Okay.

The man walked back to the moving truck and began talking indistinctively to his partners.

Bette turned and looked at the little girl in the car seat that was beginning to stir. She smiled as the girl began sucking on her thumb and slowly opening her eyes.

Hey sweetie. We’re here.

Out.

Okay. Bette unbuckled the little girl and held her in arms.

Cup.

I don’t have a cup right now, but I’ll get you one as soon as I can get to the cooler. Is that okay?

Mmhhmm

Don’t you want to get down and walk around? We’ve been in the car for long time.

No.

A red Mercedes SUV pulled up in the driveway behind the truck. A blonde man got out of the car. Back in New York, Bette would have known for sure that the man was gay, but in Georgia she wasn’t to confidant in her gay dar.

Ms Porter?

Please call me Bette.

Welcome to Georgia.

Thank you.

It’s an honor to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you.

I hope all good.

Yes. We are all excited for you to take over at SCAD.

I’m sorry.

Oh SCAD is what we call the art school.

Oh ok.

You know us southerners cuttin’ everythin’ short. Just kidding. Who is this adorable little darlin’.

This is my daughter Page. Page can you tell Mr. Stokes hello?

No.

Sorry she just woke up.

It’s fine. I have one about her age at home and he’s the same way.

Oh.

Well should we get inside where it’s cool. I took the liberty of coming by this mornin’ and cuttin’ on the air condition.

No I don’t mind.

You know this house has quite the history. It was built in 1823. It survived Sherman’s march. Months before General Lee camped here on the property with his men.

I knew that it was built in 1823, but I had no idea about the rest.

You’ll see that in the south we take The War very seriously.

I’ve heard.

How was your drive? He led them up the 16 stairs to the wrap around porch.

It was pleasant. The country side is so beautiful. The trees in New York lost their leaves months ago. We are defiantly going to have to adjust to the weather.

You won’t be needin’ any heavy jackets that’s for sure.

It’s hard to believe that it’s December and it’s 70 degrees out.

February and March are our coldest months and then it only gets down into the 50’s during the day.

You here that sweetie lots of time to play out side.

Page was now perked up and looking around. She pointed at an old wooden swing hanging from and Oak tree.

Now you want to go play. We’ll go play after Mr. Stokes us our new home. Don’t you want to see your new room?

I want to swing! Page removed her thumb long enough to speak.

Why don’t you girls go have a swing? I’ll just make sure everything is up and running.

Okay I’ll just be a moment. Just two pushes on the swing and then we have to come back inside. Okay?

Okay. Page struggled to get out of Bette’s arms. Caleb smiled at how overprotective Bette was being.

Careful on the stairs honey.

Page held onto the rails as she made her way down the stairs. Bette walked next to her holding one hand. Page let go of Bette’s hand and ran towards the swing as soon as they hit the brick pathway.

Careful sweetie.

Page laid on the swing on her stomach and pushed off the ground hard. She soared into the air giggling.

Do you want me to push you?

No.

The small girl swayed back and forth as the tree limp swayed back. When she slowed she stopped herself and pushed off again. Bette watched. She was sure in that moment that she had made the right decision for her daughter.