Chapter 13
Maggie Valley, NC
22 December 2010
George Martin
ROBBIE AND HIS helpers had the tree up and decorated in no time. When it was finished, Robbie ran into the kitchen, and I heard him say to Mike, “Come see, Daddy, the tree is beautiful.”
Robbie led Mike into the great room holding his hand, and I followed them. “Kiddo,” Mike said, “that’s the best tree we’ve ever had.”
“That’s because I have two new helpers,” Robbie said.
A timer chimed in the kitchen, and Mike said, “That’s my cue to start the rest of our dinner. If your dad’s estimate was accurate, Sean, the food’ll be ready just about the time they get here. How do you guys and your dads like your steaks?”
“Medium rare. All four of us.”
“Very good,” Mike said.
Mike returned to the kitchen, and the rest of us settled o
