You two don’t need a boost like the others.”

“Thank you, Mom,” Nate says after a long pause, his voice flat and deliberate.

“You see?” Judy says, turning to Ron with a bright, satisfied smile.

“I told you they’d understand.

Nate and Emily are built different.

They don’t need hand-holding.”

Ron nods once, pleased with his work at the head of the table, and reaches for the carved silver fork.

“That takes care of business,” Ron announces in his booming voice.