Page 5 of Alder Woodacre and the Acorns of Affection (Amaranthine Interludes #3)

During the first week of February, the whole family gathered for dinner. Ash was home, which made Tami at least twice as happy as usual. And Kip had brought home extra guests from school—Faisel Longsweep and Harrison Peck.

Joe chose a small table on the fringes of activity and busied himself with a bowl of nuts and a cracker. Hands occupied, he listened. This was definitely a meeting, but not quite school business and not quite enclave business. They kind of overlapped, but this was a whole lot more personal.

“Time’s just flying by,” Harrison said, his voice full of emotion. “Too fast to hold onto.”

“I wouldn’t say that.” Ash reached over and set a hand on the man’s shoulder. “You never waste a moment.”

The man flashed a grateful smile. “Maybe it’s just that I’m more aware of them lately. And thanks to Jacques … gosh. I feel so lucky.”

A little over a year ago, Harrison had been whisked away to Stately House for Christmas, and he’d returned …

different. It had worried Tami enough that Joe had picked up on it, and the change had led to several meetings just like this one.

Harrison had wanted advice, and the founders of the two enclaves had become his advisory board.

Even Cyril Sunfletch had been in attendance, which was pretty amazing if you thought about it.

But the President of the United States considered Harrison a friend and had wanted a part in the decision.

It was a big one.

Argent Mettlebright had promised Harrison Peck a golden seed. And he’d offered the man a permanent home and a teaching position at Stately House. Accepting would mean Harrison’s resignation from his position at Landmark Elementary. And leaving for good.

While Tami and the rest tried to be supportive, Joe could tell that nobody really wanted Harrison to go.

He was a fixture.

A friend to all.

A local celebrity.

Beloved for Bingo Night, bowties, and always being there for the kids.

Doon-wen Nightspangle had begun by looking into expanding Biddie’s sanctuary into an Amaranthine Grove, which would open the way for a Scattering.

Bringing in more tree-kin had always been part of their long-range plan, but getting permission wasn’t going so well.

Thanks to Ash’s television series, Red Gate Farm was a popular tourist destination.

They were open to the public, with hundreds of people coming and going on the daily.

That number jumped into the thousands during October, when the corn maze opened up.

Even with Jiminy’s barriers, they weren’t secure enough.

Harrison could plant his seed anyhow.

The enclave would protect him, and he could stay.

But was that best? Only he could decide.

Then last summer, Harrison had gone to Japan, something he’d been doing ever since meeting Jacques Smythe. And when he came back, it was with a decision. He gave notice. This year was going to be his final year at Landmark Elementary. But nobody had known how to break it to the community.

So … they’d waited.

Joe thought Tami was half-hoping that Harrison would change his mind, but Joe knew resolve when he saw it.

And a longing that was probably a kind of love.

Harrison Peck would always treasure them, but he belonged somewhere else now.

Maybe even belonged to someone else. At least, that’s how it seemed to Joe.

“I feel lucky,” Harrison repeated. “But also … selfish? Like I’m abandoning you.

Or … leaving something unfinished …? But I’m sure .

I’ll spend my remaining years at Stately House.

I know you can all carry on without me. The kids already love Faisel, and I’m sure we’ll find just the right person to take over Bingo Night. ”

“Then we move forward,” said Tami. “When do you want to make the announcement? It should be sooner than later. To give everyone time to get used to the idea. And also to celebrate with you.”

“Yes. I agree that sooner is better.” Harrison looked Faisel’s way.

The avian made the handsign for secrecy. “I’ve been in communication with Lord Mettlebright’s cortege, and while nothing’s been disclosed, everything’s set. He’ll be here when Harrison makes his announcement.”

“And not alone.” Harrison pressed a hand over his heart. “Argent’s bringing some of the children— his children—to help me explain.”