"That's true enough," Theodore laughed. "The best we can do is learn from the mistakes of those who came before us, and hope and pray we don't repeat them," he said, before adding with another chuckle: "Though to be honest, I'm winging it about ninety-five percent of the time, particularly when it comes to Elaine." He inspected their work as he spoke on a little bit more of the challenges of raising a daughter, of two men raising a daughter, when they'd had mothers absent from their lives.
Finally, he nodded his approval. "I think this will do, and we've done a tremendous job. It might even deserve a second helping of dessert." He started wandering toward where the pumpkin roll still sat on the island in its little clear plastic container, fully intending to turn "might" into reality. "I don't think she will - she rarely does - but if so, I'll have the place ready for her, if she wants to spend Christmas here. If not, we'll go back to Salem while she's home. I'm a pushover, so really, it will be whatever she wants."