David smiled, "Yes, I would like that. With a little practice, I just might be able to beat this young man."
Joey blushed and, to change the subject, asked "Where's Dad? He is planning on coming home for dinner, isn't he Mom?"
"Yes, though he'll be a little late." Edith turned to David. "I hope you don't mind. I'm afraid Mr. Pearson takes his business quite seriously. He called earlier to say the widow Turner's garbage disposal went a little crazy and he promised to get her a new one installed tonight. I swear, everyone in this town takes advantage of him."
"Oh, Mom, you know how Dad is. He just can't say no. But I agree that a broken garbage disposal isn't exactly what I'd call an emergency," said Sara.
"Well, I'm sure he'll be here shortly," Edith looked at her watch, then at the mantle clock. "That damned clock! I'm going to throw it out someday!"
"Mother!" cried Sara, shocked.
.Edith ignored her daughter and got up. "I have to check things in the kitchen. Joey would you please take over your father's job of slicing the roast for me?"
"Sure Mom." He got up and followed her out of the room.
Sara plopped into the old maple rocker next to David on the sofa and gazed into the fire. "I love fireplaces, don't you?" She turned to David, who nodded. He held her eyes, and there was an awkward silence. In an attempt to break it, Sara asked, "So you're planning on restoring the old Miller farm?"
His face lit up. "Yes, I've never done anything like this before, and I'm looking forward to the challenge. I understand the Millers grew some fine apples, and I hope to live up to their reputation."
Just then, Edward Pearson came in the front door. Edith came running out of the kitchen and gave her husband a kiss.
"Welcome home, dear. You're just in time. We were just about to start without you ... What's this?" she asked, pointing to the flat box he was carrying.
"Oh, Mrs. Turner felt so bad about keeping me so late that she gave me this cherry pie." He wrinkled his nose. "I didn't have the heart to tell her I hate cherry pie."
They all laughed at that, then Edith ushered them all into the dining room where the sight and smell of an old fashioned pot roast dinner made their mouths water with anticipation. There were boiled potatoes, carrots, and turnips, freshly baked Parker House rolls, and of course, plenty of meat and gravy. David couldn't remember how long it had been since he had sat down to a meal such as this, and he expressed his appreciation by having seconds.