Anne and David sit on the bed, watching Britney apply make-up.

"Well?" she says finally, turning around, and they gasp appropriately.

Her dress is long and white and flowy, her cheeks are creamy and rosy and her eyes shine and she's their mama and "You're *beautiful*," Anne says. Britney smiles, and David is still young enough that that's enough right there to make him laugh happily.

"Now, I told Grandma Lynne you can stay up for the show, Annaberry, but if you get tired y'all just go ahead and sleep; Daddy's set the vcr."

"You'll wave to me when you win, right?"

"If I win," Britney says, "I promise I'll wave."

"Me too," Kevin says, coming in from the bathroom. He presses a quick kiss to Britney's cheek, murmuring "beautiful" under his breath, then puts David up on his shoulders and gallops downstairs to see if the limo's arrived.

"Mama?"

"Yes?"

"Why is Daddy wearing girl clothes?"

"A skirt has every right to be as gender neutral as pants do," Britney recites. When Anne wrinkles her nose, she can't help but giggle and say, "he's wearing them because in 20 years he has yet to learn that he shouldn't bet with Uncle Nick."

"Britney!" Kevin calls from downstairs, and she bends over to hug Anne tightly and give her a kiss.

"Night, Mama. Bring home lotsa Emmies."

"Grammies, sweetie." Britney smiles. "I'll try," she says, and "Good night," and then they're out the door.

As the limo pulls away, Anne runs to the front door and shouts after them, "Daddy! Tell Uncle Nick he's stupid!"

"I *like* the skirt," Kevin huffs, and Britney laughs.