Page 43 of Alder Woodacre and the Acorns of Affection (Amaranthine Interludes #3)

Nightspangle wolves pitched in with members of the volunteer fire department to deal with parking.

Amaranthine entertainers on every street corner kept people strolling up and down Main Street.

And Harrison Peck—snazzed up with a metallic gold bowtie—headed a receiving line under a huge, striped tent that looked to have been borrowed from a circus.

Ash and Tami were in that line, along with most of the Stately House crossers. Boniface Smythe seemed to be in charge of keeping things moving.

Joe chose three BINGO cards and moved to a quiet table off on one side, preferring to stay well away from the limelight. A few moments later, Argent sat down across from him.

“Oh. Umm … hi.”

“I wanted a private word.” The fox deployed a delicate sigil before speaking again.

“Jarrah has always been … energetic. We employ a buddy system at Stately House, and from the start—even before he could walk—we assigned Jarrah two minders.

And so his closest companions have always been Nonny and Gilen.

“However, Nonny grew up.” Argent made a vague gesture. “And while Gilen would never complain, he has goals that would take him away from Stately House, if he was free to do so. In order to support the choices those two made, we were discussing possible alternatives, and Jacques brought up Kip.

“I had hoped the boy would take a shine to your bondmate. I am embarrassed to admit that I did not foresee your attachment.”

Joe said, “Jarrah belongs here.”

“He is inclined to agree. As am I.”

Argent blinked, sighed, and sat back as Kip sauntered up, scuttling Argent’s sigils with a sharp flick of his wrist. He had a couple of striped paper bags filled with mini doughnuts in one hand and a bright red metal pail dangling below them. With a too-tight smile, he asked, “Behind barriers?”

Taking an apologetic posture, Argent said, “I have no designs on your bondmate.”

“It’s still bad manners, separating a kit from the one he clings to.”

Joe checked to see where Jarrah was. The boy had stopped beside the next table to introduce himself to Gert of Gert’s Pies fame. He was already calling Joe his dad, but somehow, Kip was still Kip.

When Joe turned back, Argent had one of the bags of doughnuts, and Kip was swapping out the small bucket of dried field corn at the center of their table with the one he’d brought. They’d be covering their BINGO squares with acorns.

Argent created a new sigil under Kip’s watchful eye, then continued, “Please be aware that Jarrah’s official records will still carry the Mettlebright and Stately House crests.

For provenance, though the formality will also add to his protections.

However, you may register your son with a new surname and add your crests to those he is allowed to display. ”

Kip said, “Uncle Denny’s already on the paperwork.”

“And Jacques is making … other arrangements.” With an unusually open expression, Argent added, “I hope you will indulge my man. Despite protests to the contrary, he is fond of the boy and will miss him.”

Joe simply nodded.

Kip beckoned for more. “What’s your guy have in mind?”

“Knowing Jacques? Something appropriate.”