Archibald walked over carrying the snack bag. "Shall I give you all a ride home?"
"No need," Ned said. "I'll take them home."
Archibald glanced at him, then smiled. "Alright. Then I'll take Emily and Victoria?"
Victoria nodded. "Thank you, Archibald. You haven't visited the house in a long time. Come by whenever you have time."
Emily stood beside Victoria and looked at Sophie. "Aunt Sophie, can I really come play at your house next week?" Her big eyes were filled with careful, hopeful expectation.
"On Sunday, I'll be taking Ella and the others to Grandma's house for dinner," Sophie said. "You'll be there too, right?"
Emily smiled brightly and clapped her hands with joy. "That's great! That's great! We can play together again!"
"Let's go, we're heading home." Victoria took Emily's hand and walked toward Archibald's car.
When the car stopped at the villa entrance, Black was carried out. Half-asleep, he mumbled "Daddy" before falling asleep again.
