* * *

“We’re celebrating,” Roxie announced the next day when the four friends were gathered around a back-room table. “I sold another house, a very nice one.” They all clapped. “Loren met Nate’s mother, she even bought a little black dress and accessories, and Nate looked stunned. She was indeed beautiful. Oh, and his mother thinks she’s perfect for her son. Now, who’s next?”

“I lost five pounds and have not yo-yoed this time.” MJ spoke firmly, as if warning the weight away. “I will get rid of the next five and keep them off.” More applause.

“I finally got Mr. Grump to turn down his TV by bringing him those earphones that I saw advertised. They work and the rest of us at the home are rejoicing in the relative quiet.”

“Brilliant.” They applauded.

“And Addy and Loren are both at the library. I think Addy is going to help Loren with her display because she wants to learn how. So much to be thankful for.” Ginny blinked. “Sorry, most anything makes me tear up, even happinesses like these.” She raised her glass of lemonade and iced tea. They all touched glasses and nodded.

“Okay, now Roxie, isn’t there something you’ve been meaning to tell us?” Ginny’s smile looked innocent.

Roxie glared at MJ, who raised arms and eyebrows. “I did not say anything.”

“If you are referring to Rich Owens…” All three nodded. “Yes, we have been seeing each other often and talk most days on the phone.”

“And?” The three leaned forward in unison.

“And…” Roxie sucked in a deep breath and dropped her voice to a whisper. “He asked me to marry him.” At their gasps, she held up a hand. “But…” Heaving a sigh, she frowned. “But I’m not sure I love him enough to change my life all around. I love to be with him, he’s a wonderful man, and he says God has given us this gift of each other and I am beginning to think so too but…” Her head moved side to side slowly, as if of its own accord. “I like my life just the way it is.”

“Don’t turn your back on more happiness and God’s gifts, please?” Ginny implored. “We all need to use and appreciate every gift He has given us. Please pay attention. Too often, good gifts go away before we’re aware how good they are.”

MJ stared at Ginny. “You’re right, we overlook too much.”

“Preach it, sister.” Amalia leaned forward and patted Roxie’s hand. “You’ll know for sure. When the time is right.”

When their orders arrived, MJ offered the grace and they fell to, as always starting with the homemade rolls that came in the basket with butter.

Anne stopped by their table. “Everything okay?”

“Come on, Anne. Always better than okay or we wouldn’t come here all the time.” Roxie pointed to what was left of her roll. “You or Gary?”

“This time it was me. He was doing cookies. At least we have the super-duper mixer now with a dough hook that really works. With the other one, I’d finish the kneading but now we are using more dough so I broke down and invested in a new one.”