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“Which one?” Peter called out from behind the open door.

“Surprise me!” Katherine shouted back, knowing he’d grab the one with the dogs on it since it was his favorite.

“Is Petey okay?” Peter said, holding up his favorite puzzle when he and Matthew returned from putting chairs away.

“I had a feeling that was coming,” Katherine laughed.

“Petey?” Matthew asked as Pastor Peter grinned at Katherine.

“Would you like to do the honors?”

“If I must,” Katherine sighed, then explained, “The little Pomeranian reminds Peter of his dog from childhood. His name was Petey.”

Without missing a beat, Matthew responded, “So, you’re saying the Pomeranian pooch peeking out among the other pooches on the puzzle of many pieces reminds Pastor Peter of his pet, Petey?”

“Hey!” Peter nodded with appreciation, offering a fist for Matthew to bump. “I like the way you think.”

Peter chuckled, then shook the box vigorously as Matthew watched.

“He doesn’t like when the pieces stick together.”

“It’s not fair if you don’t start from scratch.”

Wondering how long he was expected to stay, Matthew asked, “How many pieces are there?”

“Nine hundred and ninety-nine.”

“You lost one?”

“You could say that.” Katherine smirked.

“Ha! More like you chucked one at my head, and it hit the floor and slid under the fridge.”

When Matthew laughed, it made Katherine smile.

“Don’t go taking her side,” Peter warned. “She still owes me a new puzzle.”

“I said I’d get it out for you.”

“And how are you gonna do that? The fridge must weigh a thousand pounds. I can’t even budge that thing.”

“I could help,” Matthew offered, hoping an act of kindness, along with the clever tongue twister would endear him to Peter. “Did you wanna get it now?”

“Maybe next time,” Peter said. “But thank you, Matthew. That’s really cool of you to offer.”

“No problem.” Matthew smiled. “And Katie, I’ll take that cup of tea after all. But only if you have anything decaf.”

“Katherine, do you mind?” Peter asked.

“Not at all. You guys take a seat at the counter, and I’ll have everything ready in just a few minutes.”

When Matthew tried to offer his help, Katherine shooed him away.

“Don’t even bother,” Peter told him as he sat down at the counter, offering Matthew the seat next to him. “Most of the time, she won’t accept anyone’s help. Well, not until she’s been away from the diner for at least an hour. She’s like a little robot. You just gotta let the crank on her back wind itself down.”

“Tell me, Matthew.” Katherine glared at Peter. “Is it blasphemous or not to tell a pastor to zip it?”

“I don’t know…” Matthew hesitated, surprised by the banter between them.