"Here you go, man." Bryan slid the basket down the table, and Henry grabbed a piece, grinning.
"Smells amazing, as always," Deva remarked, her sensitive nose lifting slightly to catch the scents floating from the kitchen. She caught Marquis' eye, and they shared a quiet moment before turning back to the rest of us.
"Water for everyone?" The waitress appeared, her smile practiced but genuine.
"Please," Carol said.
"Make sure there's lemon in mine." Wade winked at Beth beside him.
Beth nudged him playfully. "Wade loves lemon in his water.”
It was cute, like she was so proud to know a small detail about him. I smiled but tried to hide it behind my menu. Those two would not appreciate just how darling I found them at the beginning stages of their romance.
"Deva, how's the new dessert menu coming along?" Alice asked, patting her dark hair, although it was still neatly in a bun at the back of her head.
"Almost there. Just a couple more tweaks," Deva answered, pride lacing her words.
"I can't wait to try it," I said, and meant it. Deva's desserts were legendary.
"But you’re worried about it?” Alice asked.
Deva’s expression faltered, and she released a slow breath. "A little. Being a creator is like that though. You’re always worried about how your art will be received.”
Alice nodded, and Henry set a hand on top of hers. It seemed like a hard thing to pick up on other people’s emotions like that, but I was glad Alice had someone like my brother to steady her. Everyone needed someone like that in their life.
The waitress came back and took our food orders, and then hurried away.
Alice’s gaze found Beth. "How are you doing?”
Beth stiffened. "Good.”
"Oh?” she asked.
She shifted uncomfortably. "Chloe and Zoe, my twin daughters, are doing well in college. They don’t really visit anymore, because they’re so busy, which I understand.”
"But that’s hard for a mom,” Alice said.
Beth’s shoulders sagged. "Yes, it is.”
Henry squeezed Alice’s hand. "Are there happier things you guys want to talk about?”
He wasn’t subtle, but it worked. "Absolutely!”
We found no shortage of things to talk about, laughter bubbling up from our table as our dishes arrived, the delicate aromas ofFrench cuisine mingling with the buzz of conversation. I plucked a forkful of coq au vin and listened to Henry rave about his latest find in vintage comics.
"I can't believe it's almost time for the wedding," Carol said. "Is everything set for Travis and Jacqueline’s big move?"
"Almost," I replied. "Travis is finishing up at the studio, and then they’re heading straight here."
"The town won't know what hit it." Bryan joked.
"Speaking of hits, Wade, Beth—how’s our forest friend?" I asked with a knowing smile.
"Thriving," Wade answered, his voice carrying the warmth of a proud parent. "We took her back to the woods yesterday. She's strong, full of life."
"I didn't want to leave her," Beth added, her bright blue eyes reflecting a mix of joy and concern. "But she belongs there. With her kind."
"That must've been quite the sight." Henry leaned back in his chair.
