Before I could object, Sarah answered. "Of course, honey. Mom, you want to...?" Sarah motioned into the family room with her head.

Maggie's face brightened. "I'd love to."

"Heidi, can my mom come, too? Is that okay, Ms. Walker?"

Heidi turned to Maggie and nodded shyly, and the three of them headed off into the next room. An obvious look of bemusement covered my face, and Ted's ginger bearded face broke into a grin.

"She doesn't usually call you 'Ms. Walker', does she?"

"No, not since the first few weeks. I don't know why she's doing it now." I turned my head after them, still feeling a little hurt.

Ted...