“But that’s what this party really is about. Girlfriends,” Taylor says. Her somber mood is erased and glimmers of her spark have returned.

“Yep.”

“Not cookies. Not even giving them to our friends and the hospice. But girlfriends,” Vera says.

“Regardless of what other shit or joy, we have one another,” Allie says.

“Regardless, we’re always here,” Taylor says.

“To girlfriends.” And we raise our glasses once again.

ALLIE STARTS CLEANING the kitchen. Rosie takes her seat and Jeannie and Rosie cluster with Taylor. Rosie knows a lot about family law. “Believe me, he’ll have to pay eventually,” I hear her say.

“But that doesn’t help now. Besides, you can’t get blood out of a stone,” Taylor replies.

“This’ll get better,” Jeannie says.

“It’s a question of time.” Their eyes meet as though they’re talking to each other as much as to Taylor.

“I know that. This’ll end. But the solution is a job with a livable wage and benefits.” Taylor shrugs. “I’ve filled out at least two hundred applications. Gone on twenty-five interviews, only to be told I’m overqualified.”

Laurie has her coat on, her purse thrown over her shoulder, and her cookies packed in a large shopping bag. “Well, I gotta get to Olivia,” she says and kisses me. “Let’s get together after the holidays.”

“Give lots of sugar to that baby,” Sissy says.

“Bye, everybody.” Laurie pauses at the door, staring at us.

The tremble in her voice halts me. This is her last party. “I love you all.” Laurie is engulfed by hugs, wrapped in I love yous, Goodbyes, Drive safes, Merry Christmases, and Happy New Years, covered with wishes warmer than her coat.

The open door reveals that the snow has stopped. I hope there’s no ice under the snow now blanketing limbs of the trees, roofs, streets, and cars.

Vera says, “I’ll give her a goodbye party.”

“I was thinking the same thing.”

Disney bounds for the door in a wild flurry of tail and bouncing, his monkey in his mouth.

Tara has returned.

“How’re the roads?” I hear Laurie ask as they pass in my driveway.

“Okay, but drive slowly. Slippery in spots,” Tara calls back as she enters the house.

“Like perfect timing, huh?” Tara says.

“We just finished.” I hug Tara and feel the hard wedge between us.

“Hear from Sky?” Tara’s eyebrows lift as she whispers the words.

“Yep.” I grin.

“I’m so glad! Relieved. It would have been terrible, I would have felt so guilty or something, you know?”

“The awful irony you talked about last summer.”

“Exactly,” Tara says. “But now, it’s, like, all good.”

“A girl. She’s having a healthy girl.”