It was shortly past 6:30PM when Ben met up with Ashley and the teens on Catherine's front step. They had a couple of small suitcases with them and Ben was carrying the clamp-on highchair for Catherine's dining room table. Ashley smiled at his thoughtfulness.

"Is Tina not coming?" she asked.

"Tina's otherwise occupied this evening and incredibly, she's not a big fan of pizza. Crazy, right?" he said to the teens who gave him a grin. He could see they were becoming much more comfortable around him.

Catherine pulled the door open with a big smile and welcomed them in. Ben made the introductions and their host insisted they all...