frank came in the patio door a few minutes before four the Friday of Valentine's Day. Kate was in the kitchen. Beans softly barked at him, quickly moving to him for his rubdown. "You're here early," Kate smiled.
"I had the boys do the lights and siren to get out of midtown," Frank smiled, pulling Kate into a hug, kissing her. "I wanted to be here to help you out with the kids. And back you when the boys come."
Kate kissed him. "The flowers are beautiful. I can't see them but I knew they are red roses. It's so you and they smell wonderful. Thank you."
"You're welcome," Frank smiled.
"Please tell me you didn't have Abigail order them."
"Detective Baker is my executive assistant for police matter business and nothing more," Frank replied.
"Good," Kate said. "I hope you appreciate the work she does for you. Even being a detective."
Frank kissed Kate's cheek. "Abigail and I have had that convo given her rank and abilities. There was a point in time she wanted back into the field. But she's happily married and has a two-year-old son. This job works for her. And God knows, she makes my job easier. I deeply appreciate the job she does for me."
Kate rubbed Frank's chest with her hand. "You passed," she smiled. "So how did you order the flowers?"
"Come on Kate," Frank said. "You're really going to bust my chops? The Benson Floral shop has been in this neighborhood for how many generations. It took one phone call."
"Very good Frank," Kate teased, kissing him again. "You want a beer?"
"After I change out of my suit," Frank said, pulling away from Kate. He started to head down the hall.
"You know Frank," Kate said, "you keep leaving more and more of your wardrobe here with clothes to change into, you redesign my closet and buy new bedroom furniture."
"Just keep talking Kate," Frank replied, walking down the hall. Kate laughed.
While Frank was changing, Jake, Kate's youngest son and his wife Jenna came in the front door with their two children. The two kids raced at Kate for hugs, dropping their winter coats on the floor. "Hi Grandma!" both kids smiled, hugging her. "We've missed you."
"I've missed you," Kate smiled, giving each of them a hug and kiss.
Jenna walked into the kitchen with the two small overnight bags for the kids, setting them on the dining room table. "Wow, look at those roses," she smiled at the roses that adorned the middle of Kate's kitchen island. Kate smiled at her.
"Something to share mom?" Jake asked with a smile, walking into the kitchen after hanging up the kids' coats.
Just then, Josh, Kelsey and their two boys came in the front door. They joined the family as Jake handed beers out from the fridge. He handed an open bottle to Kate. "Mom, you sure you can handle all four of them?"
Kate took a sip of her beer and smiled at her sons and their wives. "I've got back-up."
"Mom?" Josh asked.
"Him," Kate nodded at Frank entering the dining room.
Jake put his arm around Kate's shoulder. "Really mom?" he asked with a smile.
"Really," Kate grinned back.
"It's about time," Jake smiled back, pulling his mother into a hug, kissing her temple.
Josh looked at Frank. "Same thing to you," he grinned, sticking out his hand.
Frank shook Josh's hand. "Good to see you boys again. And your lovely wives," he nodded at Jenna and Kelsey. "Catch me up with the kids," he smiled, as he and Josh walked into the kitchen together with kids climbing up on the stools around the kitchen island. Jake handed Frank a beer with a smile.
"Thanks Jake," Frank smiled back, shaking his hand. "Good to see you again."
"You too Frank," Jake said, pointing. "This is our son Liam."
"Hi Liam," Frank smiled. "I remember you. But you were just a squirt then."
"I'm eight now," Liam smiled. They shared a first bump, with Frank smiling back at him.
Frank shook his head, looking at Jenna. "The rumors are true."
"Frank?" Jenna asked.
Frank put his around Kate, kissing her cheek. "You introduce me to your Minnie me." The McInerney family smiled.
Kate grinned. "Frank, this is my granddaughter Casee."
"Hi sweetheart," Frank smiled at Casee. "You are truly your grandma's granddaughter." And she was. Down to Kate's hair and eye color.
Casee looked at Frank. "Do you love my grandma?"
"I rest my case," Frank winked at the Kate's sons. He turned his attention to Casee. "You are as direct as your grandma. And yes sweetheart," Frank grinned, looking directly at Casee. "I love the older version of Katherine Elizabeth McInerney very much. Just like you sweetheart." Josh and Jake shared a look with a smile.
Josh's boys came into the kitchen and engulfed Kate in a collective hug. Kate kissed both their foreheads. Frank looked at the youngest. "You, I need a reminder," he smiled.
"I'm Sam and nine."
"Good to see you again Sam."
"You too Frank," Sam smiled back.
Frank smiled at the older boy. "How old are you now Brinny?"
Byron smiled with his arm still around Kate. "I'm twelve. I'm happy for you and grandma."
"Thanks pal," Frank smiled.
"Me too," Kate smiled, hugging Byron again.
"Grandma, can we go swimming?" Byron asked.
"You three take your bags upstairs and get settled in while we," Kate waved her finger around the kitchen, "finish our beers. Then you can go out and change so Frank and me can keep an eye on you."
Sam looked at Liam. "You and me bunking together?"
"Yup," Liam smiled. They shared a fist bump, moving off to grab their bags. The boys headed upstairs.
"Grandma, can I watch TV?" Casee asked.
"Yes, you may," Kate smiled. Casee moved to the living room.
Josh looked at his mother and Frank. "How long?" he smiled.
"About eight months," Kate smiled back.
Jake smiled at them. "And…?"
"At our age Jake?" Frank said.
"Better yet," Kate smiled at her youngest son. "We'll share if you and Jenna share." Frank put his arm around Kate, pulling her to him and gave Jake his cheesy smile.
Josh shook his head at his brother. "You are so busted dipshit."
"And here we go," Kate said, shaking her head. "I'm not putting up with the impending argument. Don't you all have hot dates to get to?"
"Thank you Kate," Kelsey laughed. "Come on lover," she smiled at Josh. "We get date night how often?" She looked at Kate. "We had a talk with Byron. He'll take care of the boys tonight upstairs so you don't have to go up the steps."
"Thank you Kels," Kate smiled. "One more thing you two," Kate lightly growled at her two youngest sons. "I know you will call your brothers. We have no problem with that. But I am only cooking breakfast tomorrow for my four grandkids, Frank, his dad and myself."
Jake looked at Josh. "Now that brother is getting totally busted," he smiled. Everyone laughed as the boys came back into the kitchen. The parents said good-bye to their kids and headed out the door.
Sam looked at Kate and Frank. "Now?" he smiled.
"Now," Kate smiled back. "Casee, go change in my bathroom."
"Got it grandma," she smiled, running off.
Fifteen minutes later, the four kids were swimming in the pool along with Beans. Kate and Frank were sitting together on the patio couch, enjoying their beers. Frank put his arm around Kate. "Can I ask what is for dinner tonight?"
"Tacos," Kate smiled.
"Tacos?" Frank challenged.
Kate laughed. "While I know the Reagan meat and potatoes home has never had tacos, I've seen you, Danny, Joe, god rest his soul, and Jamie and your dad plow through a bag of tortilla chips with my homemade salsa."
"So?" Frank said.
"A tortilla shell is the first part of a taco. Then there's seasoned beef, which I know you eat as well. Along with lettuce and shredded cheddar cheese. Sour cream if you want it. I diced a roma tomato for you. What do you not eat in that food group?"
"No raw onions?" Frank smiled.
Kate looked at him. "Casee sleeps on the couch in front of the fireplace. And yes, curls up with me in bed as the sun is coming up."
"Kate?"
"I'll cut up some raw onion for you," Kate smiled at Frank. "But then, you're sleeping on the couch and Casee is sleeping with me all night."
"Scratch the raw onions."
"Good call," Kate smiled at Frank. She rubbed Frank's leg. "You got the lifeguard job?"
"I've got the lifeguard job," Frank smiled.
"Thank you for backing me," Kate said, kissing Frank. "I'm going in to get dinner ready. I know this crew."
"When do I chase them out?" Frank asked.
"Five-thirty," Kate smiled, giving him a kiss. "They'll all need showers and time to get changed. I'll have dinner ready by six."
"What about Beans?" Frank asked.
"Byron and Sam know the drill with her."
"I've got your back," Frank smiled.
Kate smiled, kissing him again. "I know that."
Frank helped Kate get the last of the taco ingredients on the kitchen island. The kids were in the living room, watching TV. "Dinner is ready," Kate said. The kids tumbled into the kitchen, finding stools to sit on around the island.
"Smells great grandma," Sam said, grabbing a paper plate. Byron grabbed one and handed it to Liam, then grabbed his own.
"Time out," Kate scolded. "We're a family of faith. We pray before meals." She looked at the kids. "Frank is a guest in this family home and has his own faith. He says his prayer. We say ours. And then we all return thanks."
"Sorry grandma," Byron said. "That's on me."
"Thank you Brinny," Kate smiled. "Let's do it right. Frank."
"Bless us O Lord and these thy gifts which we are about to receive through thy bounty through Christ our Lord," Frank said.
"Come," Kate started. The kids joined in. "Lord Jesus. Be our guest. And let these gifts to us be blessed."
Frank smiled joining them. "O give thanks to the Lord for he is good. His mercies endure forever. Amen." Frank crossed himself.
The kids looked up. "Now?" Sam asked.
"Now," Kate smiled. The boys dived in, grabbing two taco shells each. Byron grabbed three.
Frank looked at Kate. "How much burger did you make?"
"Two and a half pounds," Kate replied as the boys loaded up, sending the ingredients to Frank. "I'm hoping there's enough left for me to have a taco salad tomorrow."
"Grandma," Sam said, "getting the squeeze bottle of sour cream is the bomb."
"Thank you Sam," Kate smiled. "My thought as well."
"It's great grandma," Liam smiled, using it as well.
"Grandma, do you have soft shells for me?" Casee asked.
"Yes," Kate smiled, pulling the cover off the tortillero. "I'm with you," she added, handing one soft shell to Casee and then grabbing her own.
"That's an option?" Frank asked.
"Yes it is," Kate smiled.
"Ladies first," Frank smiled back, handing the beef to Kate. Kate held the bowl while Casee got some beef on her shell.
Kate handed the bowl to Frank. "Trade you for the grated cheese bag." Frank complied.
Byron handed the bowl of shredded lettuce to Frank. "That's just you and grandma," he smiled. "Case doesn't do rabbit food."
"No I don't," Casee said. "But can I have a little sour cream please?" Byron passed the tube of sour cream to Frank.
Frank helped Casee get it on her taco. "There you go my lady," he grinned. The boys all smiled.
Dinner finished, the kids all helped with clean up around the island. Byron put the last paper plate into the garage can that was part of the kitchen island. "Grandma, this bag is three-fourths full. Do you want me to take it out?" Kate was busy, dealing with the few leftovers.
Frank looked at the bag and then Byron. "I'm not your grandma Brinny, but would you please," he smiled.
"Got it Frank," Byron smiled back, pulling the bag out. "Sam," Byron said, "put a new bag in."
"On it Brinny," Sam said, pulling a new bag off the roll Kate had in the bottom of the trash bin.
While Kate was washing off the island and her kitchen counters, the kids headed into the living room. "Let's pick out a movie," Sam smiled at Liam. They headed to the DVD cabinet.
Frank looked at Kate. "You're not going to wash those few dishes."
"Nope," Kate smiled at him. "It's movie time. And I know what that will mean."
"Kate?"
"My homemade buttered popcorn Frank," she smiled.
"They just ate dinner."
"Frank, they are four growing kids and three of them male. Plus, its popcorn."
Frank and Kate walked into the living room with the movie starting. "Homeward Bound?" Kate questioned.
"Mom and dad have talked about it going through the streaming services," Liam said.
"Mine too," Sam smiled.
"That's because," Kate smiled, "your grandpa and I watched it with them just after it came out on DVD."
Frank smiled. "Mary and I watched it with Joe and Jamie."
"A little too corny for me," Byron said. "But its entertainment." Frank and Kate smiled at each other, sitting down on the couch together.
Sam paused the movie after Sassy was recovering from her spill down the waterfall. He looked at Kate. "Please grandma," he pleaded.
"Please grandma," Liam added.
"You just had dinner," Frank said, looking at the kids.
"Frank," Byron smiled. "It's grandma's popcorn."
Kate, sitting on her left leg like always, put her hand on Frank's shoulder to get up off the couch. "It's sorta a tradition of staying at grandma's," she winked at Frank.
"And it is fun to watch," Byron smiled. The group moved to Kate's kitchen.
Kate pulled out her older skillet with matching cover from a bottom cabinet. "The same one I used with the boys," she smiled at Frank. "Byron, take the kids to the fridge in the garage. You each can have a small can of caffeine-free soda." Kate poured some canola oil in the skillet and turned the burner on.
"Come on," Byron nodded at them, heading to the garage.
Kate pulled out a stick of butter from the fridge, unwrapped it and pulled a bowl out from a cabinet. She put the butter in the bowl and put it in the microwave. "Really?" Frank asked.
"Really," Kate smiled. She pulled a large Pyrex bowl out of another cabinet.
The kids came back into the kitchen, popping open their soda cans. Kate pulled a measuring cup out of the cabinet. "Who's my measurer?" she asked with a smile.
"Me," Sam grinned, pulling the glass jar of popcorn kernels out of the fridge. The rest of the kids sat down around the island. Kate put the measuring cup on the counter. Sam poured, filling the cup and then grabbed one more kernel, tossing into the heating oil. He looked at Frank. "That's the tester."
"Got it," Frank smiled. "Way back in the old days, my family made popcorn like this too." Kate gently elbowed him. The kids all snickered.
Sam got on his tiptoes to peer into the skillet. "I think we're close," he smiled. Frank looked as well.
"I think you're right Sam," Frank smiled. Just then, the kernel popped open and out of the oil. Frank caught it in the air and quickly placed it on the counter. He grabbed Sam under his armpits and lifted him up off his feet. "You're an inch short Sam. I don't want you to burn your arm on the skillet," Frank smiled. "Do it."
Sam poured the kernels around the skillet. Frank put Sam on his feet. Kate hip-checked Frank. "This is my job now," Kate said, putting the cover on the skillet, giving it a shake across the burner.
"I'm you're back-up on the butter in the microwave," Frank smiled at her.
"Not yet," Kate said.
"Like I said Kate, not my first county fair. Beans?" he said. Beans softly barked at him. Frank threw the popped kernel over his shoulder at her. Beans snatched it out of the air, enjoying the treat.
"You're good Frank," Byron grinned.
"I'm impressed," Liam added with his smile.
"Me too," Sam said.
"Shush all of you," Kate said. "I need my ears," shaking the skillet around again. "Now Frank."
"Expert opinion time Doctor?"
"Thirty-five seconds."
"Knew you'd have it down Kate," Frank smiled, setting the time on the microwave. The kids smiled more at them.
"Brinny, please get some bowls out of the cupboard."
"Got it grandma," he smiled.
Kate dumped the popped kernels into the big Pyrex bowl as the microwave dinged. Frank poured the butter over the popcorn. Kate pulled a large spoon out of utensil container next to the range top and handed it to Frank. "Stir please."
"Yes ma'am," he smiled, mixing the butter and popcorn together. He slide the large bowl across the island to Liam. "Your job," he smiled.
"Got it Frank," Liam smiled, taking it to the living room.
"I've got the bowls," Byron said. The rest of the kids followed.
Kate looked at Frank and pointed towards the sink. "Please grab the roll of paper towels." She grinned. "It's not my first county fair either Frank."
Frank kissed her. "Got that. How 'bout a drink for us?"
"You know where the bottle is," Kate said, pulling two glasses out of the cupboard.
"Hurry up you two!" Sam shouted, digging into the popcorn bowl.
"Hey Liam! Stand up!" Frank said. He did. Frank tossed the paper towel roll at him. Liam caught it. "Nice hands Liam," Frank smiled. Kate shook her head as the kids laughed and Frank poured their drinks.
Kate and Frank came into the living room with their drinks. Kate sat down on the couch as Frank got the fireplace going and then sat down next to Kate. Casee curled up next to Kate with her bowl of popcorn. Sam restarted the movie.
Bryon handed a bowl of popcorn to Frank. "I know grandma," he winked. "You won't have to share much."
"I know grandma too," Liam smiled, tearing off two sheets of paper towels, handing them to Frank.
"Thanks guys," Frank smiled. "Hey grandma," he said, nudging his shoulder against Kate's. "Take your paper towel."
"Thank you Frank," Kate smiled, taking it. "Now where is my bowl of popcorn?" The kids all smiled.
"Right here Kate," he smiled, putting the bowl on her thigh.
They all laughed through the 'Dogs rule and cats drool!' scene with the cougar. Sam looked at Beans. "Do dogs rule?" Beans loudly barked back. Sam gave her another kernel of popcorn.
The four kids, Frank and Kate laughed together at the scene in the pound. "Work it baby," Frank smiled as Sassy made her way over the kennel pens to save Chance and Shadow. The kids laughed.
When Chance fell into the pit by the railroad tracks, Casee pushed herself up in Kate's lap. Liam looked at Frank and then climbed up into his lap. The two of them embraced the kids and smiled at each other over the top of their heads, knowing the ending.
The next day in the movie, when Chance and Sassy came over the hill, running towards the house, Byron and Sam shared a high five. "But what about Shadow?" Liam asked.
Watching the movie character Peter coming to terms with Shadow's age and the odds of making that long journey, Casee started to cry in Kate's arms. Kate kissed her head. "Just keep watching sweetheart," Kate said, not wanting to ruin the ending. When Shadow came over the hill and reunited with Peter, Frank and Kate tightly hugged Liam and Casee. Byron and Sam shared another high five. And then wiped away a tear.
Frank smiled at them, still hugging Liam. "This is the third time I've seen this movie. It's okay guys. It still gets to me as well." He looked at Kate, swiping away tears. He nodded at her. "Grandma too," he grinned.
"Brinny, please shut the TV system down," Kate smiled. Byron did. "You boys know what comes next." Casee loudly yawned in Kate's arms. "Please go upstairs, change into your pajamas and brush your teeth."
Frank slid Liam off his lap. "Go," he smiled.
"OK grandpa," Liam yawned. He then looked at Frank.
"It's OK Liam," Frank smiled. "I've heard it before from my grandkids and I'm honored."
Liam smiled. "I know you love grandma."
"Yes I do," Frank smiled back at Liam.
The boys went upstairs to change while Kate got Casee into the bathroom to change. The two of them came back into the living room as Frank re-stoked the fire.
Kate had a pillow for Casee and tucked her onto the couch, putting the comforter off the back of the couch over her. The boys came into the living room in their pajamas and sat down on the coffee table in front of the couch. Frank pulled Liam up and sat down with Liam in his lap. "Let's pray together," Kate smiled, sitting next to Casee.
"Thank you God," the kids said together. "It's …" with all of them saying their name.
"Thank you today for my mom and dad. Thank you for my family, my toys, my food and everything you gave me today. Before I fall asleep with you watching over me, I want to thank you and say, I love you and thank you for this day. In your Son's name I pray."
Byron and Sam got up off the coffee table. "Night Casee," they said together. Frank put Liam on his feet.
"Night Case," Liam smiled. The boys went into the kitchen.
"Night Liam," Casee yawned backed.
Kate snuggled the comforter around Casee's shoulders more and kissed her. "Good night sweetheart," Kate smiled.
"Good night grandma and grandpa," Casee yawned more.
"Good night sweetheart," Frank smiled. Kate snapped off the last light in the living room. She and Frank walked into the kitchen.
"Grandma, can we play video games for a bit?" Sam asked.
Kate looked at Frank. "What time is it?"
Frank looked at watch. "Nine."
Kate smiled at Sam and Liam. "You can stay up for thirty more minutes."
"Thanks grandma," Sam and Liam smiled.
"And me?" Byron asked.
"If you bring the boys down so I can say good night to them and then help them get to bed, you get another thirty minutes," Kate smiled.
"Done," Byron smiled. "Come on guys." The boys headed up the steps.
Frank poured a whiskey for himself and Kate as she got the sink filled to wash the few dishes. Kate washed and Frank dried as Kate asked Frank about his week. They did more talking than cleaning, with Kate becoming more of Frank's sounding board with things at work, trusting that what he shared with her would never leave the home.
With Kate's kitchen cleaned to her standards, they were getting ready to head to the pool area with their drinks when Sam and Liam came downstairs. Kate sat her glass down on the dining room table. Frank did the same. "Good night grandma," Liam said, hugging her. "I love you."
Kate kissed the top of his head, hugging him back. "Good night Liam. I love you too."
While that was happening, Sam eyed Frank. "Mind if I give you a hug?" he asked with a shy smile.
Frank smiled, pulling Sam to him. "Not at all. Good night Sam."
"Good night grandpa," he smiled back at Frank.
Frank smiled at Kate. "Switch boys." They shared the same greeting with the other boy.
"Good night boys," Kate smiled, as they headed for the steps. "See you in the morning."
"Night grandma," Sam and Liam said going up the steps. "Love you."
"Love you as well," Kate smiled. She and Frank headed to the patio.
They were in their usual spot on the patio couch in the pool area when Frank noticed the light switch off in the second-floor den. He looked at his watch. "Byron is good."
Byron opened the patio door thirty seconds later to Kate exhaling from her puff of Frank's cigar, handing the cigar back to him. She took a sip of her whiskey. "You two old enough to do that?" Byron smiled, sitting down on the coffee table in front of the couch.
Kate smiled. "Ten years from now Brinny, when you turn twenty-one, you can join us and we'll teach you the wonderful pleasure of single malt Irish whiskey and a good cigar."
"I'll look forward to it," Byron said. He looked at Frank and softly hit his fist on Frank's knee. "Good night," he smiled. And then looked deeply at Frank. "I'm sorry. I remember him."
"I'm glad you do. Treasure that memory. Your grandpa was a good man and I deeply valued his friendship." Byron smiled at Frank. "Good night Brinny," Frank smiled back.
Byron took Kate's hand, pulling her to her feet. He pulled her into a deep hug. "Good night grandma. I love you. And I'm really happy for you."
"Thank you Brinny," Kate smiled, hugging him. "I love you."
"Love you too" Byron said. He let Kate go and headed for the patio door. "Behave you two," he devilishly grinned.
"At our age Brinny?" Frank smiled. "Plus a second glass of whiskey and the worst I'll do is snore in your grandma's ear."
"And why do I think grandma is OK with that?" Byron smiled.
"Because I am Byron," Kate grinned at him. "Good night. I love you."
"Love you too grandma. Good night both of you."
XXX