#elsewhere

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"Kourtney Burn Bread? the Cullinary ronin?" gerd huffs "Never"

"I exaggerate," Kerri assures as she puts on water for tea.

Tiffany puts away the ice cream they got. hand churned home made

"Honestly, that's ONE tradition they do I like" Olgar grins "wish I was there when you got the challenge "

"Why?" Kerri asks. "What would you have contributed?"

"Or do you mean to reap the benefits of all that cooking?" She grins.

"I would have gotten to see the look on your face" He grins back

"Oh! A missed opportunity -- we should have had her challenge you and Frank to a barbecue."

gerd chuckles "I was there. It as awesome'

Kerri grins. "I might have been a bit enthusiastic."

"Let's not get crazy honey, " Olgar holds up a hand "that wouldn't be fair... to Frank. you know real grilling is both his weakness and his insecrity or he'd just admit I'm better"

"Don't be mean, Dad."

"It's why I'm not saying to his face, sweetie. The male ego is delicate" Olgar nods

Tiffany looks at Vali "And I thought you were the funny one"

Vali mmms

Kerri hip-checks Olgar. "Play nice." And she hands him another pie to put in the fridge.

Olgar obiges

Vali says "Thank goodness for baby sitters. Lucia is a gem taking care of Theon"

Sylvi says, "Well...I should probably check in on Goldfinch."

"You okay, sweetie?" Olgar says "You were closer to the DeBukes than most of us. I saw you putting on the horses, but you seemed to be away for a moment. I got worried" He admits

Then he looks at the time "Ah, Goldfinch. right. Sorry. We can talk later"

"Oh, I was fine, Dad. Really. There was just...y'know...stuff." She shrugs with typical teenage reticence, then starts going around the room to give hugs.

She gets them in return "Okay. okay. I guess you got this" Olgar admits "Off with you. take some food. that vending machine is not reliable"

Kerri gives her a warm squeeze and says, "Let us know if you're staying there or coming back tonight."

"I will. Love you." A wave to everybody, and out she goes.

And Olgar watches her go, taking a hold his wife as he does. a sigh and also a smile

Kerri leans into Olgar's embrace and says, "Courage, Papa Bear."

"Death is part of life, grief too, but I wish I could... ah, you know" a shrug "let me help you in the kitchen. Vali, you and tiff go on home. Get your son. While he's small and managable"

tiffany chuckles "Managable he says"

But they do head out, Gerd going with them

"Good night, all of you," Kerri says.

"Night, Davidsons" gerd speaks for them all, and off that trio goes

"You're a sap," Kerri murmurs to Olgar when the others are gone.

"It's Beltaine... too damn close. Makes me sentimental" But he snuggles, and they work in the last of the put aways together

(End Scene)