Mel' s Diner felt s

, picking at a loose thr

eside her, looking like he'

ker, beamed, her smil

voice like cheap perfume, strong an

ice, simple ceremony. Maybe at the community hall, then a reception

ghed. Emi

dn' t falter, but

ting Emily' s hand. "That was b

I asked, a knot for

loud enough for the whole diner to hear if they tried. "My Kevin, he' s a tradit

across the table. The "Whi

g point for the venue, catering, flowers. The works. And of course, a down payment for their first home.

who was suddenly fascinated by t

to keep my voice even. "Brenda, with all due respect, my catering busines

up, her eyes pleadi

said, my voice firm. "This is... ext

you see..." She paused for dramatic effect, her gaz

seemed to suck out.

ced with triumph. "Things are different now. You wouldn' t want h

ribs. Not just the money. T

my sweet Emily, who now

s true,

ling in her eyes. "Y

rr

"So, about that f