Aunt Lucy pressed the folded list into Ben's hand at the gate and then, after a moment's thought, took it back to add one more line.
"Livestock health, soil, crop rotation, seed saving, pest control, preserving food, basic veterinary care," she read aloud. "If a book covers any of those, take it. If it's a coffee table book with pretty pictures of gardens, leave it."
"Yes, Mom," Ben said, taking the list back with the patience of a man who'd been given instructions before every outing of his life.
Penelope handed the storm-rated boat to Erik from her space, the compact bundle appearing in her arms and passing to his without ceremony. "The water near the campus was worse the last time anyone checked. Be careful."
"We will," Erik said.
"Come back in one piece," she added, glancing at Killian, and he gave a small nod, something warm and private passing between them that neither pursued.
