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“Give this a try,” he said proudly, and handed a glass to Hadleyas if it were his masterpiece he was now vulnerably releasing to the world.

She sipped the iced lemonade as he leaned in. “Oh, goodness.That’s amazing! What’s in that?”

“Can’t give away all my secrets,” he said warmly, and patted herarm.

“Now you’re just showing off,” Spencer said. In response, hehanded her her own glass and set out one for himself and Sonny, who’d broughtthe dinner to the table.

They gathered around, took their seats, and joined hands. “Thereare lots of gods people pray to, Hadley, but we find it’s best to pray to just oneof them. Feel free to join us.”

Hadley smiled and bowed her head as Spencer’s mother led them in ashort prayer of thanksgiving for the food. What followed was a delicious paradeof homemade pot roast, new potatoes, mixed vegetables, and fresh salad (withhomemade dressing, of course).

“I can’t tell you how long it’s been since I’ve had a meal thiswonderful,” Hadley said, placing her hand on top of Sonny’s. “You’ve reallymade me feel special tonight. Thank you.”

“Well, if you’re special to my Spencer, then you’re special tome.” They seemed to share a moment before Russell intervened out of discomfortor jealousy. Hard to say which.

“Where’s the pie, Sonora? I’ll get it.”

“Let me help,” Hadley said, setting her napkin neatly on thetable. She followed Russell to the stove where her mother had left thechocolate strawberry pie to cool. They shuffled about with plates and forks.

Alone at the table, Spencer turned to her mother. “Well?” sheasked quietly.

“I don’t know why we didn’t meet this woman sooner. She’swell-mannered, and cheerful, and more likable than anyone I’ve met in fiveyears.”

“So, you’re in?” Spencer laughed.

“I see what you see in her, Spencer,” her mother said, with warmeyes. “This one is a catch.”

“That’s what I think, too.”

“Don’t you get spooked.”

“Me?” she asked, knowing full well it was exactly like her. Hermama knew, too.

“You,”her mother said, pointedly.

“Am I too late?” an out-of-breath voice called from the entryway.“Is she still here? Traffic killed me.” Kendra dashed into the living roomstill wearing her Snoopy scrubs.

“She’s here,” her mother said happily.

Hadley returned with the pie and placed it on the center of thetable. “Hi,” she said brightly when she saw Kendra standing there. “I’mHadley.” She moved toward Kendra with an extended hand. “And I happen to be abig fan of Snoopy.”

“Me, too! I’m Kendra. The best friend.”

Hadley pointed at her. “Who knows all about lighting and music.”

“That’s me!” A pause. “You look so familiar, though. Have we metsomewhere?”

“Well…Rodeo Drive?” Hadley offered.

“Unlikely.”

“Venice Beach.”

“No, again. Any reason to have been in labor and delivery at anypoint?”

Hadley’s eyes went wide and her mouth fell open. “You’reNurseKendra fromAutumn’s delivery. She had twins a couple of months ago! A boy and a girl. Ringany bells?”

“Caroline and William!” Kendra exclaimed in adoration. “Two royalnames! With the crocheted matching hats.”