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.

“Well, if it isn’t Megan. How was the rest of your evening, honey? Did you get the wine out of your pants?”

Startled, Megan glanced around. Standing behind her, with a cart full of groceries and a sour expression on her face, was Ronda May.

Chapter 10

Chapter 10

“Aperson who hurts is a person who is hurting.”

Her mother’s wise words came back to Megan as she scrambled to assess the situation. Ronda May already viewed her as the enemy. An angry or sarcastic retort would only worsen things between them. As a teacher, she’d broken up enough fights on the school playground to know that there was only one good solution to conflict: make peace.

“Hello, Ronda May,” she said. “You know, I’m thinking it could be a good thing that we both showed up here. We need to talk.”

Ronda May’s pretty blue eyes narrowed in suspicion. “I can’t imagine what we’d have to talk about,” she said.

“You might be surprised.” Megan gave her the barest hint of a smile. “Why don’t you unload your groceries in your car and let me treat you to coffee and pie at Buckaroo’s. Maybe we can at least clear the air.”

Ronda May looked hesitant.

“I can drive you and bring you back,” Megan said. “What have you got to lose except a little time?”

Ronda May frowned. “Okay. But I’ll drive myself. Then I can leave when I want to.”

“Fine,” Megan said. “I’ll get us a booth and wait for you there.”