Florida passes Sigma a plate and a container of sandwiches.

"Gladly. I'd have invited your family, but Maine's coming and I don't want to inflict an ex upon him. Omega and the twins are doing the market thing. Delta is apparently out of town and Epsilon is working, so it's just you and me and whoever else shows up."

With a sharp whistle the dog shakes off all the kids and runs over to Florida and Sigma. And instead of greeting the newcomer, Rex immediately clambers into Florida's lap and starts licking his face.

"Oh come on Rex," Florida laughs as he tries to keep his face away while petting the mutt. "Behave or your uncle Sigma is going to think his sister didn't train you well."