“Good for you. You know, the only complaint I’ve heard about your café is that the portions are so big.” MJ pointed to her salad. “See, it’s huge.”

“I know, but I don’t want anyone to go away hungry. Take after my mom, I guess.”

“She didn’t run a restaurant.”

“How about more Arnold Palmers?” At their nods, she motioned to her young waiter, who brought the pitcher over. As she left, she stopped by Roxie. “Anytime you can dispel the rumors, which by the way, are all excited for you.”

“Anne!”

“Just sayin’.” Her grin made them all chuckle.

Roxie rolled her eyes. She raised her refilled glass. “Happy Friday to all of us.”

As they left the café a bit later, Amalia turned to Roxie. “I just have one question.”

“What?”

“What are you waiting for?”

Roxie stared at her friend. “Good question.”

“Ginny was so right. Grab your moments, every moment you can, and be thankful. You never know what tomorrow will bring.” Amalia nodded with a smile that spoke of love and experience and sound advice.

Roxie hugged her. “Thank you. I will.”

“That’s what friends are for. I mean, after all, we are all UFOs when you think of it. God said He would do the finishing.”

Roxie stared at her wise friend. She nodded slowly and sucked in a breath. “I will. Tonight.” Inside, she felt like fireworks going off. She headed for her SUV. What she wanted to do was drive out to Rich’s office and ask him out for coffee. Or did she want to call him and set up a date for this evening? Or take the time to plan a celebration? Or… She stared out the windshield. Was something memorable important? No matter what she did, telling him was the important part. But where? How?

Her cell blipped with a text from Loren: Going with Nate for hamburgers and movie. Later.

She texted back: Thanks for letting me know. Have fun.

Then one for Rich: Want to watch the moon come up again? I’ll bring dessert.

He replied: Sounds good. I have a meeting that should be over by about 7:30. See you at 8 at my house?

She responded. Perfect.

She spent part of the afternoon following up with several clients, getting some papers out, and then she baked brownies, with walnuts, just the way he liked them, powdered sugar dusted on top, no frosting. She stopped for a bottle of good champagne, grimaced at the cost, and set it in the cooler with the ice cream wrapped in plenty of ice.

Driving up his driveway was always such a pleasure. The big gray heron patrolled the banks of the pond while ducks paddled out in the middle. Green lawn made the beds of columbines and tuberous begonias sparkle. How he found time to take care of all this was amazing. But then, he was an amazing man. And he loved her. The smile started in her middle and tickled the edges of her mouth. Yes, his truck was parked in its assigned place.