They went through to the backyard, where there were spring flowers set every in buckets, and a huge crowd of people. It seemed that everywhere Macon had ever known was there.
‘If you have back pain,’ Charles was telling the family doctor, ‘I‘m told it’s best to sleep on the floor…’
Porter’s ex-wife June was talking to Muriel about having babies. Julian was asking Alicia about her travels in South America. A neighbor was telling the mailman that Leary Metals was the oldest family business in Baltimore.
And Sarah was talking to Macon about the weather.
He said something about the rain, something or other, while he watched her shiny curls and her round, sweet face.
‘How have you been, Macon? She asked him.
‘I’ve been all right.’
‘Are you pleased about the wedding?’
‘Well,’ he said, ‘I am if Rose is, I guess.’ In the sunlight her eyes were so clear it seemed you could see to the backs of them.
‘How have you been?’ he said.
‘I’ve been fine?
‘Well. Good.’
‘I know that you’re living with someone,’ she said quietly. She looked past him at Muriel and Alexander. ‘Rose told me.’
He said, ‘How about you?’
‘Me?’
‘Are you living with anyone?’
‘Not really.’
Then they were called for the ceremony and Macon went to his position. Sarah stood opposite him, looking into his face.
It all felt so natural.