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Four hands went up

“I’ll get the plastic plates and cups,” Casey said, heading for the kitchen “We’ll have great friends, great food, and s Sounds like the perfect compromise to me”

The buzzer sounded again

“We’re very popular tonight,” Hutch said, walking over and pressing the interco to our rescue?” he teased

“We are” It was Claire’s voice at the other end, followed by Ryan calling out, “It depends on why you need rescuing Should we go away?”

Hutch began to laugh “No, Mr One-Track-Mind Come on up Marc and Maddy are here”

“So are we” This tih the intercoe”

“I’,” Eht flowers and homemade banana bread”

Hutch blinked, although he was clearly touched “Come on up and join the party,” he sai

d

The entire tea everything a newly ht a leashed-up Hero, together with toys to keep him busy

Hero had spent ht in this apartment with Marc, so, the instant he was unleashed, he found his favorite spot near the kitchen and plunked down

“Hero ave Hutch a peck on the cheek “Welcome I made all your favorite meals, as per Casey’s list”

Hutch shot Casey a quick look So this hy she’d put off their own private welco visitors

Casey smiled at hied the athered up a s only to scoop up so rooated—all except Adele, who passed Casey on her way to the kitchen as she hurried to stock Hutch’s fridge