“We don’t need to air our dirty laundry in public.” Flynn shot stern looks across the table.

“I think that concludes our business,” Paul interjected, “but maybe I will remind you, again, that on the second page of the will, it states that Jackson Devereaux, your next-door neighbor, not only has possession of the hope chest, but he also has the key that opens it. The Blossom Quilting Club will inspect your quilt when it is finished, and if they give you a passing grade on it, he will open the chest to add the quilt to whatever it holds. Then the chest itself will remain in his custody until one of you gets married.” Paul closed his briefcase. “My business card is attached to each of your copies of the will. If you have questions, feel free to call.”

“Thank you,” Flynn said. “We appreciate you meeting us here.”

“You are welcome.” He smiled and adjusted his wire-rimmed glasses. “Blossom isn’t that far from Paris, and I’ll take any excuse to come to Weezy’s. I love their pies.” He picked up his briefcase and disappeared out the door.

“Well, you’ve each got a thousand dollars,” Flynn said. “Are y’all really serious about leaving or staying? I think I’ll stick around. My curiosity wants to know what’s in the hope chest.”

Besides, I need a place to see if I can become a better man, he thought as stared at the menu. I don’t like the person I am right now. I need some direction, and I hope coming back to Blossom will turn me around.

“I’m not going anywhere. I finished up the school year yesterday, and I don’t go back to Turkey, Texas, until the middle of August”—Nessa picked up a menu—“if I go back at all. I’m serious about that much anyway. I may look for a job in this area. It all depends on how things go around here.”

April shrugged. “I don’t have anyplace to go. I’ve been living out of my car again for the past week, and I’m broke. Flynn, are you looking forward to quilting?”

“No, I’m not.” Flynn said. “But I learned to do all kinds of things when I had to move in with Dad, so I can manage to thread a needle and sew on a button. Don’t worry about me. I’ll do my share, and I’m here for the summer, too. Let’s have something to eat before we go out to the house—I’m starving. It’s my treat today, but don’t expect it to happen very often.” He couldn’t bear to see anyone go hungry, not even his pesky cousins, who had driven him crazy when they had been teenagers.

“I’ll have a chicken-fried steak.” Nessa focused on Flynn. “Are you still buying?”