Lauren chuckled. “I guess I haven’t found the right guy. Sometimes it takes a while, and I’m in no hurry.”

“So you can’t go to the library and get on one of those online dating sites to look for a date?” Lacey asked.

“Lacey Anne! Stop being so nosy,” Beth said, smiling.

The teenager was a miniature of her mother. In a few years, her parents would have to keep a close eye on this budding beauty. “Sorry, I was just curious. I mean she is thirty-five, and you’re thirty-seven, not much older.”

Lauren couldn’t hold back her laughter, almost choking on her gingerbread cookie.

“Lacey, that’s very rude,” Beth admonished in a firm tone.

“Sorry,” Lacey replied. “Lauren, I don’t mean to be nibby.”

Lauren cleared the remaining cookie crumbs from her throat, then took a small sip of tea. “It’s fine. Really. I don’t think I’d do very well with a dating service. I’d rather go the old-fashioned route,” she said in what she hoped was a humorous way.

She changed the topic before poor Lacey got into any more trouble. “Charlotte, how is your mom? Is she willing to stay in the hospital a few more days?”

“She was kinda tired-sounding, but I could tell she was relieved. I think she’ll do the transplant. I told her it would be the best Christmas present in the world.”

“It certainly would. I am going to do everything in my power to help out, so just stay positive.” Lauren finished her tea and took her cup and plate to the sink. “I really need to get home.” She looked at the girls still seated around the table. “I used to have a condo on the beach in Florida, but my dad became ill, and I moved in with my parents so I could help care for him.” She winked at Beth. “Maybe the four of us—no, five, including your mother when she’s well—can all have a girls’ spa day or something like that.” She looked to Beth.

“It’s a plan, as soon as Lee is able. I say we do the town.”

Lauren said her good-byes, then Beth walked her to the door. “It’s beyond kind, what you’re doing for Char and Lee. I haven’t seen her this happy in months, and I know it’s because she has hope now.”

“I’m happy to do what I can. I’m glad we’ve met, Beth. I’ll definitely stay in touch with you and Charlotte. I may be out of town for a few days, but she and Lee have my cell number.”

“Good,” Beth said. “We’ll talk again.”

Lauren stepped out into the now-freezing night air, praying that the weather wouldn’t get any worse. As soon as she was home, she would call the airlines to check on tomorrow’s flight.

Chapter 9

Shivering, with arms full of bags, Lauren used her elbow to ring the doorbell. “It’s just me, Mom,” she said. Her mother never opened the door without taking a look through the peephole.