"I am from Ecuador," Maria said. "Elena is from Colombia." She gave the names their Spanish sounds. Oliver wanted to put his arms around her and keep her from harm forever. "We have two mommies." She concentrated. "We each have two mommies. We are sisters, now."
"Lucky girls," Oliver said.
"Where's your mommy?"
"Connecticut," Oliver said. "Far away."
"Oh." Maria nodded sympathetically. One corner of Francesca's wide mouth curved up; the other curved down. Her eyebrows were raised.
"Lucky everybody," Oliver said, including himself. He felt the rings of calm again, rippling outward from their table.
"Something to drink?" One of the regular waitresses laid down menus.
"Coffee for me," Oliver said.
"Tea. Juice for the girls—orange."
"I want apple," Elena said.