“You didn't think so when it was yours," Jane said.

“Sure I did. I just went along with it for your sake," Mike said with a grin. "See you later. Scott and I are going out after work to show off The Beast."

“Don't be late. Tomorrow's going to be a long day. Remember, you have to be up early to pick up your cap and gown.”

Mike had to practically peel his younger brother and sister off his new truck before he could get away.

Jane threw together a quick dinner and hastily sewed a button on the shirt Todd was wearing that evening. Thanks to a revolt among the parents two years earlier, the boys no longer had to wear expensive little suits they'd outgrow in two weeks for the grade school commencement, as they had when Mike graduated. The girls still insisted on dressing like princesses, but the boys only had to be forced into button-up shirts and ties.

The ceremony, Jane had to admit, was charming. Partly because it didn't have any genuine significance like a high school graduation, and also because the school principal didn't appear to take it terribly seriously. It was more of a party atmosphere than a mock-serious occasion. There was a processional — nobody had figured out a way to avoid that — and a mercifully short speech by the principal, then a couple upbeat songs by the chorus and the awarding of certificates of graduation. It was over in just under forty-five minutes. Andthat included the punch and cookies afterward.

“Wow, that was almost painless," Shelley said as they walked back to the car. Their boys trailed behind them. "Well, except for your mother-in-law being there.”