Fifty or sixty people were expected. The performers would be up on the “stage”—Cord’s porch. Mitch and the musicians were in charge of the sound. And Susan had put together an exhibit of photographs reflecting Tina’s life.

It was now four o’clock, and the party had a six o’clock start. As Shallie observed, everything was prepared and under control. The lineup of songs was complete. The final rehearsal had been at Bailey’s the afternoon before and if the cheers and applause they’d received were any indication, Tina’s concert should be a rousing success…

Cord had rented dozens of portable chairs from a place in Billings; they’d been delivered that morning and set up on the lawn facing the porch, although people could sit on the grass if they preferred. Russ had come over to help with arranging the chairs and was now assisting Brynne and her two servers. J.P. offered to watch the dogs, while Eli and his deputy Amos were providing security.

Shallie figured that even if Tina knew more about the party than they realized, there’d still be some surprises.

At five thirty guests began to arrive; Carly, Shallie and Lindsey helped seat them. Brynne and her staff, with the assistance of temporary server Russ, were handing around appetizers and drinks.

The Lewises were among the first, and Len was immediately drafted by Mitch and Aaron for a final check of the sound system. Cord had taken on the role of general oversight, handling whatever was needed, directing traffic—cars were parked along the sides of the long drive—and answering questions.

Mary Jean took care of the gift table, where people placed their wrapped packages and cards, while Caroline and her daughter, Ashley, were still keeping Tina entertained in the trailer.

There sure were a lot of people involved in pulling this off—and a lot of guests. That told Shallie how beloved Tina was. She went over to the photo exhibit to study it one more time. Pictures, black-and-white as well as color, of Tina’s early life, her wedding, a portrait of her and Mitch and their children… Carly joined her, a nostalgic expression on her face.

They waved at Eli and Amos, who stood at the edges of the crowd, and then at J.P. who had Trooper, Cord’s dogs and several others under his control.

What a night this was going to be! For maybe the thousandth time, Carly told Shallie how lucky she felt to be part of this community.

The party was about to start, Cord announced as Susan headed over to the trailer to fetch Tina and the other family members.

Ten minutes later, she led her mother out to a burst of applause. Everyone stood. There were shouts of “Happy Birthday, Tina!” and “Yay, Tina!”