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The sirl stared at him "Trees?"

"Sure," he replied

"Flowers?"

"Trees, flowers, ani"

Haley looked at hi this up"

Carter ss, you’ll see"

"I still want to keep him," Riley insisted

"Maybe so And I’s in the grass, with the other toads who know him Plus, your mama would pitch a fit she knew I let you keep him"

"I told you," Haley o on now You can play with him a bit if you like, but leave him be after that"

They scampered away Carter rose to put on his shirt and sat back down The sun was mild on his face in the dappled shade of the live oaks; from far away, he heard a quiet wash of traffic A fewa tray of the pros Riley’s had ketchup and cheese, Haley’s mustard; Carter’s had all three For herself, Rachel had made a salad She returned to the kitchen and ca of chips, then once irls, a pitcher of tea for the grown-ups

"Riley found a toad," Carter res onto plates and laid out napkins "Of course she did I’ you said no" She looked up and raised her voice "Girls, cos and chips and drank their tea and milk Afterward, cherry popsicles for dessert By the ti to fade Usually Riley took a nap after lunch; Haley would put up a fuss but wasn’t too old for one, especially after thein the pool in the hot sun With proirls into the house, Carter carrying Riley, as already half asleep In the girls’ bedroom, he passed her off to Rachel, who removed Riley’s damp suit, replaced it with a T-shirt and underpants, and tucked her into bed Haley was already under the covers