“White roses—about half this big, but do some red touch-up with whatever satin or silk she picks out for her dress. She said she could come in right after lunch today if that’s okay?”

“That would be a perfect time,” Mitzi said.

“Can I take it with me today?” Ellie Mae ran the fingers of her right hand over it as if the bouquet were made of precious metals.

“Yes, ma’am, you can. We might possibly have the rest of the flowers done next week when you come in for the skirt fitting, if you’ll send me a list of what all you need.”

“Thank you.” Ellie Mae nodded.

“I can put that in a plastic bag for you,” Mitzi offered.

Reluctantly, Ellie Mae handed it back to her. “I can tell you right now that I want a red-rose boutonniere for Darrin and a white one for the best man. And I don’t want little bitty things, either. Do them up fancy with three rosebuds in Darrin’s and some black lace like my bouquet. And the others should have two with some red in it from Darcy’s dress. I’ll send you a list this afternoon of the mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and special friends that will need corsages. Thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me to have the most beautiful wedding in the whole state.” Ellie Mae waited until her bouquet was in plastic before she wrapped Mitzi up in a tight hug.

“That’s what we’re here for,” Mitzi assured her.

Fanny Lou arrived for the party that evening with a decorated cake from the bakery. One side had blue icing; the other, pink. A big question mark had been piped in the middle.

“That is too cute,” Mitzi said.

“I came early to help. How are we going to do this since we only have four places at the table?” Fanny Lou asked.

“We’ve got a long table set up in the fitting room. Jody is setting out pink bowls and blue paper plates.” Mitzi eyed the cake.

Fanny Lou shook a long, bony finger toward Mitzi. “You touch that and I’ll ban you from getting a single bite. I heard that Ellie Mae had a fitting and took her bouquet home. Her mama loved it.”

“That’s why we do what we do,” Mitzi said. “Come on, Granny—I love buttercream frosting. No one would notice if I just got a taste from the back corner.”

“Don’t even think of it!” Fanny Lou scolded as she carried the cake out of the kitchen.

Dixie and Tabby came through the front door and stopped when they saw the cake. “What’s the question mark for?” Dixie asked.

“You’ll find out later,” Fanny Lou answered.

Mitzi heard the girls in the foyer and joined them as they followed behind Fanny Lou.