Page 109 of Happily Ever After

Althea looked mildly offended. “Why am I first?”

“Because you always have something smart to say,” Paige replied.

Althea sniffed, then relented. “Fine. My week has been busy with doctors’ appointments for Lester and myself, which I don’t appreciate, but that’s what happens at this age. I prefer quiet. But I will say this, watching you all organize yourselves over those bylaws was satisfying.”

Maude’s eyes flicked to Paige, amused. Cece let out a soft chuckle.

Althea continued, “People underestimate older women. They assume we’re docile because we don’t raise our voices. They forget we have time. And patience.”

Essie murmured, “Amen.”

Althea leaned back in her chair. “That’s all.”

“Thank you, Althea.” Paige turned to Cece. “Cece, you’re next.”

Cece’s smile appeared before she spoke, and Paige knew before she said anything that it was going to be good.

“My week has been…” Cece began, then paused, pressing her fingers lightly to her chest. “It’s been full. The podcast has been doing really well. Better than I expected. I had a sponsor reach out to me.” She held up a hand before anyone could say anything. “We’re just in the talking stages, but it was nice to be recognized.”

Blaise nodded. “As you should be.”

Cece’s eyes warmed. “Thank you.”

Paige watched Cece’s face closely. “And?”

Cece exhaled, and this time her smile widened. “And Dr. Renner’s office called me today.”

Everyone seemed to be holding their breath.

Cece kept her voice steady. “My bloodwork is good. In fact, everything looks good. They said they’re confident I’m in the clear.”

For a moment, no one spoke.

Then Blaise let out a sound that was half laugh, half sob. “That’s fantastic!”

Essie crossed the room and hugged Cece tightly, her arms firm. “Thank you, Lord,” Essie whispered, and Paige saw tears in Essie’s eyes when she pulled back.

Maude reached for Cece’s hand next and squeezed it once. “I’m so happy for you,” she said quietly.

Even Althea’s expression softened. She lifted her teacup slightly, like a private toast.

Cece blinked hard and laughed. “I texted Natalie—and Joe—right away. She nearly fell apart. In a good way.”

Paige’s throat tightened with relief. Cece was okay. “That’s the best news.”

Cece nodded, wiping at the corner of one eye. “It is. I feel like I can breathe again. Like I can make plans for the future without wondering if I’ll get to get to keep them.”

Paige couldn’t keep the happiness out of her voice. “Good. You deserve that.” After a moment, she pointed at Blaise. “All right, Blaise. Your turn.”

Blaise leaned back like she’d been waiting for this all day. “Well...” She set her glass down and looked around the room, eyes bright. “I got an offer for the book. And I accepted it.”

Cece’s mouth dropped open. “You did not.”

“I did,” Blaise confirmed, the smile on her face uncontrollable now. “My book is going to get published. And they’re paying me really well. I can’t believe it’s happening, but it is. It’s real.”

Maude leaned forward. “What’s ‘really well’ mean?”

“Maude!” Essie shook her head.