“Kelly, darling,” she said. “I’m so glad you’re here. Have you eaten? There’s a big horse outside. It looks dangerous, so don’t get near it. You look sad, so I guess Pauly told you. I told him what I thought of his plans, but it’s done no good. You need to talk to him. He’s postponing everything! I was so hoping for a spring wedding for you two. Apple blossoms. Lord knows there are enough apple trees around this town. Messy old things. Why aren’t you wearing the ring? I told Pauly to give it to you before he left. I guess he hasn’t done it yet. The wedding will have to be in the fall. Your attendants will of course wear green and—”

“Lillian!” Dr. Carl said loudly. “The children must make their own decisions.”

She gave her husband a look Kelly had seen many times. It was usually accompanied by, “If things were left up to them, they’d never happen.”

Frowning, Mrs. Carl glanced at her watch. “I’m going to be late for the beauty shop.” She looked at Kelly. “As soon as you have a date for your wedding, I’ll make appointments for you. Who will be your bridesmaids?”

“Uh...” Kelly said.

Dr. Carl stepped forward. “Are you going to cover that gray hair at your temples? I hope not. It gives you a nice look of maturity,” he said. With a gasp of horror, Mrs. Carl ran out the door.

“Sorry about that,” he said.

“That’s okay. I’m from Kansas, so I’m used to tornadoes.”

He laughed. “I take it by your expression that you have no idea what Pauly is up to.”

“None whatever.”

“I think I better let him tell you.”

“What’s this about a ring?”

“Lillian got the idea that Pauly hasn’t officially proposed to you because he’s been saving up for an engagement ring.”

“Was he?”

Mr. Carl shrugged. “I have no idea. But Lillian bought a ring for him to give to you. It’s rather nice.”

Kelly frowned. “And expensive?”

“Yes.”

Kelly didn’t ask but she knew that he had paid for the ring. “Where is he?” His expression said, You know where he is.

“Do you need me here?”

“No. Go see Pauly and sort out your life.”

“In that case, I’ll be back in about ten minutes.”