It was one more example of Angi failing in multiple areas of her life.

They walked into the large dining area, where the tables had been shifted to the sides of the room to make space in the center.

Josie Trumbell, who owned the dance studio in downtown Magnolia, welcomed her mother. The other class participants crowded around Bianca with murmurs of how great she looked. Angi waved to Josie and headed toward the residents who sat on one side of the room to watch the class.

Iris Carlyle was in a wheelchair, her hands clasped together tightly. She stared blankly at a place in front of her while the other residents carried on a conversation around her.

“Hello, Mrs. Carlyle,” Angi said as she lowered herself into the empty seat next to the older woman. It took a few seconds for Iris’s gaze to focus, and then she smiled gently.

“Angela?”

“Yes, it’s me.”

The woman’s frail shoulders relaxed a bit, as if she’d been worried she might get Angi’s name or identity wrong. “I remember when you used to take the old blooms from the compost bin in the alley and make them into necklaces.”

Angi reached out and wrapped her hand around both of Iris’s, which were cool to the touch. “You were so nice to me. I loved the smell of your shop and all of those flowers. I’d breathe in the scent and imagine I was someplace else, like a beautiful field in the French countryside.”

“Flowers are a thing of beauty,” Iris said softly. “I miss my shop and the feel of the petals between my fingers. Gabe brings me a fresh bouquet every week. He’s a good boy.”

Angi sucked in a quick breath but didn’t answer.

“Have you met my grandson?”

“I have. He loves you very much.”

“He spent too many years in the army. It changed him.” Iris’s feathery brows drew together. “Or maybe it’s just what happens in life, but I don’t think so. He was always a serious boy, but now he’s harder and sadder. Still a good boy. He came to Magnolia when I fell and is running the shop. Do you know my shop? It’s downtown. The name is...” Her eyes squeezed shut as she obviously searched for the name in her mind.

“In Bloom,” Angi supplied. “It’s a wonderful shop. I’m sure it’s been difficult to not be able to visit the store, but Gabe is taking good care of it.”

“He said he’s going to bring me downtown to see the lights for Christmas.” Iris gave her a watery smile. “I don’t like getting old.”

“You’re still beautiful.” Angi leaned in and placed a kiss on Iris’s cheek. The dancers took to the center of the room.

Her mother had been paired with Stuart from the bookstore, a longtime friend, and a man who was definitely participating in this class because of his longtime crush on the dance instructor. Josie gave a few initial instructions and then the music started.