Lily nodded in agreement, and wondered what she’d write on her first pages when she picked up the pen.

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Nineteen

Mack’s little slip about “our daughter” came back to Lily’s mind on Monday as she drove to work. She parked her car behind the shop, opened the back door, and turned up the thermometer when she went inside. Turning on lights as she made her way into the front room, she still couldn’t stop thinking about what he’d said. She had seldom even said “our children” when she was talking to Wyatt about Holly and Braden.

She unlocked the front door and flipped the sign over to show that they were open for business. Then she opened the small safe, put enough money in the cash register to start the day, and closed the drawer. The minute she’d stashed her purse and coat, the bell above the door jingled, and Polly came in wearing a big smile and carrying a box from the pastry shop down the street.

“I brought fried pies today to celebrate,” Polly said.

“Celebrate what?” Sally came in through the back door and tossed her coat and purse on a chair.

Polly opened the box and took out a half-moon-shaped fried pie. “That Lily and Mack are dating. I guess that’s what you kids still call it. I’ve got apricot and cherry. Help yourselves. And”—she pulled a half gallon of milk from her purse—“I brought this to go with the pies. Now tell me all about it.”

“Why didn’t you call me?” Sally asked Lily. “I’m your best friend. I should have known about this before the whole town did.”

“Because it’s a rumor.” Lily got three disposable cups from under the counter and poured milk for all of them. “But whoever started it has my thanks. I love fried pies. Mama used to make apricot fried pies for us in the summer when she didn’t want to heat up the house with an oven.”

“Well, crap!” Sally sighed. “You haven’t dated since your divorce. I wanted it to be real, and besides, it’s Valentine’s Day, so we need something romantic to talk about.”

“Well, it damn sure ain’t goin’ to ever happen with two kids underfoot all the time,” Polly laughed. “Want me to babysit Holly and Braden some evening? I’d be glad to take them for hot dogs and to a movie so y’all can have some free time to check out that bedroom stuff, and maybe even start dating.”

“Polly!” Lily exclaimed.

“Just makin’ an offer,” Polly giggled.

“If I get a boyfriend who has two kids, do I get the same offer?” Sally asked.

“Honey, if you find a man, I’ll take the kids for the whole weekend,” Polly answered. “You need to get over that sumbitch you married and move on.”