“My parents are coming to the island tonight,” Kara said, “and they’re hosting a dinner for us tomorrow night at the Summer House. I know it’s short notice, but they wanted to do an engagement party. Personally, I think engagement parties are stupid, but you can’t tell my mother that.”

“I have to check with Owen to make sure he doesn’t have plans or a gig, but we should be able to come,” Laura said.

“Please feel free to bring the baby,” Kara said.

“Your Honor,” Dan said, “hope you can make it, too.”

“I’m Frank, Dan, and yes, we’d love to,” he said with a glance at Betsy, who nodded in agreement.

“You’ll have to give me some time to get used to calling you by your first name,” Dan said. “I’m not conditioned to be so casual with judges.”

“I’m retired now.”

“Once a judge, always a judge.”

Laura could tell that Dan’s comments pleased her dad, who was making a smooth transition to retirement. She loved having him living close enough to see him every day. He’d been a huge help to her with Holden, too.

Evan came over and asked to speak to her.

“Excuse me,” she said to the others. “What’s up?” she asked her cousin, who was Owen’s closest friend.

“Is he okay?” Evan asked.

She didn’t have to ask whom he was talking about. “I don’t know,” she said with a sigh. “He says he’s fine, but the closer we get to leaving, the more withdrawn he gets. I think he’s terrified of seeing his father again after all this time and of having to testify. But more than that, he’s terrified that no matter what he says or does, it won’t be enough to put the guy away for a good long time.”

“I really wish he and Sarah didn’t have to go through this. Especially now, right before your wedding.”

“Believe me, I wish the same thing.”

“I was worried because we got asked to play a couple of gigs in the last week or so, and he declined, which is unusual.”

“Especially when he gets to play with you. Those are his favorite gigs.”

Evan smiled at that. “I’m going to Virginia with you.”

“Evan… You don’t have to. I’ll be there, and so will Blaine, David, Slim, my dad, Sarah. He’ll be well protected.”

“He’s my best friend, Laura. I can’t let him go through this without me there with him.”

She curled her hands around his arm and rested her head on his shoulder. “I feel the same way, so I can’t blame you for wanting to come. I’m sure he’ll appreciate it.”