Well, in case you hadn't guessed, it was early July, and they were celebrating Xaviers' third birthday.
The tour was over, and they had returned to Tulsa for a break, then to start work on some demos for the new album. As Taylor put it "it's all a circle."
Xavier grinned up at everyone.
"C'mon, let's get into that cake." Babsie said, picking up the knife.
"Me! Me! I wanna help!" Xavier insisted.
Xavier put his hand on the knife handle, and Babsie put hers over his to cut the cake.
Taylor smiled for a moment, then found himself staring out the window.
"Something wrong?" Rita asked softly.
Taylor looked over at her.
"I was, I was just thinking about Meredith."
Rita took his hand.
"I'm sure she's ok."
"It's driving me insane Rita. I haven't heard from her in months. Not an e-mail. Not a phone call. Not a letter. I just don't know what to do."
"Tay, you've done what you can. I'm sure you'll get news eventually."
Taylor was quiet. Then he smiled at her.
"How do you put up with me? Worrying over some girl."
"I love you. That's how."
He leant over and kissed her cheek.
"And I love you too."
"Hey, you two. No make out sessions during a birthday party!" Zac grinned from across the room.
Taylor pulled a face at him.
"So, do you guys want cake or not?" Isaac asked.
"Can I have what they don't?" Mackie asked.
"Only if you can stand on your head for ten minutes." Babsie answered.
Mackie gave her a weird look.
"Doesn't matter. I wouldn't let you have my piece anyway." Zac put in. "Now gimme!"
"Birthday kid first Zac." Isaac said. "Then the other children."
"So, you're saying Zac'll get the next piece?" Taylor joked.