Doug said, “I think I might be the only person in the world who likes moving. It’s always exciting to think about all of the new opportunities. I guess I’m not crazy about it for myself, because of all of the work involved, but I love to help others move.”

“Well, maybe you want to just pitch right in with the movers then. I’m sure they could use two more strong arms and a solid back,” said Jeffrey.

“Oh, I’m happy enjoying the physical labor vicariously. Still, it’s great to watch. Is everything in order? Have you talked to the movers?”

Andrew said, “I spoke with their crew leader just a few minutes ago, and they have it all under control. Can the two of you keep an eye on things while I go try to calm Vincent down? He’s a nervous wreck, and I think I know what’s bugging him. Better than that, I know how to bring him down to earth, too.”

As Andrew approached, Vincent said to Mandy, “Why don’t you go check your room one last time and make sure they have everything packed up that isn’t going in the car or to Chicago with you and Cathy. I need to talk to Andrew for a moment. Cathy should be here any minute.”

Mandy said, “I think it’s all packed up, but I’ll check one last time.” Andrew saw a brief smile on Vincent’s face as Mandy bounded up the stairs.

Andrew offered a hug and said, “I’ve been looking forward to this day, and I thought you were, too. You look like a nervous wreck.” He could feel Vincent’s grip, and it was firm, almost clinging.

Vincent said, “I am happy about the move, but I’m worried about her grandparents. I know that she saw us, Andrew, and I have heard nothing but silence since. I don’t know what Charlotte thinks. She gets like this when she’s upset about something. She says nothing. You know thoughts are churning away in her head, but she never shows her cards.”

Andrew held on tight and said, “I’ve got a gut feeling that it’s all going to be alright. You have nothing to cause any undue worry. Just enjoy the ride. Moving is a big roller coaster ride, and, instead of fixating on Charlotte, look forward to tomorrow night in the hotel downtown with me. We’re going to celebrate all night long.”

“I’m trying. I am. Why are you so confident?”

Andrew grinned and said, “Just wait and see.”

The front door was wide open to make passage easy for the movers. Both Andrew and Vincent heard a knock on the doorframe and turned to see Cathy arriving with a warm, genuine smile on her face. She said, “It’s the big day! I’m so excited for all of you! Come here and hug me, Vincent.”

“I’m happy to see you,” said Vincent as he hugged her tight. “Mandy is upstairs, and she should be back down in a minute. I had her make a last minute check in her bedroom.”

Cathy turned to Andrew to hug him as well and whispered, “Has she…”

He replied, “Shh, not yet. I hope she gets her soon. Vincent is a mess. He’s shaking like a leaf.”

Mandy bounded down the stairs taking them two at a time. Vincent cringed and said, “One step at a time, Mandy, please. I don’t think I can handle any accidents today.”

“Aww, Dad, you worry too much,” said Mandy.

Cathy received her third big hug and asked, “Are you ready for Chicago?”

“I can’t wait!” said Mandy. She pointed at the black suitcase on the floor and said, “I’m all packed. Dad suggested that I pack a smaller bag inside to bring home the new clothes.”

Cathy nodded and smiled, saying, “That is good planning.”

Andrew watched Vincent’s jaw drop. He followed the direction of Vincent’s stare to see Charlotte walking up the steps to the porch. She was wearing a sophisticated powder-blue dress and carried a large box with both hands. Henry followed at her shoulder.

Vincent gasped, “Charlotte, I didn’t expect to see you here.”

In a cheerful voice, Charlotte said, “Oh, we wouldn’t miss such a momentous occasion.”

“What’s in the box, Grandma?” asked Mandy.

“Does anyone like donuts?”

“I know I do,” piped up Andrew.

Charlotte passed the box to Andrew and addressed Vincent directly. She said, “You have a good man here, Vincent. I’m sure that you understand that.”

Vincent was struck speechless. Andrew chuckled softly as he found a large box to act as a small table for the container of donuts. He whispered, “Mmm, sprinkles.”

Finally, Vincent said, “But I don’t know…” His voice trailed off when Charlotte began speaking again.

She said, “I must apologize for leaving the festival so abruptly. I have to admit that I was shocked to see you with Andrew. I’m still sad that you didn’t introduce us to him sooner, but he got in touch with us later that night.”

“He did?” asked Vincent. He glanced at Andrew who was already biting into a chocolate-frosted donut with multi-colored sprinkles.

“Like a true gentleman, he invited Henry and me to lunch. Cathy joined us, and we all had a very enlightening conversation.”

“You did?” asked Vincent. “Why didn’t anybody tell me.”

“It was my idea to keep it quiet until today,” said Charlotte. “I hope I didn’t cause too much concern.”

Vincent reached up and wiped at his left eye. He tried to prevent any tears and smiled weakly saying, “No, not too much.”

Andrew held out the donut and said, “Here, have a bite. Charlotte and Henry are a lot of fun when you get to know them.”

Henry was silent as Charlotte spoke, but his beaming smile told everything about his thoughts. Charlotte said, “Andrew is fearless, and he’s a keeper, Vincent. My best advice is not to let him go.”

Vincent took a bite of the donut and laughed. He tried to chew quickly before swallowing. He said, “Letting Andrew go is not in the plans. I hope he wants to hang on to me.”

Cathy said, “Well, this is all heartwarming and sweet, but Mandy and I need to get going. I hope to arrive at the hotel by dinner time. I don’t like to drive after dark if I can avoid it.”

Everyone shared hugs all the way around. Charlotte said, “And Henry and I will be going, too. You have so much work to do here. I expect that we will be among the first guests invited when the new house is in order and ready for accepting visitors.”

“Of course,” said Vincent. “Have you seen it yet?”

Henry finally spoke up. He said, “We drove past it yesterday. The lines are stunning, and the landscaping matches perfectly.”

Charlotte added, “I can’t wait to see Andrew’s work inside.”

Andrew licked chocolate frosting from his fingertips. He said, “I hope I’m invited, too. I want to see the looks on Charlotte’s and Henry’s faces when they see the inside of the house.”