“More like afternoon.”

“No, it’s still considered morning, although not by much.”

He noticed all the outside tables had been set up. “What’s going on?”

“Well …” She smiled. “It started out with just Jake and Ilana driving up. I told you they were coming.”

“I’m sure you did.”

“You don’t remember. Anyway, they’re spending the night.”

“Lovely.” A pause. “By all the tables, it looks like we’re expecting more than two people.”

“Well … then Sammy decided it would be really fun to rent a big RV and take the kids up here and do an overnight campout in the RV. I think he and Rachel did that once during COVID and decided it was a lot of fun.”

“Then they won’t be staying in the house.”

“No. But … when Hannah got wind of it, she asked if there was room for her family. So Sammy rented an even bigger RV, and Hannah and her crew are hitching a ride. They will be staying in the house.”

“We have two guest bedrooms. Where are they going to set up with the baby?”

“Probably in the office.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

“We’re not done yet,” Rina said. “I got a text from Cindy this morning at around seven. She and Koby are both off and asked if it was okay if they came up. Which was just politeness because any of them are welcome any time.”

“You’re sure about that?”

Rina smiled. “We’ve got the whole gang except for Gabe and Yasmine, who are in Los Angeles, visiting her parents for the holiday.” Rina looked at her husband. “You look stunned.”

“Maybe a little. Where are the Kutiels staying?”

“They’re going to leave this evening after the barbecue. They have to work tomorrow. They left earlier than the others and should be arriving momentarily. The rest will be here around the time of the parade. So …” Rina wiped her hands on her apron. “You can either go with them to the festivities or stay here and help me prepare.”

“Is that a serious question? You or a gang of noisy interlopers?”

“They’re your children and grandchildren.”

“That doesn’t make them any less noisy.” He walked over and snaked his arms around her waist. She was grilling vegetables: asparagus, onions, mushrooms, squash, and tomatoes. He said, “I’m a whiz with tongs.”

“Wanna take over?”

“Can I shower first?” He looked at his backyard. “Next time wait for me to bring out the tables and chairs.”

“I think that’s a good idea,” Rina said. “My strength maybe isn’t what it used to be.”

“Neither is mine.” He turned her around and gave her a smack on the lips. “We’ll grow feeble together.” She hit him gently. Then he said, “Do we have enough food?”

“What a question. We’re having hamburgers and hot dogs. You can take them out of the deep freeze at around three.”