There was another boy who was already plotting adventures. It felt as though he'd been waiting forever at the airport gate for his brother to arrive. Alex had one hand in

his mother's, the other in Jenny'sbecause, as his mother had told him, he was the oldest and had to keep his sister close.

His mother was holding the baby, his brand-new brother. Alex could hardly wait to show him off.

Why aren't they here yet?

Because it takes time for people to get off the plane and out the gate.

How come ifs called a gate?

Jenny wanted to know.

It doesn't look like a gate.

I think they used to have gates, so they still call them that.

It was the best Suzanna

could come up with after a frazzling half hour at the airport with three children in tow.

Then the baby cooed and made her smile.

Look, Mom! There they are!

Before Suzanna could respond, Alex had broken away and made a beeline toward Kevin, Jenny hot on his heels. She winced as they barely missed plowing into other passengers, then raised a resigned hand to wave at Megan.

Hi!

Alex, having been schooled in airport procedure by his mother, manfully took Kevin's carryon.

I'm supposed to take this 'cause we're picking you up.

It

bothered him a little that, even though his mother claimed he was growing like a weed, Kevin was still taller.

Have you still got the fort?

We got the one at the big house,

Alex told him.

And

we got a new one at the

cottage. We live at the cottage.

With our dad,

Jenny piped up.

We got new names and everything. He can fix anything, and he built me a new bedroom.

It has pink curtains,

Alex said with a sneer.

Knowing a brawl was dangerously close, Suzanna neatly stepped between her two children.

How was your flight?