~3~

Sheridan's brow furrowed at the extra place settings at the table.

Paloma bustled around the table, carefully arranging silverware next to the plates. "For Theresa, Little Ethan, and Jane—IF they come."

"And the other two?" Sheridan questioned as the sounds of happy laughter filtered in from the living room, only her son's recognizable to her.

"Kay and Maria," Paloma smiled. "Excuse me, Sheridan."

From the other room a young voice squealed, "Aunt Paloma! I brought Samantha with me!"

"Mama, mama," Marty appeared at her side, grabbing her by the hand. "Maria's here. And she brought her kitten with her."

"Go," Pilar told her warmly. "I'm almost finished here."

Marty relinquished Sheridan's hand as soon as they entered the living room, racing to the sofa where Maria and Samantha held court.

Samantha's green eyes regarded Marty coolly as he plucked her from Maria's arms before she started daintily licking one black paw in complete boredom.

"So this is the Samantha I've heard so much about," Martin eyed the regal little feline. "I thought she was a girlfriend of yours."

"Grandpa," Marty rolled his eyes, causing the females in the room to laugh, "girls are yucky. Except for Mama," he hurriedly amended. "And Aunt Paloma and Abuela and Kay," he added in a panic, not wanting to hurt anyone's feelings. "And Maria," he reluctantly admitted. "Okay. Just girlfriends are yucky."

"Just girlfriends," Martin agreed with a chuckle.

"Sheridan," Kay smiled. "It's good to see you."

"Thanks," Sheridan returned Kay's smile with a warm one of her own. "It's good to see you." Then she nodded to the black-curled child practically stuck to her son's side. "She's beautiful."

"A beautiful handful," Kay laughed.

The two sat in companionable silence for several moments just enjoying watching their children with Paloma and Martin.

Finally Kay spoke again. "She won't admit it to anyone, but she loves Marty."

Sheridan had to agree. "It looks like the feeling's mutual, although I think Marty's a little jealous about Samantha."

"She was a present from Tabitha," Kay replied. "And I'm think *I'M* a little jealous OF Samantha. Maria loves that cat more than she does me."

Sheridan's eyes twinkled but her tone was filled with understanding. "Somehow I doubt that's true."

Thanks for reading!