“We’re fine with anything you decide,” Michelle said.

“It’s your wedding, after all,” Lisa added her comment. “You’re the one who has to decide.”

“But I’ve been changing my mind too much after I promised Hannah I wouldn’t.” Delores looked contrite. “I want to apologize and tell you that I plan to do my very best to stick with what I decided.”

“Fine with us,” Hannah said, and everyone else nodded their agreement.

“Oh, good!” Delores looked very relieved. “For a moment there, I thought you were about to give up on me.”

“We’d never do that,” Hannah responded for all of them.

“Well, you’re all very understanding and sweet,” Delores said, and then she turned to Doc. “I have good girls, don’t I, dear?”

“The best in the world,” Doc said, winking at them before he pulled Delores into his arms and hugged her.

Andrea smiled at Delores. “We’re all very happy for you, Mother.”

“And we’re very happy to plan your wedding,” Hannah added.

It was a happy moment. The wedding planners were saved future aggravation and Doc had accomplished that. As far as everyone at this table was concerned, Delores was marrying the perfect man for her . . . and for them, too!

And then the roof came crashing in, metaphorically of course, because Howie came up to their table. “You all look very happy,” Howie said.

“We are,” Delores said, smiling at him. “What’s the good word, Howie?”

Howie looked slightly embarrassed. “I’m afraid it’s not very good, Delores. Can I see you in private, Hannah?”

Hannah felt her heart rate escalate. Howie looked very solemn. “Of course,” she said.

“Is this about the trial?” Doc asked him.

“Yes. When is the wedding?”

“September twentieth,” Delores told him. “And of course you and Kitty are invited. I’ll get the invitations out soon.”

“Thank you,” Howie said politely, and then he turned to Doc again. “I really should talk to Hannah in private.”

Hannah made a move to get up, but Doc motioned her back down to her seat. “If this is about the trial, it concerns all of us. What is it, Howie? Spit it out.”

“Hannah?” Howie turned to her.

Hannah swallowed hard. She was terribly afraid that their happy evening would be spoiled, but now that Howie had brought it up, there was nothing to do but discuss it in front of her family. “Go ahead, Howie. Tell us all.”

“Your trial is scheduled for the first week in September, Hannah. That means it should be over by the time your mother gets married.”

“Thank goodness for that!” Delores said, looking very relieved. “Hannah’s a bridesmaid, you know.”

“I know,” Howie said, turning back to Hannah. “I need you in my office next week to discuss strategy.”