“We could do it at the restaurant,” Grant’s new wife, Stephanie, said. “We’re open on weekends in the winter, but we could shut down on a Saturday night for a private party. I’ll look at the calendar and give you some dates.”

“That would be perfect,” Mac said. “What does everyone else think?”

“I can’t believe they’ve been married forty years,” Frank said. “That makes me feel older than dirt.”

“You are older than dirt, Dad,” Laura said with a teasing smile.

“Gee, thanks a lot, hon.”

“We know better, don’t we?” Frank’s girlfriend, Betsy, said to groans from Laura and Frank’s son, Shane.

“So gross,” Shane said.

Frank grinned at Betsy. “See why I love her?”

Mac’s Uncle Kevin got up and walked over to the big windows that looked over the meadow behind the house. Normally, the view stretched all the way to the ocean in the distance, but today the low clouds hampered the visibility.

While the others hashed out ideas for the party, Mac went over to check on his uncle. “How you doing, Kev?”

“I’m good.”

“Are you really?”

Kevin shrugged. “Just getting used to the fact that I’ll never have a fortieth anniversary. Hell, I won’t have a thirtieth either. Just missed.”

“I’m sorry about you and Aunt Deb.”

“Thanks. It’s a bummer, but it is what it is.”

“There’s really no hope for reconciliation?”

“Nope. She’s off enjoying her new romance with a younger guy of all things.”

“Is it a mid-life crisis?”

“Could be. But what does it matter? She’s gone.”

Mac squeezed his uncle’s shoulder. “I’m really sorry, Kev. And I’m sorry if I threw salt in the wound by bringing up my parents’ anniversary in front of you.”

“Don’t be silly. Of course we need to celebrate them. They’re the best couple we all know.” He smiled at Mac. “Go on over there and figure out a plan. I’ll be okay. It’s just going to take some time to figure out what’s next.”

“Have you told Riley and Finn?”

“Yeah, we have, and they’re taking it hard. They’re angry with her, but I’ve tried to tell them this is between her and me, and there’s no need to get pissed. But they don’t see it that way.”

“Hopefully, they’ll work things out with her in time.”

“We’ll see.”

“We’re glad to have you here with us in the meantime.”

“It’s good to be here. It’s been years since I took any real time off, so I was due, and where else would I rather be than here with all of you?”

“Mac,” Evan said. “Get over here.”