Page 41 of Alder Woodacre and the Acorns of Affection (Amaranthine Interludes #3)
Kyrie came and went, making sure that Joe had everything he needed and offering updates.
The skies over Fletching had been full of silver foxes all day—every one of them a decoy. Kurloo and the crossers had taken over Joe’s usual work. And they were ordering in pizzas for the evening meal.
The next day, Kyrie brought more news along with a breakfast tray. His dad was still at the farm, apparently intent on touring the enclave and meeting every member. Meanwhile, publicity was ramping up. The next Bingo Night was going to be the biggest ever. They were renting tents for the overflow.
“Better not sleep through it,” Joe whispered to Jarrah. “This is how small towns throw a party.”
On Day 3 of Jarrah’s deep sleep, Kyrie turned up with more to tell.
After two days of rain, mud was everywhere, and Uncle Boniface was in a furor about the state of his shoes.
But Argent had stepped in, and Boniface was extra busy, organizing three separate farewell parties—one for the elementary school, one for the whole town, and one that would be just for the enclave.
Kyrie confided, “It might seem strange, but Dad really does know what makes Boniface happy.”
Day 4 broke sunny and fair, and Kyrie cheerfully reported that Harrison was in their kitchen, baking pies. And that Christobelle had disappeared for several hours, but that Inti had found her in the hay mow, where she’d discovered a brand-new litter of kittens.
Which was when Jarrah stirred and asked, “Kittens?”
Jarrah crouched on the edge of the field where the maze would stand, poking a stick into a mud puddle. The boy had eaten an enormous waking meal, and then Joe had suggested a walk.
“This has always been my home,” said Joe. “I love it.”
“Yeah, I know. It’s really good,” Jarrah replied without much enthusiasm.
“I’ve been thinking for a while now … it could be your home, too. If you wanted.”
The boy turned, but he didn’t say anything.
Joe guessed he wasn’t being clear enough. “I want you to stay. With me.”
“What about Kip?”
“He seemed pretty excited about the idea.” Joe watched Jarrah’s tail, wishing it would tell him this was going well. He checked, “Is two dads okay?”
And just like that, the boy’s face transformed. “You love me that much?”
Joe nodded.
“Kip, too?”
He wasn’t sure if the boy wanted to know if Kip loved him or if Joe loved Kip, but it probably didn’t matter. “The three of us would be a family.”
“And I can be a farmer?”
“If that’s what you want, sure. I’ll teach you everything I know.”
Jarrah dropped his stick and bounced up into catching range. Joe held him, and they searched each other’s faces from close quarters.
“I’m always in trouble.”
“Okay.”
“I ask lots of questions.”
“Okay.”
“I want a kitten.”
“Okay.”
“You love me that much?” he repeated in awed tones.
Joe smiled, wondering why a kitten had been the tipping point of amazement. “I like this plan, and you like this plan …?”
Jarrah nodded eagerly.
“Then let’s go see if Argent likes this plan.”
The boy’s excitement bled away, and Joe was almost positive that it had only just occurred to Jarrah that staying here meant giving up his place at Stately House.