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What do you want to play?”
    “Mom just taught us Rock, Paper, Scissors. Do you know how to play that?” asked Little Charlie.
    This bit of information was refreshing. At least my sister’s been spending time with them now, thought Anne. She demonstrated her best Rock, Paper, Scissor skills for the boys who laughed.
    Mary began to usher the boys away. “Okay, time to leave Aunt Anne alone.” Mary grabbed the trays that held the remains of the kids’ afternoon snacks. There was one Twinkie left. As she headed for the kitchen, Mary unwrapped it.
    Over her shoulder she said to Anne, “Hurry up and take a shower, Sis, we’re expected at my in-laws in an hour.” Anne nodded and began picking up her bags.
    Mary returned tray-free and with a half-eaten Twinkie in hand. “I’m not looking forward to tonight though. It wouldn’t be so bad if Clara would stop giving the boys candy. After Grandma has them sufficiently wound up on a sugarhigh, guess who gets to take them home?…ME! I try so hard to only feed the boys healthy snacks.”
    Anne looked with raised eyebrows at the Twinkie. “Where’s Charles?” she asked instead, changing the subject.
    “Hunting…where else?” Mary replied with disgust. “You know, Anne, I think Charles does it to provoke me.” Mary inhaled the last bite of Twinkie, continuing to talk with her mouth full, “But the one thing you can count on is that he’ll be home in time for dinner. All he thinks about is hunting and food! But me, I hardly have an appetite these days, what with me feeling so ill.” Anne smiled at Mary’s exasperated expression and very healthy appetite.

Chapter 8
     
    Mary’s in-laws, Stanley and Clara Musgrove, were the kindest and most welcoming couple. There was no lack of love or warmth in their company, and that trait extended to their children. Charles was the oldest followed by Louise and Etta. Both girls were now out of high school. Louise was almost twenty-one and Etta, nineteen.
    When Mary, Anne and the boys arrived at the Musgrove’s that evening, they let themselves in the front door. They were greeted by laughter and voices coming from the den.
    “We’re in here!” Clara yelled.
    Following Mary into the den, Anne walked in holding the hands of her nephews to find the family enjoying a round of cards.
    The Musgrove’s home looked like something out of Better Homes and Gardens . The style was simple but elegant, and flowers were always in season. Mrs. Musgrove had a very green thumb.
    “Anne!”Louise and Etta cried out with excitement.
    At spotting their grandpa, Little Charlie and Nicholas ran to him for a hug before quickly turning to their grandma who was always ready to embrace them. She whispered to the boys, “Come quickly into the kitchen; I just baked snickerdoodles!”
    Clara was a heavyset woman, but the extra padding suited her. She had a youthfulness about her despite her age, andwas always ready to be of help. She had the biggest heart of anybody Anne knew.
    As Clara returned from her errand of treating the boys, she exclaimed, “Oh, Anne! We’re so glad you’re here! The girls were so excited to hear you were coming.”
    “Anne, come and sit,” Mr. Musgrove said as he patted the seat nearest himself and his wife.
    Anne glanced at Mary who looked slightly miffed at the attention Anne was receiving. Mrs. Musgrove noticed the exchange. “You too, Mary,” she added diplomatically.
    “How was your drive?” Louise eagerly asked Anne.
    Anne grimaced. “Wonderful, until I got a flat tire and had to walk a couple of miles with my luggage in tow.”
    “Yes, and she smelled something awful,” Mary quickly interjected. The snide comment caused a momentary silence after this disclosure. Anne blushed profusely, wondering why her sister always seemed to go out of her way to embarrass her.
    Thankfully, Stanley was a jolly, pleasant man with a good sense of humor. Although youthful in heart like his beloved Clara, his face showed his