Cortin knelt, extending her hands to the three children. "Of course, Luke—and Kateri, and George. God willing, you'll have them yourselves some day."
"Pretty," Kateri stated unequivocally. "Want now."
"Sorry, sweetheart," Cortin said. "You can't have them till you're older—but I can offer you some milk and gingerbread our cook made special for you."
"Okay." With that, the three hurried unerringly toward the refreshment table and Cortin rose, chuckling.
"I apologize for their rudeness, Excellency," Betty said. "I am teaching them better manners than that—I'm afraid the trip and the excitement have taken their toll."
"I understand perfectly," Cortin said. "Despite what some people say, I was a child myself once. And Dave should have told you: in private, I'm Joan."
"He did—but I wasn't sure." Betty hesitated. "He and Tiny have told me so much about you and the team that I feel I've known you all for years. I don't know how to thank you for inviting us into your home, though. Or wanting us to be part of your family."
"No thanks necessary." Cortin gestured at the children, who were eagerly devouring milk and gingerbread. "They, and the child Sis is carrying, are the reason for families—or Families." She smiled. "I think I'm going to like being Gramma Joan. I gather you intend to accept their proposal, then."
"Yes—though I'm not at all sure about taking part in group sex."
Cortin raised an eyebrow. "You don't have to if you don't want to; Dave must have told you that. And who knows, you may get to like it."