They called Julie their miracle baby. They thought that they couldn’t have kids and adopted Ted and Wendy. Ages didn’t matter. They wanted the kid... that needed them the most. Then Maria found out she was pregnant and their family got a little larger. And now they’re here.”“Jen, do you have their house bugged?”“It’s strange, Mark but some people are friendly and they like to talk to their neighbors.”We chatted some more before she went home. I wasn’t all that comfortable with the thought that. I'll get my shit together. It's what I do." I hope so, Jake," she said. "For your sake, not mine."The limo pulled up in front of the hotel and Jake and Pauline emerged into a sea of flashbulbs, microphones, and shouted questions. Most of the questions were centered on the recent break-up of Intemperance ("are you really going your separate ways?") or on what exactly Jake was doing here ("did Greg Oldfellow invite you, or are you crashing the party?"). A few asked why Pauline was his date ("no. "Y... Yes. I'm just nervous." I'm sure it'll be wonderful. Call us in the morning and tell us you're okay. Please?" Okay," said Elaine. "I will. And um, thanks. Tonight was wonderful."Chelsea was smiling that sisterly smile again. "Anytime. I better skedaddle. Have fun."Gary passed Chelsea on his way back to the table. He handed Elaine his coat and sat down beside her. "Probably a good idea to put that on before you go to the bathroom. And I'd suggest you go." Elaine didn't need prompting.. While he was waiting for her, Jerry turned down the air conditioning and stripped. Then he lay down on the bed.She often spent the week up here on the farm these summers. He missed her, but the reunions on Friday nights were worth it. This Friday, when he'd picked up Manny and her groom at the airport, he hadn't even imagined that the reunion would be different. With daughter and son-in-law in the next room, however, Karen hadn't felt comfortable with his advances. Well, she was bright enough.