It was the turkey. He was certain of it. Kermit stretched out in the hammock and gave in to whatever drug the great dead bird of November had released into his stomach. The temperature was above normal, sixty eight degrees, even for Memphis at this time of year. Perfect for an outdoor nap when indoors held the sound of Donald March snoring over the din of the Packers game. The sight of Kat snoring in time with her grandfather as she perched on his chest was at once comical and touching.

Thanksgiving in Memphis had seemed like the perfect time to get familiar with Savannah's home. After the year they had been through, all the struggles and survival, this was a celebration of that victory. The Marches had spared no expense and every family member within one hundred miles had paraded through their home to welcome Savannah back then meet her daughter and mysterious husband. Betsy and Donald had finally accepted him and he was hoping the housekeeper would soon stop eyeing him like rat needing to be chased from the house at the point of a meat cleaver. Easter May Dotson would not be won over easily and his "I kill people" line was probably one she'd used herself.

A cool breeze rocked over his body and Kermit rolled onto his side. It felt good to be here, where Savannah had grown up. A nice, easy lifestyle on a nice quiet street in the Germantown area. The home was a grand, white-columned Southern house complete with rocking chairs on the porch and a magnolia growing in the yard. "Welcome to Casa Stereotype," Savannah had giggled as they pulled into the drive. True, the house had a formal facade but once inside it was evident that thirty years of family had made it a home. It was warm and comfortable and welcoming -- just like Savannah. This place had been where she became the woman he loved and he wanted to be part of it.

"Got room for me in there, sugar?" The soft voice drifted over his shoulder as tender body snuggled up to his back. Savannah made herself comfortable, sliding an arm around his back.

"I'm glad it's you," Kermit tucked her hand closely to his chest, "I was afraid Mrs. Dotson would take my open back as an invitation for a knife."

"Oh, don't mind Easter May. She'll warm up to you. It's just her way to get you in line with fear first so you'll behave." Savannah kissed the back of his neck and molded more closely to his body. The hammock began to swing slightly in the afternoon sun.

"She was quite clear where I stand when I tried to make conversation in the kitchen."

"What did she say?" The question came out with a hint of laughter, insinuating that Savannah already had an idea of what was to come.

"The charming Miss Easter May informed me that she had powdered your bottom and spanked your bottom and wouldn't tolerant any flimsy treatment of you by any man and I'd better watch my step or..."

"I get the picture." Savannah hugged him closely. "My Mama was really sick after I was born. Easter May came to work for us then and just never left. Her kids grew up with me and Billy, just like family. Wonderful family. One of her daughters is an editor at Bantam and her oldest son is a professor at UCLA. All because Easter May doesn't take half an effort as a whole. She even bullies Mama and Daddy sometimes. She wasn't very happy with them when..."

The words trailed off into forgiven shortcomings. Kermit knew. The rejection of her parents and her unwed motherhood would always sting even though all had been left in the past. Being here brought up quite a few of those memories for his wife and he wanted to fade them quickly. "So, when do I get to powder and spank your bottom?"

"Oooooo..." she cooed into his ear, gracing him with a gentle kiss on his lobe. "Defiling me in my father's house. You do live a life of danger, Kermit Griffin. I like that about you."

Kermit turned toward her, careful not to jostle the canvas bed. "You're a bad one. It's one of the things I'm thankful for." Lips met, brushing lightly. "Sometimes the man upstairs works things out."

"You mean Howard?" Savannah began to laugh, pushing a soft breath against his cheek. The laughter grew and tangled it's way from her body into his own.

Through his billowing spasms, he gasped, "How did everyone keep from laughing out loud when she said that? I had to pinch myself. It was quite an ambitious blessing for a three year old."

Kat Griffin's first attempt at saying grace had been memorable to say the least. To their credit the adults, Marches and Griffins alike, had controlled their laughter and saved the pride of a child.

Through their laughter, Savannah and Kermit began to recite grace ala Kitty Kat. "Our fadder who art in Heaven, Howard be thy name."

When the giggles had made their way out into the warm Southern air, two parents were left resting in each other's arms. Kermit pulled his wife close, drawing in the sweet scent of her hair. "I love you."

A gentle breath answered. "I love you, too."

Looking heavenward, Kermit spoke out loud, "Thank you, Howard."

The End

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