Part 47 (1/2)

liked, and the idea of New York appealed. ”For the music and the

statement.”

”You go for the statement.” Stevie grinned. ”I'll go for the naked

birds.”

”We'll get Pete to fix it up. What do you say, Bev?”

She didn't like New York, but she could see Brian's mind was set. And

she didn't want to spoil the easy, peaceful mood of the last weeks.

”It'll be fun. Maybe we can take Darren and Emma to the zoo and through

Central Park before we fly home.”

EmmA WAS THRILLED. She remembered her first trip to New York well, the

big bed in the hotel room, the soaring thrill of standing on top of the

world, the glorious rides on the carousel in Central Park. She wanted to

share all of that with Darren.

She tried to explain all the wonders of it to him as they prepared for

the trip. As Alice Wallingsford packed up the nursery, she kept Darren

out of mischief with his favored farm.

”Moo cow,” he said, holding up the black spotted white piece from the

set. ”Want to see a moo cow.”

”I don't think we'll see a moo cow, but we'll see lions at the zoo.”

She made a roar that had him squealing.

”You're getting him too excited, Emma,” Alice said automatically. ”And

it's nearly bedtime.”

Emma just rolled her eyes as Darren danced around her. He was wearing

his Oshkosh overalls and little red Keds. For Emma's approval, he

struggled to do a sloppy somersault.

”All that energy.” Alice clucked her tongue, though in truth she was