The living room furniture—used for guests—was as pristine as always. It was pretty much the only place pets weren’t allowed. In the family room, however, the big sectional and two recliners were worn from use but still comfortable. She thought maybe the TV was a little bigger than the last time she’d visited, but otherwise, all was as she remembered. Including Burt nipping at Belle’s ankles and the Great Dane yelping before jumping on the sofa, where she stood trembling, her expression one of outrage and fear.

“Oh, Belle,” Reggie said, settling next to her dog. “You have got to grow a spine. Seriously, your daily poop weighs as much as he does.”

“There’s a thought,” her father said, leaning over the back of the sofa and kissing the top of her head. “It’s good to have you back, kid.”

“It’s good to be back.”

“I need to get to the shop.”

Leigh walked out of the kitchen. “Dinner’s at six thirty, Vince. Not six forty or six forty-five.”

He grinned. “Tell me again. Why am I marrying you?”

Reggie’s mother smiled. “Because you’d be lost without me.”

“That I would.”

They kissed. Then Vince waved and went to the garage. Burt stared after him, sighed when the garage door closed, and curled up in his bed by the recliner on the left. Belle eyed him suspiciously before collapsing on the sofa, resting her head on Reggie’s lap.

“So, where are we with the wedding?” Reggie asked as her mother took her seat in her recliner.

“Sometimes I think I’m organized, and other times, I’m not sure. Dena and I were discussing the bridesmaid issue yesterday.”

“She mentioned that. Mom, it’s totally up to you. If you want us to be bridesmaids, then we’re in. If you don’t, we’re fine with that.”

“Thank you. I’m leaning toward no. It’s not as if this is a real wedding.”

Reggie nodded, trying not to show her glee. “But you still want Belle to be your flower girl.”

“Of course. You’ll need to make her a dress. Something pretty with lots of lace and maybe a train.”

“A train might scare her, Mom. She could think she was being chased.”

“All right. Then just a pretty dress in either red or green.”

Reggie stroked Belle’s face. “We’ll put you in red because that looks good on you, doesn’t it?”

Belle slapped her tail against the sofa.

“Do you want to have a wedding shower?” Reggie asked.

“No. I’m too old. And no gifts.”

“People might want to bring something.”

Leigh waved her hands. “Have them donate to the town benevolent fund in our name. It’s not like your father and I need anything. We’re fine with what we have. We just want a big party.”

“And a wedding.”

Her mother smiled. “Yes, and a wedding.”