Betty rolled her eyes. “Brad got involved in the television business and then the Internet business. They have two huge homes and are always on the run. He’s a little quiet for my taste, you know, the strong, silent type, but he’s been a good provider. And Diane’s happy. She hasn’t changed a bit. She tries to buy us things all the time but we won’t let her. We take care of ourselves. Right, honey?”

Ed nodded. “I never asked anybody for anything.” He took a monogrammed handkerchief out of his pocket. “Never will, either.”

“She sounds like an amazing person,” Scott said. “But how could she not be? She had two loving parents who gave her a good home, everything she needed, and raised her with the right values. Not every child is that lucky. That’s why I started a charity that helps children all over the world. Now Jillian will be working with me. She’s already been involved, of course. But now it’s official.”

“A charity for children?” Betty asked, her eyes widening. “How marvelous. I want to hear all about it. Scott, can I get you anything to drink?”

“No thanks, I’ll wait until lunch. It’s so great to see you two again,” he said as he sat in a chair opposite the couch where Betty and Ed were settling in.

“Scott, what’s your charity called?” Betty asked quickly.

A saintly expression came over Scott’s face. “Most Precious Treasures.”

Betty’s hands flew to her mouth. “I’m going to cry.”

Ed nodded. “Good name. Children are our most precious treasures.”

“What exactly is it your charity does?” Betty asked.

Scott leaned forward. “I’ve got to tell you. It’s the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done in my life. Our board has quarterly meetings to decide where to distribute our money, which children in need will receive our aid. It’s always a tough, tough meeting. We get so many requests. Right now there’s a school in South America that was practically destroyed by a flood. They’re rebuilding and are in desperate need of supplies. We’re sending a check out next week. It’s not enough to cover everything, but we do what we can.” Scott leaned over, picked up his briefcase, and opened it. “When I’m feeling down I look at these photos for inspiration. It motivates me to keep going, keep working.” He took out a manila envelope and handed it to Betty. “These are pictures of children we’ve helped all over the world.”

Scott passed the photos to Betty and Ed. “Look at their faces,” Betty said. “They’re adorable! Why, they’re precious!”