“Will I always be disappointed in them?”
“That’s up to you, isn’t it?”
“I guess it is.” She sighed, hugely. “Okay. Brooding time’s up. I need to get the groom’s
cake and the rest of the desserts dealt with.”
“I’m here, so I’ll give you a hand with it.”
Together they carried boxes of pastries to the Ballroom.
“I’m always dazzled by the flowers,” Mrs. Grady said as she looked around the room. “Our
Emma has a magic touch. I like the colors for this one. Nothing pale about it, all bright and
bold. Well, would you look at that.” She stepped over to study the wedding cake. “Talk about
the magic touch. You’ve outdone yourself here, Laurel.”
“I think it’s my new favorite summer cake. I’ll save you a piece.”
“I’ll let you. Wedding cake’s lucky cake.”
“So I hear. Mrs. G? Did you ever think about getting married again, or ...”
Mrs. Grady let out a delighted laugh. “Oh, there’s been some or from time to time. I’m not
doddering. But marriage?” She walked back to help Laurel with the desserts. “I had mine. I
had my Charlie. My one.”
“Do you believe that?” Laurel asked. “That there’s one person? One?”