One by one the guests made their way to their separate rooms, until the only people left in the room were Myra, Annie, and Isabelle.

“How about some coffee, girls? I’m so wired, I know I will never be able to fall asleep. I’ll make it,” Myra said.

“It’s just us again, Annie,” Isabelle said. “This isn’t working for me. I guess you know that, huh?”

“I do, dear. I can’t believe you missed Stu Franklin by three minutes. He was waiting right there on the curb, just like he said he would. Then those damn mounties made him move, making it impossible for us to pick him up. There will be another time, dear. Trust me on that.”

Isabelle smiled. “I know. I’m just feeling blue, that’s all. I’m sorry Fish’s flight was canceled. The storm, the weather, it just fouled everything up. But, like you said, tomorrow is another day.”

Both women stared at the beautiful tree, each busy with her own thoughts, until Myra came back with a tray filled with coffee cups, cream, and sugar.

“I am so proud of all of us. This whole week we never talked business, not once. We just enjoyed each other’s company and all that wonderful food Charles prepared for us. I do wonder, though, how Mr. Bell and his friends are doing.”

“I kept up on the aftermath by reading the papers online. I think it’s safe to say Washington had its knickers in a knot when Maggie’s headlines ripped around the world. I think it’s wonderful that none of the adoptive parents would talk to the press. All they want to do is put this mess behind them and raise their families. We did good, Myra.”

Myra smiled. “We did, didn’t we? So many memories. I’m sorry about Fish and your young man, Isabelle.”

Isabelle shrugged, as did Annie. The shrugs meant life would go on no matter what.

“We really should try to get some sleep, ladies,” Annie said. “How will it look if we have dark circles under our eyes as Myra takes her vows?”

“They have makeup for that,” Myra said. “You two go on to bed. I think I need some alone time. I want to…I just…”

“We understand, Myra. Come along, Isabelle.”

At the door, both women turned and waved at Myra, but she was staring at the beautiful tree, her memories taking her back in time. Tears rolled down her cheeks, and she made no move to stop them.

“Mummie, Mummie, please don’t cry. This should be the happiest day of your life.”

“Oh, darling girl, you came. I was so hoping you would. I am happy. I just wish you were here with me.”

“I am, Mummie, in spirit.”