Chapter 117

“Well, hello, Theo. How is everything in Washington?”

“Good, thanks. Everyone okay in Cambridge?”

“Yes, we’re all good…doing better. Now, what can I do for you?”

“You know Saturday is Wills’s birthday? I want to make him something special for dinner.”

“What a sweet idea. Hmm. I have his grandmother’s recipe for pot roast. It’s his father’s favorite, and Wills has always loved it too.”

“That sounds good.”

“Let me find it, and I’ll call you right back.”

“Okay, thanks.” While I waited I made a list of what I’d need to pick up: party hats, noisemakers, crepe paper streamers, balloons, candles…

Before the list got too out of hand, the phone rang.

“Do you have a pen and paper?”

“Yes. Go ahead.” I wrote down the directions, my mouth starting to water. “This is great. Thanks so much, Alice. I can put it in a Crock-Pot and let it slow cook while I make his birthday cake.”

“I’m glad our boy found you, Theo.”

So was I. “Thanks, Alice.” I cleared my throat. “Bye for now.”