Knit to Be Tied by Maggie Sefton

into the plastic cup in her hand. “Thanks, Marty. Are you ready to head back to your house? Megan will be looking for us.” The spoonful disappeared into Cassie’s mouth.
    Kelly stepped down from the bleachers and glanced around the darkening sky. The bright lights illuminating City Park ball field had already turned on as the summer sun slid behind the mountains. “Knowing Megan, she’s probably pacing the floor right now.”
    â€œYeah, you’re right,” Marty said with a chuckle. “Okay, Cassie, grab your gear and we’ll go to the car. Luckily Ifound a parking space right across from the swimming pool.” He jangled his car keys.
    â€œDon’t worry about her gear,” Pete said, standing behind Cassie. “We’ll take it back to our house. We’ll be picking Cassie up from your house after we leave Kelly and Steve’s tonight.”
    â€œHow’s your dad doing, Pete? I’ve been meaning to ask,” Lisa said as she rose from the bleacher row and stretched.
    â€œHe’s doing about the same, which is always good news. The nurses tell me he’s getting physical therapy every week, but we don’t really see any improvement. At least I don’t see it. What about you, Cassie?” Pete turned to his niece.
    Cassie swallowed another bite of chocolate before answering. “Grandpa Ben looks just about the same as he always does when we go down to see him. He sits in his wheelchair and watches television and reads magazines.” She looked away. “It’s kind of sad.”
    Pete patted her on the shoulder. “Yeah, I know it is, honey. But at least he’s still with us. We can be grateful for that.”
    â€œFor sure,” Jennifer said from the side of the bleachers, which were rapidly clearing out.
    Parents and families and friends of the two local girls’ softball teams had spread across Fort Connor’s City Park grounds, heading for parking lots or picnic tables where other friends had cookouts going. Kelly could detect the scent of cooking hamburgers floating on the twilight air.
    â€œOkay, guys, Kelly and I are heading back to our place. We’ve got chips and beer and I think I saw a pastry boxfrom the bakery on our kitchen counter,” Steve said as he draped his arm around Kelly’s shoulders.
    â€œOkay, Cassie, let’s move it. The sooner we get you to our house, the sooner Megan and I can find out what’s in that pastry box,” Marty said with a big grin as he beckoned Cassie away from the bleachers.
    â€œSee you later, guys,” Cassie said with a wave as she caught up with Marty’s long-legged stride. Her own long legs were getting longer, growing.
    â€œWhat’s in the box, Kelly? Inquiring minds want to know,” Jennifer teased.
    â€œIt’s that bakery’s specialty. German chocolate cake with a to-die-for frosting. And believe me, they slather it on thick between every layer. And on top, of course.”
    â€œReally?” Steve said, eyebrows shooting up. “Well, let’s get a move on, then. I want to get home before Marty arrives. That way, I can snitch some frosting.” Steve headed away from the bleachers, jingling the car keys in front of Kelly.
    â€œOh, brother. I’m in big trouble,” Jennifer said as she and Pete strolled across the grass.
    â€œWe all will be. I’ll be running five miles farther tomorrow morning,” Kelly said with a laugh, joining her friends as they walked across the grassy sections beside the fields.
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    â€œWhen’s Greg coming?” Megan asked after she licked some frosting from her fork. A half-eaten slice of German chocolate cake sat on her plate. Not for long.
    â€œI texted him when we were leaving the ball field and told him about Kelly’s dessert. I figured that would bring him back right away.” Lisa scraped the last of the cake frosting