She had stopped on the way home to pick up a few groceries, and that had led to a full shopping cart and three bags to now unload. Rather than make several trips to the van, Shiloh juggled two bags in one arm and carried the third by its handle. Where were those boys when you needed them? She managed to open the garage door leading into the kitchen and set the bags on one of the granite counters without making a mess. She dashed back to the car to retrieve her gifts from her school colleagues, including the remainder of the red velvet cake and her balloons. This time when she entered and closed the door behind her, the scent of spaghetti shocked her speechless. There, atop the stove, was the simmering pot and next to it, a pan of uncooked, buttered garlic bread waiting to be put into the oven and toasted. “Hello!” she called. “Who’s been in my kitchen and where is my family?” After a few minutes, David came running and hugged her around the waist. “Hi, Mommy! Daddy cooked dinner; are you surprised?”
