did say something about Katherine having kids, but twelve? He’d conveniently left that little detail out. A dozen kids. Katherine’s household must be stuck permanently in a state of chaos. Why would anyone even want to have twelve children? I could feel the tiny wings of panic fluttering inside my chest. Stop overreacting, I told myself. After taking a few deep breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth, I pulled out a notebook and pen. I needed to find out as much as I could about the family I was going to live with, so I could be prepared. Sitting up in my seat, I asked Katherine to tell me about her kids and she agreed enthusiastically. “My oldest is Will,” she began, and I started writing. The Walter Boys: Will is twenty-one. He’s in his final semester at the local community college and is engaged to his high-school sweetheart. Cole is seventeen. He’s a senior in high school and a talented auto mechanic. Danny is seventeen. He’s also a senior in high school and the president of the drama club. He’s Cole’s fraternal twin. Isaac is sixteen. He’s a junior in high school and is obsessed with girls. He’s Katherine’s nephew. Alex is sixteen. He’s a sophomore in high school and plays way too many video games. Lee is fifteen. He’s a sophomore in high school and a skater. He’s also Katherine’s nephew. Nathan is fourteen. He’s a freshman in high school and a musician. Jack and Jordan are twelve. They’re in seventh grade and twins. They believe that they will be the next Steven Spielberg and always have a video camera with them. Parker is nine. He’s in fourth grade. He looks innocent but loves tackle football.