"Oh, we won!" Julia said happily as she saw where she and her father had gotten four of the black pieces in a row.

"I know, great job sweetheart," Castle said, exchanging a high five with her since they were playing their giant Connect Four game.

"What can we play now?" Julia asked eagerly. When her father didn't answer her, she looked at him in surprise and said, "Oh no, I have to go to bed?"

"The others are going too," Castle said.

"That's true, I want to write in my diary," Julia said in mock annoyance.

"What, you don't want to now?" Castle asked.

Sticking her tongue out playfully at him, Julia smiled when her father laughed and stopped so she could hug him quickly.

"Go, I know you want to write today and we need to get these kids to bed before the four of you," Castle said.

Nodding quickly, Julia hurried up the steps into the lean-to and went through the house before she caught up with Mari and the older McDouglas twins at the bottom of the stairs. She heard her mother calling to them to change into their pajamas and brush their teeth and said, "I wondered if she was going to say that."

"They have to," Marie commented which made them all laugh as they were going to the second floor.

After they'd changed and took turns in pairs brushing their teeth, Julia went to her desk as her friends were getting their diaries and she wrote the date quickly before trying to write as fast as she could to get down everything for that day.

May 30th, 2021

I got to write in you today Evangeline, even though there was a lot today! But there's a lot I want to write so I have to start since it's nearly bedtime.

We went into the city this morning; it was a little bit later in the morning but that's was because Naomi was feeling a little sick from her pregnancy. But we got to go to Alamo Square and showed all the others the house and they really loved it. It's been painted and such a pretty blue that it's like the sky with clouds. The inside was painted too and they chose nice colors, different than what we would pick but it's not our house now. We took a tour and even though it was a second time, like I said the inside was painted so that was different.

We ate brunch there and it was really good, breakfast sandwiches with some fruit and even some eggs benedict though I didn't eat those. We talked a little with Naomi and Nico while we ate and after I played with the other kids in the family room… it felt like old times. When we finished, we said goodbye to Naomi and Nico before we drove past the Mountain Lake house and Mari said later that it was a cute building. Like you knew it was San Francisco she said and I know what she means, it looks like that. After that we drove to the bridge and we walked on it, this time all the way across! And because we did that and it took a while, I need to give it its own paragraph.

Julia was just about to start her next paragraph when she looked over at the doorway to see her mother was there. She was a little surprised and looked at her nearest clock, thinking she had taken too long, when Beckett was speaking to them all and reassuring them swiftly.

"Don't worry," she told them. "I'm only here to tell you that you need to let us know when you're finished."

"Are they staying?" Julia asked, referencing the Dorseys and Modrics since the Frenches had already left for the city as they had plans the next day with Luke's family.

"Just a little bit longer once you guys go to bed," Beckett replied. She then said, "But don't take advantage of that, we all have flights tomorrow."

"We still would want to stay," Marie quipped.

"I don't blame you," Beckett said.

"Should I just text you?" Julia asked her mother as she knew the adults were outside still in the back.

"Go ahead," Beckett said before she left them.

"I guess we better hurry," Julia replied. She wasn't surprised when her friends nodded and she turned her attention to her diary, reading quickly to remind herself where she was before starting another paragraph as she'd been planning to do.

I guess I'm making this bigger than it needs to be really, but it was a lot of fun getting to walk across the bridge since we went over the whole thing of course. We would stop and take pictures, more when we got past the first tower on the bridge since we've never gone that far before. I loved the pictures I took towards the other end since the view of the city is just beautiful. It's funny that you never think of just how big the city is until you see it like that. And then when we were getting closer to the end, Fleur asked Skye to sing the song San Francisco Bay Blues. I know that song 'cause of Paul of course and it was the perfect song to sing.

When Skye finished there were people around us that wanted her autograph and she was so cute since she was embarrassed, but she signed stuff and took a couple selfies with people. We headed back to the city after that and it was a great walk, I say it twice since it was fun!

We came back to Mill Valley and then us kids started to play in the front yard. Well… I should say that the older kids went to the front yard and it was so, so fun since we were playing tag. Eventually Gram brought out the four youngest and we had to take them to the backyard where we were playing again until the other three families came and we needed to say hello to them. It was nice to see Shannon, Clare and Virginia again, they've gotten older, but I think that's more because they weren't that old when I saw them last; they are the same age as Mari. Speaking of Mari, I have to tell you a secret Evangeline, I was afraid she'd like the triplets more since they're the same age as her but we were playing all together. I'm really weird I guess.

Anyway, we had dinner after that and it was simple, hot dogs and hamburgers Dad made and some stuff on the side. We had homemade chips which was really nice but I remembered we used to do that a lot so it made sense since we're here in our old house. After we ate us kids were playing for a while, that pop and catch game and then Skye and Mary sang some songs. I asked them to sing Demons Dance that Paul sang, I asked for that one since Mari and I could dance to it and I love the song too. After Skye asked if Mari and I could dance to Let's Face the Music and Dance, we did so they sang it which was a lot of fun since she sang it like it was on DWTS. After that Skye sang My Very Good Friend the Milkman, like Paul sang it, and we danced the Foxtrot. Mom and Dad told me I could probably teach dance eventually if I wanted, since I did that with Mari and choreographed. But it was just fun!

I have to say that Sheena and Annabella were really happy seeing Skye play. I think Annabella really likes Skye, the way she was looking at her. But don't worry, she still loves her wife since I could see the way they held hands while Skye was singing. Skye didn't even notice them; she was busy performing with Mary and looking at Mary which is great to see of course since I want them to stay together too. It's just funny to see how enthralled (another word Dad taught me) Annabella was. But it makes me think, I guess married people still look at people who're… well Skye is attractive too so I guess people who're attractive to them. I'm just so glad that Dad or Mom don't look at other people, neither do the couples we've known for a long time in the Hamptons or in Santa Monica.

Anyways, we had dessert; gelato and cookies again, super good; then we started having a badminton tournament. We played two by two until it was Mom and Patrick playing before Mom won though Patrick teased her a bunch since he hasn't gotten to play too much lately. But he was only teasing since I know he likes to make sure she still smiles and laughs (he knew her not too long after Grandmama was killed and he told me she was very sad for a long time, so he made sure he made her happy and made her laugh, now he makes sure that Dad does). After that we were playing the outdoor games we had until it was late, and we needed to come inside. I say all of us but Josa and Stephanie (she's very cute) were already sleeping inside by then, they're sharing Josa's crib. And I need to go to bed very soon since it's getting late and we have our flight tomorrow.

Even though I'm sad to be leaving, I can't wait to go home to see the dogs and get ready for Spain eventually. So goodnight and I'll see you again at home in the Hamptons Evangeline!

Julia finished her entry quickly and took her diary and pen over to her suitcase that was nearly fully packed, and she sighed saying, "Are you guys ready?"

"Yeah, you have to text your mom, don't you?" Mari asked as they were all closing their diaries.

Julia nodded and quickly texted her mother before she was about to tell them they should get onto their beds when Kathleen was asking her about their next vacation.

"Are you excited about Spain?" the girl said.

"More and more now we're going home tomorrow," Mari said eagerly. "I can't wait to go back."

"Us too," Marie said. "I can't wait to see Carbajales."

"Mum too," Kathleen reminded her twin.

"And Mom," Marie said, nodding her head. She opened her mouth to speak when they could hear footsteps coming up the stairs and she sighed, "I thought we'd have more time to talk."

"Me too," Julia said before they were hurrying to their beds. After they'd said goodnight to their parents, she lay in her bed with Mari next to her and after a while she turned her head whispering to her, "I feel bad."

"Why?" Mari whispered back.

"We're coming back for Christmas," Julia said.

"Now you sound like your parents talking to mine," Mari said with a smile. She hugged her friend tightly and told her, "Don't worry, we're going to have that party to give gifts before and then I stay the night at your house."

Julia smiled and then said, "Still." She tried her best not to laugh when Mari hugged her tighter before she then said, "Okay, but I'll miss you."

"So will I," Mari assured her. She yawned and then said, "Night Julia."

"Night Mari," Julia said, knowing they needed to fall asleep. After she and her friend had hugged one another one last time she settled down before she was closing her eyes to try and sleep as she couldn't help thinking of Spain and returning to Mill Valley for the holiday.

"Is everything set?" Darnley asked with a smile while the other parents were coming to them.

"Everyone's tucked in or asleep," Mary answered. "Whether or not the older kids go to sleep…"

"They should, we did a lot of walking today," Beckett said as they were gathering around the table.

"How did your younger kids take the walk?" Naomi asked.

"The four youngest were asleep," Nkosi said. "And when they woke up towards the end they were in their strollers."

"They got to see a little of the bridge?" Sheena said.

"A little," Beckett replied before they were turning to Skye while she grabbed her guitar. "Planning on playing again?"

"Not planning," the investigator said, placing her fingers into different chords but not playing.

"We wouldn't really mind," Annabella said softly.

Skye couldn't help laughing softly before she said, "The rest of you?" She was laughing again when the others were agreeing with the real estate agent before her wife squeezed her hand tightly. "Okay, then you were talking about requests?" she said to the two couples from the city.

"Well," Sheena said before she looked pointedly at her wife.

"We were wondering if we could hear something from Queen?" Annabella asked.

"Not a problem," Skye said. "Of course," she then said as she exaggeratedly turned her head to her wife.

"Alright," Mary said, playfully pinching her wife's shoulder. "I was planning on performing with you anyways." She stood up then and went over to where her guitar was and said, "We won't wake up the kids right?"

"You'll be fine," Beckett said. She was planning on asking what they would be singing when Annabella was exclaiming and looking at her wife before she spoke.

"Sorry, she surprised me," the real estate agent said. "I was just going to ask you know," Annabella said wryly to her wife.

"You were taking too long," Sheena said as she took her wife's hand and kissed the back of it gently.

"Which song is it?" Skye asked in amusement while they were watching the two.

"Spread Your Wings?" Annabella asked slowly.

"Oh yeah, we can do that," Mary said before her wife could speak. She winked at Skye and put her guitar over her shoulder before she was tuning, her wife doing the same.

"Hopefully just acoustic works," Skye commented.

"It will," Beckett told her.

"Get on with it?" Skye asked in amusement, laughing when a few of the others were telling her yes. She turned her attention to her guitar and started to play instead of the piano in the song, singing soon after while Mary was singing with her here and there since they'd practiced the song together before several times.

Sammy was low
Just watching the show
Over and over again
Knew it was time
He'd made up his mind
To leave his dead life behind

Watching Skye while she sang, Beckett could tell the investigator wanted to get up and walk around as Freddie Mercury had done in the music video. But she knew she wasn't trying to put on a full performance so she hoped Skye would be okay forcing herself to sit in the end when she continued to the next verse.

His boss said to him
Boy you'd better begin
To get those crazy notions right out of your head
Sammy who do you think that you are
You should've been sweeping up the Emerald bar

Skye looked at her wife before the chorus and she raised her eyebrows at her for a moment before they were smiling at each other and then singing together each lyric.

Spread your wings and fly away
Fly away far away
Spread your winds and fly away
Fly away far away
Pull yourself together
'Cause you know you should do better
That's because you're a free man

Castle reached for his wife's hand when the two women were taking a break in singing for a moment but still playing their guitars. He looked down at their hands as their fingers entwined and he smiled at her, squeezing her hand again before they turned their attention to Skye who was singing on her own that time.

He spends his evenings alone in his hotel room
Keeping his thoughts to himself he'd be leaving soon
Wishing he was miles and miles away
Nothing in this world nothing would make him stay

Since she didn't have an electric guitar, Skye was playing slide the best she could to mimic the sound slightly though she wasn't able to get it exactly. But it fit the acoustic version they were playing, and she glanced at her wife to make sure she was alright playing before she needed to sing again.

Since he was small
Had no luck at all
Nothing came easy to him
Now it was time
He'd made up his mind
This could be my last chance

His boss said to him now listen boy
You're always dreaming
You've got no real ambition you won't get very far
Sammy boy don't you know who you are
Why can't you be happy at the Emerald bar

Though Skye started the chorus that time on her own with the first lyric, Mary was joining her and they sang it until the doctor stopped to allow her wife to take the last verse on her own.

So honey
Spread your wings and fly away
Fly away far away
Spread your little wings and fly away
Fly away far away

Pull yourself together
'Cause you know you should do better
That's because you're a free man
Come on honey

Listening to the two women playing the guitar for the rest of the song, Beckett was quick to applaud them along with the others before she said, "Good idea to get that practice in."

"So you are really doing that Queen concert?" Annabella asked.

"We are, us and our band," Mary answered.

"That'll be great to watch," Sheena said.

"It'll be on TV in November," Skye replied. "But we haven't been told the day yet." She took another sip of water and asked the others, "Now. Would you want me to sing again because if not then I'll put my guitar away."

"One more," Mary said. She couldn't help laughing as her wife looked at her in surprise and she leaned over to her to whisper into her ear.

"Oh… it's a bit shorter, I'll give you that," Skye said in amusement.

"Which song is it?" Darnley asked.

When Skye started to play it, Castle said to the two San Francisco couples, "It's one from George Harrison; Hong Kong Blues. You'll see why she chose it if you haven't heard it."

"Go ahead," Beckett told her friend.

"Will do," Skye said with a smile as Beckett rolled her eyes. "But this is an old song from the thirties if you're wondering about some of the lyrics." When no one protested she started to sing, her wife singing a little here and there to add her voice to her own when it was needed.

It's the story of a very unfortunate colored man
Who got arrested down in old Hong Kong
He got twenty years privilege taken away from him
When he kicked old Buddha's gong

Castle was surprised at Skye playing the guitar a little faster but knew it was for the song and he said to his wife, "Good thing you're filming."

Smiling at the way her husband was whispering into her ear since she was using her phone, Beckett looked at him before turning quickly back to Skye and Mary since they were starting the next verse.

And now he's poppin' the piano just to raise the price
Of a ticket to the land of the free
Well, he says his home's in Frisco where they send the rice
But it's really in Tennessee

That's why he said "I need someone to love me
I need someone to carry me home to San Francisco
And bury my body there
I need someone to lend me a fifty dollar bill and then
I'll leave Hong Kong behind me for happiness once again

When Skye was playing strings a little deliberately, Beckett zoomed in until she was starting to sing yet again, and she went back to her original shot of the two singers.

Won't somebody believe
I've a yen to see that Bay again
Every time I try to leave
Sweet opium won't let me fly away

I need someone to love me
I need somebody to carry me home to San Francisco
And bury my body there

The two were playing off each other then, since they couldn't make the same sounds that were in the original recording and they were smiling at one another before they started to laugh. Skye nearly missed where she needed to sing again but her wife was cuing her, and she managed to start and sing the last verse.

That's the story of a very unfortunate colored man
Who got arrested down in old Hong Kong
He got twenty years privilege taken away from him
When he kicked old Buddha's gong

Laughing when Skye made the sound of a gong, Darnley said, "You should have used your phone for that."

"Oh no, it's much more fun to make the sound myself," Skye said with a wide smile. "Alright, I hope you didn't mind that."

"Don't worry, I know what they were indicating with that lyric," Nkosi said as his fellow investigator was telling that to him. "And it was written… a long time ago."

"A very long time," Castle said.

"Do you guys remember that song at all?" Naomi asked.

"Not really," Beckett said. "And we don't have it in our collection of records but… it's okay, I think we prefer George's version a lot more."

"Especially Julia," Mary commented before they were laughing.

"I hate to ask this right now," Nico said. "But what time is your flight tomorrow?" He made a face and then said, "I meant flights."

"We leave at about nine," Skye said.

"Our flight is at seven," David then said.

"That early?" Sheena asked in surprise.

"By the time we get to JFK it'll be five in the afternoon," Castle pointed out. "And we need to get settled in at home."

"We'll be back in an hour… so I suppose we have the advantage," Skye said.

"Yeah, because it's a competition," Darnley said wryly.

"Should we go?" Naomi asked slowly.

"It's alright, it's only a quarter to nine," Castle said, checking his watch. "A half hour more?"

"Are you sure?" Sheena asked. "It would be understandable if you guys wanted to go to bed."

"A half hour," Rebecca said. "And then we'll go to bed."

"Have your kids asked you what you're going to do for Christmas here?" Annabella asked.

"No, to be honest I think they're thinking more about our summer vacation now this one is over," Beckett said.

"I don't think we're going to do too much," Castle said as his wife was looking at him then. "We may go to the zoo and one more place, Kate and I want to stay around Mill Valley."

"How cold will it get?" Beckett asked the two city couples.

"Not that much, not compared to what you must get back east at home with snow," Nico replied. "But it can be chilly."

"Bring a coat," Naomi added.

They started laughing before they broke up into groups and some were moving back to the grass with the badminton rackets and birdie.

"Are we doing another tournament?" Beckett asked Darnley as they were with her husband, Nkosi and Skye.

"Not really," the carpenter said.

"I'm going to say it's a rematch," Castle commented, smiling at his wife across from them.

"Yeah, I already know it's going to be the exact same result," Darnley said wryly. "So I'm not even going to bother."

"You could," Skye said. She laughed when the carpenter nearly gave her a glare and then told him, "Oh start husband."

Pretending to grumble, Darnley hit the badminton to Beckett and Skye and their game began which lasted for a while until the others at the patio were getting up and walking to the edge of the grass.

"It's time?" Castle asked, catching the birdie his wife had hit to himself and Darnley.

"It is," Naomi said. "Since we have tomorrow off we can get some rest too."

"She's right, we'll be spending the day with Stephanie," Sheena said with a smile. "I'll go grab her," she added. "And be down in a second."

Going over to Naomi, Beckett smiled at her and said, "You'll rest tomorrow?"

"Definitely," the doctor replied. "I'm expecting to feel a little sick so…"

"You should be near that clearing up," Rebecca told her.

"I hope so," Naomi replied. "But I'm eager to finish the pregnancy. Already."

Beckett was about to speak when Sheena was walking out with Stephanie fast asleep on her hip. She was going to ask if Josie was still asleep when the real estate agent was talking first and quickly to her and Castle.

"I looked in on Josie and she was still out," Sheena said. "Your parents were still up; I think they were waiting for me to get her."

"I don't think so," Castle said quickly and reassuringly to her. "They're likely still awake."

"I'm just glad I didn't wake up the baby," Sheena said.

After that the group went around the house to the front yard and down to the gate there. They were saying goodbye to the San Francisco couples and watching them go before Rebecca and David were saying goodbye to the others.

Once she was sure the couple was inside the house across the street, Beckett turned to the others and said, "I guess we should say goodnight."

"You mean once we're in the back?" Skye asked.

"Yes," Beckett said, giving her friend a look since that hadn't needed to be said. She went to her husband and took his hand before they walked around the house. They said goodnight to Skye and Mary before doing the same in the kitchen to Darnley and Nkosi. Heading up the stairs they stopped to check on their three youngest before she and her husband were satisfied everyone was okay. Inside their room with the door closed behind them she turned to her husband and said, "We better pack."

"I was going to suggest it," Castle said. He saw the way his wife was looking at him and said in mock annoyance, "Really?"

"I'm kidding," Beckett said, smiling at him. She pulled him gently to her and they shared a brief kiss before parting and she said, "We should change first."

"Yeah, right behind you," Castle said. He half expected her to comment on that but when she didn't say a word, he just followed her in getting his pajamas and changing before they were brushing their teeth and getting their toiletries bags ready so they could pack them quickly the next day. They got started on their suitcases next though it didn't take much time to get everything set in them.

"Okay," Beckett said as she watched her husband walking over to the bed. "We better get to bed."

"Do you not want to?" Castle asked, watching her pulling the covers down.

"Oh, I do," Beckett replied. "But I'm not feeling tired now."

"I know, we should have packed earlier… though we didn't have much chance to," Castle said with a nod, letting her get into the bed first. He followed and once he was laying on his back with his arms wrapped around her, he asked, "What should we do?"

"Tell me something," Beckett replied easily.

"Are you sure?" Castle asked her.

Tilting her head up to look at him Beckett said, "I wasn't asking for anything sexual."

"No… I mean it won't distract you at all?" Castle asked.

"It'll help me relax," Beckett told him, smiling at him before he was leaning down to her. They were kissing gently before they were parting and she told him, "Something about us with the girls."

"Alright," Castle said slowly as he was thinking of what he could tell her about. He wasn't sure why he thought of it before he said, "I'm thinking of July fifth… I think in 1934 because of the girls' ages," not surprised when she was speaking to him slightly teasingly.

"And you want to tell me what their ages are," Beckett said.

"Yes, I have your permission?" Castle asked her.

"You do," Beckett said in amusement.

"Julia was twelve, Eliza was almost seven, Alexis almost six and of course Josie was four," Castle said.

"I think you enjoy saying Josie's age so much since it's easiest," Beckett told him.

"Of course," Castle said. He pressed his lips to her forehead and said, "Should we say goodnight?"

"Probably," Beckett replied before they shared a gentle kiss. When they parted, she then told her husband, "I love you Rick."

"Definitely that too," Castle said with a nod. He smiled when she laughed and then told her, "I love you too Kate. Night love."

"Night," Beckett replied before they were sharing another kiss. That time they lingered and when they parted it took her a bit to speak before she said, "I can't wait to hear love."

"Can't wait to tell you," Castle said, smiling again as she laughed. They shared one more kiss before he started to tell her about the day after the holiday they'd spent with their daughters and her mother until they went to sleep shortly after wrapped up tightly in each other's arms.

"When are we going over to the city Ma?" Elizabeth asked as she was taking the bowl of oatmeal her mother was giving her.

"As soon as we're ready after breakfast," Kate replied. When her daughter nodded and walked to the dining room, she turned her attention to getting her apron off as her husband walked into the kitchen. "Good morning love," she told him with a smile.

"Morning, why didn't you wake me?" Rick asked.

"You looked peaceful," Kate said simply, letting him wrap his arms around her. She shared a kiss with him and then murmured, since their family was only in the next room, "You're not tired?"

"Oh no," Rick replied quickly He brushed his lips to hers and said, "I had my rest."

"Fresh," Kate told him in amusement since she knew he was thinking of that night already. "Do you have everything we need?"

"I do," Rick said since he had packed his valise for their stay in the city the rest of the week. He had slipped in some French letters as well and he was pleased to know she was asking after them. He shook himself when there was laughter from the dining room, and he knew their daughters and Johanna would want to eat so they could go. "Do you need any help?" he asked her.

"With the plates," Kate replied with a smile as they still hadn't let go of each other. They finally did at the same time and hurried to grab the platters of eggs and sausages before joining the rest of their family. She made sure Josephine had enough food eventually before they were all eating and talking only a little. That let her know the girls were eager to head into San Francisco and she was smiling at her husband when he squeezed her hand firmly before they were finishing.

"Alright girls," Rick said once they had cleared the table and washed everything in the kitchen. "Wash up and grab your hats and valises so we can head to Alamo Square."

Laughing softly at the way the girls were letting out cries while they left, Johanna said, "I'll be right back with my things."

Nodding to her mother, Kate turned to her husband and asked him, "Do you think it's strange the girls didn't ask at all about where we'd go?"

"I think they're going to tell us," Rick said. "Once we're in the car."

Kate was smiling and she told him, "Elizabeth did ask me about going into the city before we ate."

"They want to go," Rick said before they were pausing for a moment as they heard the thud of their three oldest girls on the stairs. "Should we see if Josephine is alright?"

"I think so," Kate answered before they walked through the dining room to the living room.

"We have our bags Ma," Julia said first.

"Yes, but it sounds like you broke the stairs," Rick said teasingly before the girls started to giggle. "But we're glad to see you're ready."

"Can we go now?" Elizabeth asked.

"Yes, if your grandma is ready," Kate said, having been putting on her hat. She turned to her family when she finished and said, "And if she is, we can go and hear what plans you girls have for us."

Chuckling when the middle girls' mouths dropped open in surprise, Rick told them, "Don't be so surprised. We know you want to go around more than the house."

"We would," Julia said as they were walking to the lean-to since Johanna had called to them. "But just the park."

"We were thinking of going there already," Rick said as they walked outside of the house, going to their cars.

"Oh… then may we?" Elizabeth asked.

"We will," Kate said in amusement. They had to load the cars they would be taking into the city on the ferry and she drove the Model-T with her mother and Josephine joining her as her husband took their Studebaker with their other girls. When they had gotten onto the ferry, she wasn't surprised when her mother went with the girls before she walked to her husband. "Everything swell?" she asked, while he was looking at the tires.

"It is," Rick said, smiling at her.

"Should we do anything else in the park?" Kate asked him while she slid her arm through his. "I don't think they'll be satisfied with merely having a picnic."

"I had the same thought," Rick replied. "Though I do wonder if we should just walk around the park, perhaps the lake."

"We'll ask them once we're ready to leave," Kate told her husband with a smile. They turned their attention to their daughters and the city that was coming nearer, until they needed to get into their car and drive off the boat down to Alamo Square. They unpacked their clothing and helped the girls which took some time since the three youngest were a bit hyper, running around the rooms. Once they were finally finished, she went to the kitchen to find her mother already beginning to prepare sandwiches as she smiled up at her entering the room before she spoke.

"I shouldn't be too long in makin' these Katie," Johanna said.

"You've only made six Ma," Kate told her, seeing the bread her mother had sliced from the loaf of sourdough they had.

"I'd like to stay," Johanna said.

"You're not ill, are you?" Kate asked with some concern.

"Oh no, just a bit tired after our festivities last night," Johanna replied. She smiled at her daughter and said, "I'm surprised the girls aren't as well."

Hearing Josephine squealing from the stairs before she could speak, Kate smiled and said, "She had the most sleep. Will you need my help?"

"Oh no," Johanna assured her. "Check on the girls."

Nodding her head, Kate went to the entry and looked up the stairs in time to see her husband and their daughters coming down to her. "Well?" she asked him.

"Well what?" Rick asked in obvious confusion.

"Are you ready to go?" Kate said firmly.

"We are," Rick said, surprised since he'd thought she was helping her mother in the kitchen.

"What about our picnic?" Alexandra asked.

"Ma's making it right now," Kate replied. "And she wants to stay while we go to the park." She wasn't surprised when Josephine immediately ran to the kitchen and she shared a smile with her husband before they were walking after the little girl.

"Why won't you come with us Grandma?" Josephine was asking as the rest of their family came to the doorway.

"I feel a bit tired and it's a bit warm for me as well," Johanna said, putting the second slices of bread on the sandwiches she'd made for them. "I don't want to be traipsin' though the paths today. I'll have a wee nap and then be ready to play with you girls when you return."

"What will we play?" Alexandra asked while her mother and oldest sister were moving to get the food ready for their picnic basket.

"Let's wait until you're home to start decidin' on that," Johanna said while she washed her hands quickly. She then turned to her two youngest granddaughters as they were hugging her and she told them, "Don't be givin' your ma and da a hard time. And if you should go to the lake be careful."

"We will Grandma," the four girls said at the same time.

"Thank you so much for lunch Johanna," Rick said when he was taking the picnic basket once the sandwiches, fried chips, cookies and bottle of cool ginger water were inside it.

"Are we ready?" Elizabeth asked hopefully.

"We are, say goodbye to your grandma," Kate told them as she went to the basket to check on it. She and her husband said goodbye to her mother before they went back to the cars and drove directly west on Hayes since it ran into Golden Gate Park. They stopped at Stow Lake and found a space of grass where they could see Strawberry Hill across the water. While they ate, she said, "We'll head across once we finish."

"We can go around the island?" Julia asked hopefully.

"We should, it would be good for you girls to run around," Rick said. "Just don't run into the water." He laughed when the four were saying, "Da!" at the same time. "I have to warn you."

"He's right, just be careful as always girls," Kate told them.

"Everything'll be swell Ma," Julia said.

"We couldn't dip our feet in Ma?" Alexandra asked carefully.

Studying her daughter, Kate smiled and said, "If you four are good."

"Good as gold Ma," the four quipped together.

Kate was laughing softly while Rick laughed outright before she said, "Then you may as long as you are. Finish eating and we'll go around the island before we try the water today."

Rick wasn't surprised when the girls went back to their meal eagerly before they were cleaning up and leaving the grass, walking across the nearby bridge and starting to explore the island. While their daughters were in front of them, he was walking arm in arm with his wife and murmured to her when they were relatively alone, "I love you Kate."

"I love you too Rick," she replied softly. Kate looked up at him and smiled before they looked to see their daughters were walking down a path ahead of them. Neither of them protested, walking after them until her husband made her stop. Since the girls couldn't get very far ahead; and they could easily hear them; she took her husband's kiss as they wrapped her arms around each other tightly. When they had stopped and parted, she could feel her lips were slightly swollen before she whispered, "Sheik."

"Sheba," Rick told her huskily. They shared another kiss, passionate once more, before they let go of each other and walked down the path again. While they were doing so he held his wife close, not wanting to lose the feel of her against his side as they strolled together through the foliage with their family that warm summer afternoon.