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bedtime.”
    That seemed to satisfy them and they stood up in unison, stretched and headed toward the bedroom. Lizzie grinned. Nice to be wanted.
    She thought about the lunch she’d shared with her mama earlier in the day out at Magnolia Manor, the long-term careresidence where Evelyn Turner had lived for nearly fifteen years. She hoped her mama realized how much Lizzie loved her.
    Today had been a good day even though it was a shorter than usual visit. Evelyn had seemed tired and she’d actually smiled at Lizzie as she reminisced about one of their many family picnics in Glendale Park. However, the drooping eyelids and nodding head cued Lizzie that an early-afternoon nap was in order.
    Lizzie hadn’t missed a weekend visit, unless she was out of town, which happened less often these days. She thought back to her first years as a reading specialist with the Ashton Corners School Board. She’d made it a point to spend two weeks of her summer vacation overseas. She’d visited France, Italy and Portugal and although there were still many countries on her list, she hadn’t strayed far from home since Mark came into her life. That realization came as a big surprise to her.
    Lizzie pulled into Molly’s driveway and parked next to Bob’s old black Dodge pickup. She was pleased to see that the boys had indeed returned, although Mark had sent her a text while they were on the road so she did have a heads-up. Stephanie Lowe had picked up Andie Mason in her well-worn but new-to-her Ford Fiesta. Lizzie waited for them while they unloaded Stephanie’s fifteen-month-old baby, Wendy, and all her equipment and helped carry some of it inside.
    Molly met them at the door and after hugs all around, ushered them into the kitchen. “You won’t believe the size of the bass the boys have caught. We’re barbecuing two of the larger ones tonight and Bob has kindly brought one for my freezer.”
    Lizzie put her dish on the counter next to the array of salads that were already set out. Stephanie gave Wendy toAndie to hold while she unwrapped the red velvet cake she’d made for dessert.
    â€œOh, my, Stephanie, you’re getting to be quite the baker,” Molly said, eyeing the plate.
    â€œI’m enjoying it so much,” Stephanie said. “I actually find it relaxing after a day of working at the bookstore. And I can keep an eye on Wendy in her playpen while I’m at it.”
    â€œIsn’t Roger coming?” Lizzie asked, wondering how things were going between Stephanie and her new boyfriend. They’d been dating for about six months but the book club didn’t get to see much of him. It seemed he was often busy whenever a social event came around although they’d all had a chance to meet him at Christmas. Lizzie had been happy that Stephanie seemed to have found a really nice, level-headed young man but she hoped they wouldn’t be rushing into anything. It appeared she needn’t have worried
    â€œHe’s working. They were shorthanded at Walgreens and called him this morning. He sends his apologies, though, Molly.”
    â€œThat was thoughtful of him,” Molly answered, glancing outside to see what Bob was up to. “I think Bob has set up all the extra tables. Maybe you gals would take out these tablecloths. I’m thinking we’ll do it buffet-style using two tables and then set the other two for a sit-down meal.”
    Sally-Jo and her fiancée, Jacob Smith, came around the corner of the house as Lizzie brought out the cutlery and napkins.
    â€œThe fish are inside,” Bob called over to Jacob. “They’ve been cleaned and seasoned and are ready to go. I think they’re looking mighty impressive.”
    â€œI’m impressed,” Lizzie said. “I thought y’all might just be having too much fun to bother with fishing.”
    â€œDang it, Lizzie. Fishing is serious business,” Bob answered. “It