Minnie: I need to get a present for Kristen and Scruffy’s baby—you have more nieces and nephews than anyone I know. Want to help? I’m free right after work if you are.

Chelsea: Love spending other people’s money! Let’s start at Older Than Dirt.

And so, a few hours later, we were standing side by side, arms crossed, looking at the three things Pam Fazio had selected as suitable for the occasion. “What do you think?” Pam asked. “And they’re all within your price range.”

Only, I suspected, because I was being given the secret Friends and Family discount, but Pam would never admit to that. Choice number one was a rocking horse, number two was an adorable little upholstered chair, and number three was a toddler-sized white wicker rocking chair. I was shying away from the rocking horse because the D. H. Lawrence short story had scared me silly in junior high, but I was trying not to let that influence my decision.

“What do you think?” I asked Chelsea. “I already gave her normal baby stuff at a shower last month, but I want to give them something that lasts. Something that could be eventually passed down to grandkids.”

“They’re all great,” Chelsea said. “But I’d be afraid a little kid would spill stuff on that upholstered chair, even though you said the fabric is stain-resistant.”

Pam nodded and nudged the chair aside. “Down to rocking horse or rocking chair. And don’t feel pressured to buy either one, okay? My tender feelings won’t be hurt if you buy Kristen’s baby present from someone else.”

I grinned. “Can I quote you on that? Never mind. I think the wicker rocking chair. They can keep it here in Chilson to use during the summers.”

“Works for me,” Pam said cheerfully. “Now, what do you want me to do with it?”

“Can it stay here until the baby is born?” I asked. “Afterward, I’ll take it over to the house.”

Pam nodded. “I’ll put a Sold tag on it and put it in the back. And I’ll get a tag right now before I forget.” She bustled off and Chelsea and I admired my purchase.

“This is a really cool thing to give,” Chelsea said. “You’re a good friend.”

“Works both ways,” I said. “She’s done so much for me over the years. There’s no way I could ever repay her.”

She smiled. “Kind of what friendship is all about, isn’t it?”

“Kind of what relationships are all about, too,” I said gently. “Chelsea, I’m going to ask one more time and then I promise I’ll stop. What went wrong between you and Ash?”