it could happen

"I think it would be good, if..if we all got together." Gage told his mother he could grill some steaks. She wouldn't have to do much for this dinner with Dustin and his new girlfriend, Holly.

"Why are you telling me? Does Halie, even know?" Claire went on to fold more baby clothes before she got to the bath towels at the kitchen table.

"I'm gonna tell her," Gage said. "I just wanted to check with you first, see if..if you know, it was a good idea."

"It might be the worst idea." Claire shrugged. But if she must, she wouldn't mind a little gathering of Gage's friends.

"It probably will be." He sounded as if telling Halie about Dustin was worse than getting his wisdom teeth pulled. One more thing he needed to get done before September was over. She reminded him of his appointment. It would be best to get this over with, soon.

"I didn't think I'd like Dustin, but..you know, he was there for Alec, when he was born. I know..he misses him." Gage went back to washing dishes.

Claire nodded as she folded another towel.

"Maybe..maybe there has been enough time." Claire understood where Halie was coming from. "Its still hard for your father to see me. Granted, we knew each other a long time. We know each other's faults. Hopefully, Halie can remember what she liked about Dustin."

Claire knew they were still young. She remembered how impractical she was then. Of course, she'd been impractical most of her life.