Heron Lake Plateau the world grows older every day.

Elwood couldn't help but roll his eyes and chuckle, despite the serious tone the conversation had taken. "Dear, I think we crossed that line as soon as Eljay was born," he said. He was only joking, but there was a bit of unacknowledged truth to it; wasn't that the reason Eljay was so sensitive and family-oriented, while each litter of children after that had been progressively more independent?

"So what's the plan?" he asked after a beat. Then, with the teasing timbre creeping back into his voice, he said, "Who's your top choice for him?" He really did want to try to help Eljay find a loving, long-lasting relationship, but they could have a little fun while doing it, right? And, if he was being honest, this would be Finley's show to run and he would happily be her backup.