"I love you too," Mary said indulgently, and turned Thomas around so she could guide him to a chair near the table. "Now sit down, birthday boy, and have something to eat. You'll enjoy it." She kissed his forehead, and then got some food for Thomas herself, pre-empting any serving-related calamity.

"Ah, I see what's happened here," Spectre said with a chuckle. "We were talking about the wacky tobaccy just the other day, too."

Tasha hugged her dad lovingly. "Well, I'm glad you got to give him a very special birthday present, Dad."