Mitzi sat up straighter and did her best to pay attention, but it was impossible. Wanda had disowned Jody when she and Lyle moved in together right after they’d graduated from high school. How was she going to take the news of him cheating on Jody? It was bound to get out real soon, if it hadn’t already.

The preacher finally ended his sermon and asked one of the deacons to give the benediction. The minute the last amen was said, Mitzi’s father was on his feet, shaking hands with those around him.

“These old pews get harder on my backside every Sunday.” Fanny Lou stood up and groaned, then nodded toward Wanda.

“Mama.” Jody nodded as well.

“I told you this would happen, that no man will buy the cow when he’s getting the milk free,” Wanda hissed at her.

“Are you braggin’ that you’re right or callin’ me a cow?” Jody asked.

“You’ve disgraced yourself again. Where are you stayin’ since he’s married someone else?” Wanda’s mouth was set so tight that it was a wonder the words could escape.

“She’s stayin’ with me and Paula,” Mitzi answered.

“That’s where she should’ve been all along or else livin’ with me.” Wanda’s high-pitched voice grated on the nerves. Poor Jody didn’t need that when she was trying to sort out everything.

“We’ll take good care of her,” Mitzi promised.

“Why do you care anyway? You haven’t even spoken to your daughter in years,” Fanny Lou asked.

“She could have been a help to me, but oh, no, she had to cause so much trouble that she drove her father away and then embarrass me in front of all my friends by living in sin,” Wanda said through clenched teeth. “And now she’s gettin’ her comeuppance.”

“I’m standin’ right here, Mama,” Jody said.

“Maybe so, but I’m choosing not to see you. God says we should hate what He hates and love what He loves. He doesn’t love the way you’ve lived,” Wanda told her.

“Well, I’m sure glad God loves you even when you’re self-righteous,” Jody replied.

“You’re sure showin’ a lot of Christian love, Wanda. You should be supporting your daughter in this tough time,” Fanny Lou snapped.

From the expression on Wanda’s face, Mitzi expected her to plumb stroke out. But she whipped around and stormed out of the church by a side door.

“Reckon she’ll get into heaven if she dies this week since she didn’t shake the preacher’s hand?” Fanny Lou giggled.

“Granny!” Mitzi scolded, but she couldn’t keep the twinkle from her eyes.