Megan caved with a sigh. “All right, I’d be happy to come. What about gifts? What kind of shower will it be?”

“I was thinking a kitchen shower. Maggie’s a terrific cook, as you know, but most of her kitchen things are left over from her parents, and they look it.”

“Maybe she’d like one of those fast-cooking electric pots. I saw some at Shop Mart. I’ll include a gift receipt in case it turns out to be a duplicate.”

“That sounds perfect. Let me give you my address, and I’ll see you Wednesday at three.”

Megan was nervous about meeting new people and the questions they might ask her. But the invitation did raise her spirits. After lunch, when she had some free time, she would make a trip to the big box store, pick up some groceries, and buy the electric pot, along with some gift wrap and a card. She could also stop by the bakery and say hello to Katy. She’d be happy to hear that Daniel would be back at work tomorrow.

* * *

At lunchtime, she made grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup for her family. After cleaning up the kitchen, she left for the store. Daniel had asked to go with her, but she’d made excuses. She needed time to herself, even if it was only a shopping trip. Derek had called again and left a voicemail, telling her he was waiting for her to come to her senses and call him back. Just listening had triggered a headache. If she’d had any doubts about breaking up with him, those doubts were gone. The only decision left to be made was whether to resign her teaching position now or finish out the school year with Derek as her boss.

In the store, she took her time, picking out the cooking pot and some tasteful wedding shower wrap with a white ribbon, along with a pretty floral card. The last bridal shower she’d attended had been for a teacher at her school, with gifts of naughty lingerie and some silly fun constructing a wedding gown out of toilet tissue. She could hardly imagine a city judge planning a party like that for a former mayor, but maybe she’d be surprised.

After picking up a few basics in the food section, she passed by the bakery counter. Katy was just putting a tray of fresh gingerbread men into the display case. She greeted Megan with a smile. “How’s Daniel?” Katy asked.

“Almost better. If he rests today, the doctor says he can come back to work tomorrow.”

“Great.” Katy reached under the counter and took out a small paper bag. “These cookies are for him, with enough to share,” she said. “I made them special.”

Megan thanked her and continued on toward the checkout stands at the front of the store. With so many holiday shoppers, the lines were all long. Megan picked the one that looked shortest and wheeled her cart into it. She could hear another cart coming up behind her. She paid no attention until she heard a familiar voice.