“Well, I think neither one of y’all ought to be wearing white. But I’ll make the cake! Congratulations!” I gave Suzanne a hug and said, “Welcome to our crazy little hive!”

“And when is the wedding to take place?” Leslie asked.

“I don’t know!” Suzanne said. “I have to get a diamond and wedding bands. Any suggestions where to go?”

“Oh, honey, there’s only Croghan’s Jewel Box,” Leslie said. “I’ll take y’all there tomorrow.”

“And we need a marriage license,” Momma said. “And witnesses. Oh! Y’all will do that for us, won’t you?”

“Of course!” Leslie and I said.

“And I need a dress,” Momma said.

“So do I!” Suzanne said. “Just kidding.”

We all about died laughing, of course. But it was serious business and we all knew it. I hoped that Suzanne was in it to cherish—a new word for me—Momma for whatever time she had remaining with us and not to stake a claim on whatever she had when she left us. Momma needed a prenup. I’d call Mark.

Ted was at the door.

“I’ll see you kids later!” I said and sailed out with the least amount of fanfare possible. We had a lot to discuss.

He closed my car door, walked around his side, and got in.

“So, what’s new?” he said.

“How much time do we have?” I said. “There’s so much going on that my little head is spinning.”

I looked over at him and he looked back, and those ice-blue eyes of his gave me a shiver.

“You cold? Should I adjust the AC?”

“No, I just had a thought. Anyway, where are we going?”

“I thought we should go someplace where people can’t see their new chief of police drinking alcohol, so we’re going to Bowens Island.”

“Ted! You got the job! Oh! I’m so happy for you!”

“Yep! I got the job! Town council voted, and they’re paying for housing on the island as a bonus. Now, it’s not oceanfront and it’s not huge, but it’s big enough for a small family.”

“A small family?”

“Yes. Now that my future seems to be secure, I’m thinking I should probably be looking for a wife.”

“Oh, I agree.”

“You do?”

“Yeah, I just hope our children have your eyes.”

He laughed so hard and then so did I that we both had tears coming down our faces. It was such a bold thing to say that I wondered where Little Miss Demure went.

“That’s hilarious!” he said. “I can’t believe you said that!”

Well, at least he didn’t pull over to the side of the road and tell me to call an Uber.

“Ted? It’s gonna be what it’s gonna be. I think that’s how life is, if you’re paying attention.”