“We thought this was just a cake and ice cream get-together, maybe to talk about the bridal fair,” Dixie answered.

“There’s a surprise tonight, but we will probably talk about the bridal fair afterwards.” Mitzi had worried all day about how Graham and Alice would take the news. She’d wondered, if she had teenage girls, how she’d handle the issue they would be facing. In Amarillo or even Tulia, things would be different, but Celeste was old school with a double dose of morality. Even in modern times, folks still looked down on single mothers.

“I brought homemade ice cream.” Harry carried an oak bucket into the room and set it on the end of the table.

Mitzi crossed the room to give him a hug. “Is it banana nut?”

“Is there any other kind? Is that cake what I think it is?”

Mitzi pulled him over to a corner.

“Do I need to get my shotgun down from above the mantel?” he whispered.

She shook her head. “It’s Paula, not me.”

He clamped a hand over his mouth. “Holy crap! Does Gladys know?”

“She does now, and so does Selena,” Mitzi answered.

“No wonder the temperature in town has risen so high. I bet she’s breathing fire,” Harry said.

Mitzi nodded. “You are so right about that. I feel so sorry for Paula.” She lowered her voice to a whisper. “Gladys told her that she was dead to her.”

Harry just shook his head. “Gladys has always had problems, but that’s harsh even for her. When’s the wedding?”

“Not going to be one. The father was separated from his wife but went back to her before Paula even knew she was pregnant,” Mitzi said.

“When is the baby due?” Harry asked.

“September.”

“Well, I got to say, I’m glad it’s not you, but if Paula needs anything, I’ll be here for her. Gladys shouldn’t treat her like that.” Harry shook his head.

“Thank you, Daddy.”

“Anything for you, Paula, or Jody,” Harry said. “I’d still like to wring Lyle’s neck for what he did.”

“You’d have to stand in line.” Mitzi looped her arm in his, and together they rejoined the group.

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Twelve

Graham rushed into the house, taking his shirt off as he climbed the stairs to the second floor. He threw it at the dirty clothes hamper and kicked his shoes off in the hallway leading to the bathroom. He took a quick shower, shaved for the second time that day, and hurriedly dressed in casual khaki shorts and a pullover shirt.

He’d been looking forward to seeing Mitzi all day. There was something building between them, like the embers of a slow-burning fire. It might fizzle or it could break into a full blaze, but whatever happened, he was ready for it.