“Hello, Mother,” Hannah said, trying not to sound disappointed.

“Hello, dear. I just popped in for coffee.”

“You’re in luck then. I made a fresh pot no more than five minutes ago and I’ve got fresh cookies that just came out of the oven.”

“Perfect timing then,” Delores said, taking a seat at the stainless steel work counter. “I’m considering butterscotch tarts for dessert at the wedding reception, dear.”

“Butterscotch tarts?” There was a question in Hannah’s voice when she repeated her mother’s choice. “Do you think they’ll be festive enough for a fancy dinner?”

“I don’t know. That’s one of the reasons I came over here. I was thinking that perhaps we could decorate them in some way.”

“I’ll have to think about that. But I thought you wanted something chocolate.”

“I did. I still do, but it’s not just for me, dear. Doc is Scottish and I thought we should have something to reflect his heritage.”

“There’s your main course, Mother. You could have haggis.”

“What’s that, dear? I don’t think I’ve ever tasted it.”

“It’s the chopped organs of a sheep mixed with oatmeal and stuffed in a sheep’s stomach.”

“Ohhh!” Delores gave a delicate shiver. “That sounds simply dreadful!”

“I understand it is, but I’ve never eaten it either.”

“Forget Doc’s Scottish heritage for the moment. I’d much rather have a half Cornish game hen with apricot glaze.”

“But I thought you’d decided on individual Beef Wellington.”

“That did sound marvelous, but I’ve reconsidered. And I’ve decided on the colors for the bridesmaid dresses. I want something in lavender lace.”

It was Hannah’s turn to shudder. Lavender was a shade of purple and she’d never been able to wear any shade of purple. Of course, there was no sense in getting upset about it. Her mother was bound to change her mind at least a dozen more times before the wedding.

“Would you like to have a cookie, Mother?” Hannah asked, hoping to change the subject. Wedding planning with Delores was always frustrating and the last thing she needed today was more frustration.

“Cookies would be lovely, dear. I’m not sure I’ll have time for lunch. I have to run out to the hospital this afternoon. Doc has some filing for me to do.”

It was love, pure and simple Hannah decided on her way to the baker’s rack to get cookies for her mother. Delores hated filing. She hated office work of any type. She’d never done any office work at Hannah’s father’s hardware store. But here she was manning Doc’s office in addition to heading the Rainbow Ladies, the hospital volunteer group. Yes, it had to be love. There was no other explanation for it.