“My mama’s house would shock most people in town.” Jody picked up her needle and started basting a bodice together. “Everyone thinks she’s so godly, but . . .” She glanced over to find Mitzi staring off into space without blinking.

“Are you sleeping with your eyes open?” Jody giggled.

“What? I’m sorry. I was thinking about this house. Remember when we were kids and Miz Ellen entertained us in this room? What were you saying?” Mitzi asked.

“I always loved coming here for that Sunday School Christmas party she hosted.” Jody remembered that sweet old lady’s floral perfume and the sugar cookies that she served them about once a month.

“Ever wonder what really went on in this house before she died and we bought it?” Mitzi asked.

“The hallway would probably recite Bible verses to us. And I’d be willing to bet that the pregnancy test in the bathroom trash can is the first one these old walls have ever seen,” Jody giggled. “Paula should be getting her ultrasound about right now. Want to make a bet on whether it’s a boy or girl?” Jody finished the basting job. She picked up a bead with a pair of tweezers, dipped it into a small cup of fabric glue, and laid it on a veil that she’d started working on.

“Which would you want if you were pregnant?” Mitzi asked.

“A girl,” Jody said without hesitation. “I wouldn’t want to be a boy’s mama if he treated a woman like Lyle has treated me. I’d think I’d failed at teaching him how to behave. If I had either one, no matter what the circumstances, I’d never make the child feel unwanted.”

“We’ll all make sure Paula’s baby doesn’t feel like that,” Mitzi said.

“What was that about a baby?” Fanny Lou breezed into the sewing room and sat down in Paula’s chair. She removed a straw hat with a wide brim and laid it on the table. That day she wore a T-shirt with Minnie Mouse on the front, faded jean shorts that barely reached her bony knees, and cowboy boots. “Thank God for air-conditioning. Lord, it’s hot out there. If it feels like this in June, it’ll only be three degrees cooler than hell when July and August get here.”

“We’re tellin’ Gladys and Selena tonight, so you can’t tell anyone until after that, but Paula is pregnant. She’s getting an ultrasound today and hopefully we’ll know if it’s a boy or girl,” Mitzi said.

“Who’s the father and when’s the wedding?” her granny asked.

“The relationship was over before she found out she was pregnant. So there’s not going to be a wedding,” Jody answered. “Smart girl if you ask me. Want a glass of iced tea?”