Kelly picked up the magazine and her eyes widened at the sight of the gorgeous dress on the cover. “No. Last I heard, they’re making a strawberry cake. But it might change.” She put the magazine down.

“Go on,” Vera said as she sat down. “You can look at it.”

“I think Mom wants me to wear her dress.”

Vera groaned. “That thing is from right after the war. It’s probably made of parachutes. I’ll take care of that.”

“You can’t keep rescuing me!” Kelly grabbed the magazine. “What do you want your wedding dress to look like?”

“Whatever I’m going to wear on the plane. Speaking of clothes, what are you wearing to the dance tonight?”

“The same as you. If I go, that is.”

“I’m not going. But you need to. Call one of those horrid girls you used to hang around with in high school and go with her.”

“Ellen is married and has two kids. Sue has a husband and a child. Janice is nine and a half months pregnant. Why aren’t you going?”

“Have to work.” Vera stood up.

“You never work on Saturday.”

“Special client.”

Kelly tightened her lips. “You’re not telling the truth.”

“Oh?” Vera raised an eyebrow. “And you are? I don’t know what’s going on with this engagement but something is.”

“You didn’t see Adam for years and now that he’s here you run off to work. Does he want to go to the dance?”

Vera’s eyes were sparkling in amusement. “Good pivot away from whatever you don’t want to tell me. I imagine that Adam will be at the dance. He’s taking his role of trying to control his little brother very seriously.” Vera’s hand was on the door. “I’m taking Dad’s old truck.”

“That ugly thing on the beautiful Plaza? Are you sure it’s still running?”

“I tried it yesterday and it was fine.”

“What’s going on with you?” Kelly’s voice showed her genuine concern.

“Nothing interesting.” Vera nodded to the magazine. “Why don’t you make an appointment at that fancy bridal store in Lenexa? You and I will go together to look at dresses.”

“Mom and Forey have already said they want to help with the dress. I have to—” Kelly stopped as a vision came to her. Trying on wedding dresses would bring tears and complaints and disagreements and they would be from Kelly. But Vera would be honest and maybe even fun. “Okay,” she said. Maybe she could get an idea of what kind of dress Vera would like. If she did have a wedding, that is. If Adam could persuade her. If Pauly returned and wanted nothing to do with marriage and kids and...alpacas.

“Kelly?” Vera asked. “You still here?”

“Yes, of course I am. I’ll make an appointment and we can meet there.”