This maneuver did not disturb Sherry at all. She moved another chair and sat down between her and Ken. Dottie had no choice but to move.

She walked to the sink in a huff and stood there glowering back at everyone in the room.

Ousted by a kid! she kept this thunderous thought to herself.

Sherry smiled sweetly at Ken when he glanced her way.

More coffee, please, Matt requested politely.

Me too, Ken requested.

Martha looked Dotties way.

You are standing right next to the coffee pot, she told her.

So you can serve these men more coffee, Sherry added to the womans humiliation.

Dottie did so in a huff. This done she went to the telephone on the wall.

I wonder who shes phoning? Sherry mused.

At a guess I would say a taxi, Martha replied.

Dottie stood with her back towards the table. She was not the only one in the room relieved when a taxi finally pulled into the yard. She collected her purse and was ready to leave.

Bye Dottie, Sherry said sweetly.

It was nice meeting you, Martha said in a sing song tone.

No one accompanied her to the taxi.

What was that all about? Matt inquired when the door closed behind her.

Nothing, really darling, Martha answered.

Oh yes it was something, Ken differed. I could see sparks flying between you three women. I want to know whats going on.

Dottie tried to convince Martha and me we are too immature and inexperience to hang onto our men, Sherry clarified. She tried driving a wedge between you and me as well as Matt and Martha.

She tried to convince both of us it wouldnt be us, but her, you two left for Regina with, Martha elaborated.

How absurd! Matt insisted. He put an arm around Marthas waist. Why would I want to leave with anyone but you? No one is going to drive a wedge between us. I love you.

I know, Matt, Martha assured him. And I love you.

I know who I will be leaving with, Ken said. He drew Sherry towards him. Mai tiwas, annwyl gwraig, Sherry.

Garth had taken this all in without a word. Now he looked at each of the foursome with respect.

If theres such a thing as true love in this world, then you four certainly have it, he commented.

Ken we have some business to discuss, Matt said, changing the subject.

What business is that? Ken wanted to know. Travel arrangements, Matt breached the subject without preliminaries. You know my car is unoperational and I dont have the money to repair it. I must confess I used up the last of the money buying refreshments for the party last night.

And? Ken prompted when his friend paused.

I was wondering; can Martha and I travel with you and Sherry?

Absolutely, ken replied without hesitation. I would hate to see my best friend and his wife walking.

Thanks Pal, Matt said.

Car doors opened and closed.

That will be a neighbor bringing home the children, Meg said.

Soon two girls and a boy noisily burst through the door into the kitchen. They went to Matt and Sherry for hugs and greetings then were introduced to Ken and Martha.

Its Uncle Ken and Aunt Martha now, Garth informed the children. Uncle Ken married Aunt Sherry and that makes him family now. Aunt Martha married Uncle Matt so shes family now, also. Exciting isnt it?

Will you play for us? the oldest of the three inquired.

You mean me alone? ken asked.

No, both of you, the youngest explained.

Sure, ken answered, as he knew Matt expected him to.

Instruments were brought from the car.

Ken, Sherry began, seeing that this is Sunday, Martha and I were wondering about church this evening.

Ken let out a loud groan.

Oh no!

And dont bother me about church either, Matt commanded Martha.

But we thought if we went in our own we wouldnt have to bother you two, Martha pleaded.

I said dont bother me, Matt said in answer.

No, Ken said promptly. Sherry you are not taking the car out over that muddy road. You are not experience in mud like that.

I am. I can drive them into town, Meg offered.

Ken and Matt exchanged looks.

All right, ken consented.

He handed Meg the car keys

But dont linger after church, Matt instructed Martha.

We wont, Martha assured him.

With Garths permission to use the bathroom to freshen up, Martha and Sherry were soon ready to leave for church.

The boys are already outside coaxing music from those strings, Sherry commented.

I want to talk to Matt before we go and let him know were going, Martha said.

She detoured that way on their way to the car.

We will come home right after the service is over, she assured her husband.

Have fun, Sherry said. I know you two can hold an audience captive for hours if not days.

While they played, Ken actually felt a twinge of guilt for not going to church with his wife or at least driving her and the girls into town so they could attend.

Matt suddenly felt a wave of homesickness sweep over him. He had a flashback of peaceful Sunday evenings at home when his family attended church

Why was he here playing tunes on the fiddle that offered no spiritual value at all? Instead he sang of unhappy marriages and love affairs, of broken homes and straying from ones partner.