“Great, if these ladies can create some kind of soil for them.” He smiled at Laura. “It’s all about the soil, as Edward will tell you.”

“Don’t get him started on soil,” said Lili to Laura. “He’ll never stop.” She took a breath, having reached that point in pregnancy where the baby was taking over internal real estate to the detriment of lung capacity, and said, “Laura and I will go to the garden center and get a few plants.” She looked at Laura. “If that’s alright with you?”

Laura looked at Bob, who smiled at her. She really didn’t want to get in another car, but there was no way she was going to let this thing get out of control. She would push herself and get over it. “Sounds good to me, let’s go.”

Edward fished in his pockets and threw some keys to Lili. “Be careful, schatje.”

Lili smiled at him and turned to go. Laura looked once more at Bob, who was still standing there looking at her.

“Yeah, schatje,” he said, “be careful.” There was something affectionate and touching in his face as he looked at her, and Lili and Edward shot each other a quick look. They were both very fond of Bob.

“Don’t worry, Bob,” said Lili. “I’ll look after her.”

•   •   •

Edward’s car was a long station wagon, and once they were inside, Laura realized the back seats were already folded down to make room for a wide variety of tools, bags of seed, textbooks, and papers.

“Your fiancé is a teacher?” Laura asked as they settled in. Lili had invited Clare to join them, but she’d been engrossed in her drawing and demurred.

“Yes, at Pierce.” Lili lowered the window and addressed Clare. “Are you sure you don’t want to come?”

Clare looked up at her. “Mom, we go to the garden center all the time . . . wait . . . is it the one with the good candy?”

“No, that one’s closer to our house.”

“Then no, thanks.” She went back to drawing, muttering, “If it doesn’t have sugar dots on paper, I’m not interested.”

Lili looked dubious. “Well, if you need anything, Edward’s in the back.”

Clare waved her hand dismissively. “Have fun, Mom.” Looking up, she added, “And Laura.” She looked at her mom. “Laura’s interested in Bob, you can tell her all about him.”

Laura went bright red. “That’s not true.” Her embarrassment pushed her anxiety away briefly.

“And she teaches people to fly.”

“Also not true,” said Laura quickly.

Lili laughed, and closed the window. “Laura, if I took Clare literally, I’d have been lost years ago.” They pulled away from the curb, and Lili turned to Laura. “Honestly, though, are you and Bob . . . ?”

“Only friends, and recently that,” said Laura. “We live in the same house, that’s all.” Lili nipped into traffic, and Laura’s hand tightened on the door handle.