“I could build you one,” Graham offered. “I’ve got the tools, and it wouldn’t be that big of a job. I’d be glad to do it Sunday. I’ll even pick up the lumber and things we need to build it on my way home tomorrow. It’s the least I can do for all you’ve done for my girls.”

“That’s so sweet, but—” Mitzi started.

Graham shook his head. “No buts. Is two o’clock good for you? Alice is taking the girls to the movies, and they’re leaving right after we get lunch at the café. Want to help me, Mitzi?”

“Sounds great.” Mitzi was amazed at his offer, not only to do the job but also to let her help. Granny had always told her that the best way to get to really know someone was to work alongside them for a few hours. She visualized Graham all hot and sweaty, and got so engrossed in the pictures flashing through her mind that she forgot all about the reason they were having the party that evening.

“Paula, are you going to cut this cake or not?” Harry asked.

Mitzi loved cake, but she would have gladly given it up to keep the pictures in her head from disappearing.

Paula picked up a knife and held it above the cake for a minute. “I have something to say. First of all, thank you all for being here this evening and thank you for helping us move earlier in the week. Good friends are priceless, and I’m glad for the privilege of calling y’all my friends. This is a gender-reveal party, so let’s see if we’re having a baby girl or boy.”

Fanny Lou rubbed her hands together. “We can’t wait to see if you cut into the pink or blue side of the cake.”

Tabby crossed her fingers. “We’ll take either one—”

Dixie butted in before her sister could finish the sentence. “But we want a girl real bad.”

“This is so exciting, but what I really want is a chunk of that cake to go with this ice cream,” Harry chuckled.

Paula cut a piece of the pink cake.

“A girl!” Dixie high-fived with her sister. “Can we babysit when she’s born?”

“What’s her name going to be?” Tabby slapped Dixie’s hand. “Our first project on our new sewing machines needs to be a pretty quilt for her.”

“Congratulations, Paula,” Graham said.

Alice held up her bowl of ice cream. “A toast with ice cream, since we don’t have any Irish whiskey. ‘Wee little baby, fresh from God’s arms. You light up the world with your sweet baby charms.’ Congratulations, Paula. I can think of nothing more exciting than being a mother.”

“Amen!” Fanny Lou said.