“Yes, I would, but it’s all right if Mack can’t build it until after spring break. Granny Hayes has a rack just like this. She said that she was born in that cabin, and she’ll die in it, and that she likes being able to see all her clothes without having to open a door,” Holly answered. “I’m trying to find something to match my new earrings for tomorrow. What do you think of this?” She held up a blue shirt.

Lily was taken aback at being asked for her opinion. “Looks great. Wear your denim jacket with it and you’ll be beautiful.”

“Nope.” Holly held up her pink jacket. “I made the earrings with pink and blue feathers so it would look good with this combination. I just don’t know if this shade of blue matches the earrings right.”

So much for getting excited about her opinion, Lily thought. “It looks great. Lights out at nine thirty, but we’ve got time to work on your history project if you want to.”

“Yes!” Holly pumped her fist in the air. “I got all my notes written up, and I’m ready for the next entry. I hope it’s about Matilda, still. I like her, but I wish she’d leave her husband, like you did Daddy. I love him because he’s my dad, but sometimes I don’t like him so much now that I’m old enough to know what he did. Are all men like that, Mama?”

“No, honey, they aren’t,” Lily answered as she opened the journal. “There are good men out there in the world. When you get ready to date or get married, I hope you find a really good one.”

“I will, Mama.” Holly laid a hand on Lily’s shoulder.

Lily sat still, hoping that maybe it would turn into a hug, but Holly removed it and picked up her notebook.

“And if he’s a cheater like Rayford and Daddy, then I’ll shoot him,” Holly said in a matter-of-fact tone.

“That would just put you in prison,” Lily told her.

“Nope, it wouldn’t. Mack will help me bury the body where no one will ever find it. Now, read me the next entry, Mama,” Holly said.

“This is new territory for me, too. I haven’t read this part because I wanted to share it with you.” Lily opened the journal and began to read to Holly, just like she did when her daughter was a little girl.