." began Thule."... and, I was going to flash him if I thought it would help get Thule here sooner," said Dawn."You were?" asked Thule, "I thought I s...id 'Don't overdo it.'" I didn't say it was the most subtle approach," said Dawn, "but as a last-ditch effort."Marigold, seemingly overcome, unwrapped one arm from around Thule and waved Dawn over. Dawn came over and Marigold pulled her into the hug, pinning her between Thule and herself so that Thule was standing behind Dawn and Marigold was. By the time the movies ended, it was time for bed. Dad had to go in to work the next day, but not the day after, which was Christmas Eve. Diane and I stayed behind to rewind the tapes - and make out a little - when the rest of them went upstairs to go to bed.As we were waiting, I told Diane "I saw the look you and Holly gave each other when Mom said all of you should take a hot shower after you were sledding."Diane grinned at me, and said "Who? Us?"I grinned back, and said "Yeah, you - both of. Which lately wasmost of the time.Linda's caustic suggestion was the opening Melissa had been waiting for."Linda! What a lovely idea. I'm sorry I didn't think of it first! Simon-- our very own French maid!"In fact Melissa had been thinking of little else since she'd met Simon.She knew he'd make a lovely maid. He was so compliant and eager to serve.With her in charge of things she could easily mold him into the perfectmaidservant. If only she could get Linda to come around --. ‘Your mom’s fine, kiddo. She’s just a bit tired.’ ‘She’s always tired. That or drunk.’ There was a hint of disgust in the boy’s voice. Sage could only nod. The kid was seven. He shouldn’t have even known what that word ‘drunk’ meant. ‘I know, Jordy. I know but your mom needs her rest and so do you. You have school tomorrow, am I right?’ Sage stood up and began pushing her nephew out the kitchen, as he nodded solemnly. The boy’s aunt followed him to his room, and stood at the door as he tucked.