“Okay, okay,” Judy laughed. “I get the message.”
She lowered him gently to the ground and he darted over, passing Willow to get to Jensen.
“Just for a minute, Henry,” Judy said. “Daddy’s supposed to be chopping wood for me right now.”
“I was just taking a quick break, Ma,” Jensen said as he swept Henry up in his arms. “Are you going to chop some wood for me, buddy?”
Henry laughed, the bright sound like bells in the cold, still air.
“Okay, Henry,” Judy said. “You said your hellos. But I need your help setting the table.”
“Your favorite job,” Jensen said.
“No,”Henry wailed, snuggling his little face into the crook of Jensen’s neck.
“I could watch him down here if he wants to stay for a bit,” Willow offered. “If you think he would sit with me.”
“Do you want to sit with Willow while I chop some more wood?” Jensen asked.
Henry stayed snuggled into his daddy’s neck.
“Or do you want to go with Grandma?”
The little head shook right where it was.
“Okay, let’s go see Willow,” Jensen said, coming back to sit beside her again on the log.
“Knock, knock,” Willow said softly.
The little face peeked out at her curiously.
“Who’s there?” she asked.
Henry started wiggling, and Jensen let him slide to the ground. He stayed right by his daddy, but he was gazing at Willow, his eyes wide like he wasn’t sure, but willing to play along if there was a chance that she was about to be silly.
“Justin,” she said.
Henry took one step closer, eyes bright with anticipation.
“Justin who?” Judy asked.
“Justin time for dinner,”Willow replied.
“That’s a good one,” Judy chuckled.
When she looked over to Jensen’s mom, Willow felt something touch her knee. She turned back to see that Henry had let go of his dad’s legs and moved to hers. His little hand was on her knee and his eyes were sparkling like he couldn’t wait for her to do another one.
“Knock, knock,” she said again.
This time she waited. Henry didn’t answer, but he tapped her knee with his little hand in excitement.
“Who’s there?” Jensen asked.
“Wooden shoe,”she replied.
“Wooden shoe who?” he asked.
“Wooden shoe like to hear another joke?”she asked.
