Clare took the photo and walked past him to sit down. “Oh, look at them. They’re adorable.” They each had a full head of shiny dark hair—his hair—eyes that appeared to be hazel, and were clearly identical. She handed the photo back to him. “How do you tell them apart?”

“We put their initials on their diapers with a marker,” he said. “Andi ordered ID bracelets with their names on them, but they haven’t come in yet.” He checked his watch. “I wonder where Kate is? I told her to be here at four.”

“She didn’t get your punctuality gene. Give her a few minutes and then we can try her cell phone.”

“What did you want to talk to me about?”

“Let’s talk to Kate first.” Clare heard a car door close outside. “Here she comes.”

Kate burst through the front door. “Hey, sorry, have you been waiting long?” She kissed them and flopped down on the sofa.

“No, I just got here,” Jack said.

“I was out doing a few things and got stuck in a huge line at Target.”

Jack groaned. “Ah yes, Target, where my daughters spend half my annual income,” he said with a grin. “I should buy stock in the company.”

“Very funny, Dad, but I spent my own money,” Kate said, sticking her tongue out at him.

Jack turned to Clare with a look of disbelief. “Did you hear that? She spent her own money? Is that what she said?”

Clare laughed even though she didn’t want to be sucked into his easy charm and effortless humor. His amused befuddlement over their daughters had always been something she adored about him. “I think that’s what she said. Well, Jack, you called this meeting. What’s on your mind?”

“I was just thinking we should talk about your move, Kate, and what happens after you get there.”

“I’m glad you asked about that. I’ve made a few plans I want to tell you about, but first I just want to thank you again for letting me do this. I know it’s not easy for you, and you’d rather be sending me to college.”

“We want you to be happy,” Jack said, reaching over to squeeze her hand. “Why don’t you tell us about these plans you’ve made?”

“I’ve signed up at Belmont University to take a couple of classes.”

“You have?” Clare asked, stunned.

Kate nodded. “Belmont has an excellent Entertainment and Music Business program. I’m not saying I’m going to get a degree, but if this is going to be my business, I figured I’d give it a shot. I’m taking Survey of Music Business and Survey of Recording Technology starting in January.”

Jack and Clare exchanged glances as she continued.