Her mother’s expression turned doubtful. “Gray? Really?”

Reggie showed her the dress she’d found online. The bodice had a sweetheart neckline, and the knit fabric was ruched on the bias. It was fitted to the waist, then fell straight to the floor. The sleeves, shoulder and back were done in matching lace.

“It’s beautiful,” Leigh breathed. “And it looks comfortable.”

“The style would be so flattering, Mom. You’d need a strapless bra, but otherwise nothing special underneath.”

Reggie showed her a second dress in more of a ball gown style. It had capped sleeves and a plunging V-neck. The top was embroidered and beaded to the hips, while the skirt was layers of matching tulle.

“Oh, I like that one, too. In some ways, it’s a bit more of a wedding gown style.” Her mother clicked between the two dresses. “Let’s order them both and I’ll try them on.” She laughed. “One of them has to work or I’ll be walking down the aisle in my bathrobe.”

“That would certainly be memorable.”

Reggie logged into her Nordstrom account and ordered the dresses, requesting a rush delivery to give them a little extra time.

“They should be here early next week,” she said, closing her laptop.

“Good. If I keep one of them, I’ll write you a check for the cost.”

Her mother rose and walked over to the coffeepot on the counter. She poured them each a mug.

“So,” she said, her voice casual. “Have you seen Toby since Thanksgiving?”

“Mom, it’s been three days. When would I have seen him?”

“I don’t know. Out and about. You take Belle for walks. You might have swung by his store. I don’t keep track of you that closely. You know I’m not one of those mothers who meddles.”

“Really? I wouldn’t have guessed that, what with you inviting Toby over for Thanksgiving and not bothering to tell me. What were you thinking?”

Her mother sat across from her and smiled. “That Judy isn’t a young woman anymore, and cooking a big dinner might be too much for her.”

Which sounded very lovely and kind, but Reggie knew there had to be more going on than the desire to help out.

“Aren’t there other people in town who also would have enjoyed a family meal?”

“Maybe, but I don’t know them as well. You know, Harrison is a very sweet boy. Have you ever thought about what it would be like to be a stepmother?”

Reggie stared at her. “That’s not even subtle.”