Book Four: Chapter 60

“Ah, well, a few different things. Oh, and some snacks. Apparently we shouldn’t eat anything while we’re there, just in case.”

“Buttons. And snacks.” She shook her head. “I hope Beth is better prepared than you are.”

“Always am.” Beth’s voice came from up the stairs, followed by her footsteps. Everyone looked up the stairs as Beth descended. She wore a red blazer over a white blouse with a matching red skirt, and her hair was pulled up into a bun. She carried a messenger bag slung over one shoulder. “I’ve got everything I need, anyway.”

“Okay, so I think we’re ready.” Mike clapped his hands together and looked at the others.

“Almost,” Beth said when she got to the bottom of the stairs. She adjusted the collar of Mike’s dress shirt and then re-tied his tie for him. “There. Now you look like you’re ready to meet the queen.”

His face turned red, and Beth ran her hand down his tie, pressing it flat against his chest. “Do you have everything?”

“I do,”