“If only the term didn’t last five years.”She pretended a regretful sigh.“Anyhow, John and I travel far too much to stick around for council meetings on inoculating cows.”
“Would you rather have ill cows?”Nate prodded.
John came to Sophia’s defense: “Someone must keep the family in touch with the parts of society that haven’t yet adopted radical viewpoints.Consider us your ambassadors.”
“Ah, John, you are certainly the most diplomatic of us all,” Sophia said, glowing.
“Does that make Nate and me the armed forces?”asked Amy.“Are we to do battle on the southern front to keep the Home Office from sending in the militia to quell this democratic uprising?”
“I do still have my uniform,” said Nate, grinning.
Caroline shook her head.“None of you need do anything except reply to my letters in a prompt and considerate manner.”
Eddie, who was cradling baby Thomas, touched his head to Caroline’s.“A little love can go a long way, after all.”
Of all the joys Martin could count that day, having his children together, their approval and goodwill flowing as easily as the music from Hamlyn’s violin, felt the most precious of all.He reached across the table.“Don’t you think it’s good form to let the bride and groom hold the baby?”
Baby Thomas sneezed, as if to voice his agreement.Eddie laughed and stood to transfer the baby to Martin’s arms.“You must be the expert of these Preston sneezes, sir.”
“Those he comes by honestly from his grandmother Lolly,” Martin corrected, tucking the baby in the crook of his elbow.
Martha huddled close, leaning in to let Thomas wrap his strong hand around her finger.“You have quite the future ahead of you,” she murmured to him.“You spring from so much love, and so many wonderful role models, starting with your grandfather, who is a great and kind man.”
“And that’s just the beginning of how I would describe Mr.Chow,” joked Nate.
Martin smiled in agreement.“What a wonderful future Thomas has.He can learn from two cultures with great histories.He will see the world so differently than I ever did.And he can benefit from all the education we insist on giving him without the burden of knowing he must do anything in particular—except live.Live, and live well, my dear baby Thomas.”
“And always do the right thing,” added Martha.“But that will come naturally…”
In unison—almost as if they had planned it—Caroline and Eddie and Nate and Amy and Sophia and John all joined her to finish the sentence:
“Because you’re a Preston.”
And Martin resisted the urge to complicate the sentiment.
