Dukey dished up some soup for himself, as well, and carried it to the table, placing it down and leaning in and nuzzling Clara's neck before kissing her cheek. He sat down and smiled at her.<br/><br/><em>Thank you Dukey, I was really hungry</em><br/><br/>"You're welcome, darling Clara. It was the least I could do, considering." He winked devilishly at her, and said, "I mean, considering you're eating for," he paused before continuing, "four, is it?" He shook his head slowly. "Boy, those babies keep multiplying like rabbits, don't they? Speaking of which..." It was then, that he heard the tell-tale screech of the brakes on old Belle. What was his mother doing here? Then the rest of Clara's words hit him like a ton of bricks.<br/><br/><em>Oh Dukey, I talked to your Momma today.</em><br/><br/>A minute later, he heard his Momma yelling from outside...<em>by the trees</em>he thought.<br/><br/>He wiped his mouth, stood up, and said politely, "If you'll excuse me, Clara..." He walked out of the dining room, through the door, and called out, "I'm here, Mom. Clara and I were just having a bite to..." He noticed that she had found the Minister, and was holding him by the ear, "...eat."<br/><br/>"Oh, Minister Mac, was there something else you needed?" Dukey asked, innocently. "Where are my manners? I should have invited you in to join us and share some food." He berated himself, unable to look his mother in the eyes just yet.