Certainly not the Bains' reactions, she discovered as soon as they came into the room and Dave started introducing them around. The two she'd sent to help had obviously given them a thorough briefing; they fit in as if they'd been part of the group for months, leaving Cortin with no doubt that Betty'd be marrying in fairly soon. She was the last to be introduced, and she saw concern on the two men's faces as they approached. Bain made the introductions, then said, "We heard what's started happening to you at Mass. Does it . . . Are you all right?" "It's painless, and I'm fine. Once I get cleaned up, anyway. What about you?" Pritchett looked at his gloved hands, then at hers. "No pain--but what do they mean?" Cortin explained as she had to the others earlier, then went on to tell them the rest of her vision, pleased to see their expressions go from worry to satisfaction. "What about the others?" Pritchett asked. "Brad and Ivan yes, Edward and Ursula I don't know; I haven't seen them since." "Doesn't seem right, somehow, to keep them covered," Pritchett said slowly. "Now I know what they mean, I think they should be seen." Cortin looked at him in momentary puzzlement, then shook her head ruefully and removed her gloves, tucking them in the back of her belt. "You're absolutely right, Tiny--with the meaning changed, they should be. I suppose wearing gloves has gotten to be so much of a habit it simply never occurred to me not to." The older boy tugged on her sleeve. "Can I see, Gramma Joan?" Cortin knelt, extending her hands to the three children. "Of course, Luke--and Kateri, and George. God willing, you'll have them yourselves some day." "Pretty," Kateri stated unequivocally. "Want now." "Sorry, sweetheart," Cortin said. "You can't have them till you're older--but I can offer you some milk and gingerbread our cook made special for you." "Okay." With that, the three hurried unerringly toward the refreshment table and Cortin rose, chuckling. "I apologize for their rudeness, Excellency," Betty said. "I am teaching them better manners than that--I'm afraid the trip and the excitement have taken their toll." "I understand perfectly," Cortin said. "Despite what some people say, I was a child myself once. And Dave should have told you: in private, I'm Joan." "He did--but I wasn't sure." Betty hesitated. "He and Tiny have told me so much about you and the team that I feel I've known you all for years. I don't know how to thank you for inviting us into your home, though. Or wanting us to be part of your family." "No thanks necessary." Cortin gestured at the children, who were eagerly devouring milk and gingerbread. "They, and the child Sis is carrying, are the reason for families--or Families." She smiled. "I think I'm going to like being Gramma Joan. I gather you intend to accept their proposal, then." "Yes--though I'm not at all sure about taking part in group sex."