Nathaniel, Elsie and Lorianne regrouped with the Faulkner and Winslow spouses under the crisp late-autumn sky. Then, they moved together to the main barn, where a bell echoed faintly in the distance.
The scent of damp soil and hay lingered in the air, mixed with faint traces of smoke from a distant wood stove. Towering trees surrounded the fields, glowing in brilliant hues of autumn.
Along the way, the energetic Lorianne began singing while swinging Nathaniel's hand.
"Five little ducks went swimming one day🎶"
"Over the hills and far away🎶"
"Mother Duck Said Quack Quack Quack Quack!🎶"
"But only four little ducks came back!🎶"
Certainly, the little one's antics caught her grandparents' praise and adoration. She giggled and her cheeks blushed in the pink color when the elders kept complimenting her.
Nathaniel and Elsie just let them be, understanding full well Lorianne was the apple of their eyes. After all, she was the first grandchild on both sides of the family.
