For several seconds, nobody spoke.
Then the sheriff nodded.
"Yeah."
It was.
The Magnolia Ladies gathered around me.
Immediately.
Like a flock of very determined hens.
Mrs. Jenkins patted my arm.
Doris handed me a cinnamon roll.
I had no idea where she'd gotten it.
Betty looked toward Beast.
Then toward me.
Then smiled.
Oh no.
I knew that smile.
Matchmaking smile.
Dangerous smile.
The kind that should probably be illegal.
She leaned toward Mrs. Jenkins.
Not quietly.
"Look at him."
Mrs. Jenkins nodded.
"Oh, he's in love."
I nearly choked.
Beast looked horrified.
The boys started laughing.
Dad looked amused.
The sheriff suddenly needed to inspect something outside.
And the Magnolia Ladies?
They looked entirely too pleased with themselves.
