Chapter Forty-eight

“There they are!” Alfred exclaimed when they finally showed up in the dining room. “I thought I was going to have to eat all alone this morning.”

“Good morning, Uncle Alfred,” said Derek, going over to where his godfather sat, to give him a quick hug. “I thought you would still be sleeping by now.”

“Ah, no. I don’t sleep much but I was pretty knocked out when my body hit my bed after that fabulous party,” he laughed.

“Good morning, Alfred. Thank you again for the party,” said Rachel with a smile.

“If I got a dollar for each time you say ‘thank you’, my fortune might double before your visit is over,” Alfred laughed.

“I just don’t know how else to express my gratitude to you,” she explained.

“It’s ok, dear. You deserved that and more,” replied Alfred. “Oh, is that my Zoe bear?”

“Yes!” Said Zoe with a giggle.

“Come here, darling. Come and give grandpa a hug,” said Alfred with open arms.

She happily ran to him and let him scoop her up on his lap. Elaine walked in from the kitchen and off