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Fallon laughed. “No worries. I passed his class.”

“Yeah, but Andi and I got A’s,” Pete added. “You only pulled a B+.”

“You got an A in the Ambusher’s class?” Dale asked Andi.

“Why is that surprising?” Andi asked.

“Pete took the tests for you, huh?” Dale guessed.

“Should I be following any of this?” Barb asked.

Parker leaned toward her. “My dad’s a bit of a legend at the regional high school. Depending on who you ask, he’s either a historical treasure or a medieval tormentor.”

“More like both,” Fallon said.

Parker grinned. “He still gives me pop quizzes sometimes. Last week, he made me recite the Articles of Confederation while changing a fuel pump.”

Laughter rippled through the group.

“Well,” Parker said, stepping back a bit, “I should get going."

Fallon opened her mouth, but Riley beat her to it. “Oh no. You’re not escaping that easily.”

Parker raised an eyebrow. “I’m not?”

“It’s Owen’s birthday,” Riley said. “That means cake. You helped save the day. You’ve earned a piece of cake.”

Parker hesitated, glancing at Barb, who was trying very hard not to look hopeful.

“Come on,” Riley added with a wink. “I’ll even let you skip Pin the Tail on Dale."

"Why am I always the butt of the joke?" Dale asked.

"Every ass needs its tail," Carol quipped.

"Please tell me that isn't me," Marge joked.

Parker laughed. “Alright. But only because I'm terrified someone will suggest Bobbing for Parkers. I've never been great at holding my breath."

Owen came charging across the lawn. “Gwama! Gwama!”

“Here we go,” Billie said, bending down. “What’s up?”

Owen looked at Andi. "Can I show Hope my toad?"

Andi smiled. “Hope’s ten months old, honey. I don’t think she likes toads yet.”

“She will!"

"I think Mr. Toad needs to stay in his box for now. Remember, you promised to let him go after the party,” Fallon said.

Owen looked doubtful.

Parker crouched beside him. “You know what? I’d love to meet your toad."

Owen’s eyes lit up. “Really?”

“Absolutely."