I cup his bruised cheek with my hand, my heart filling with angst, knowing Ralph’s impending death will be hard on him. Hard on all of us. I try to stay focused on the happy.
“Okay.”
Making my way into the kitchen, I spot Jenny and Miss Betty efficiently cutting up the beautiful pink cake on the large island. These women are remarkable. And their knack for switching up a wedding ceremony to Ralph’s celebration has been a blessing for everyone involved. We couldn’t have done this without them.
“Hey,” Jenny greets with a broad, red-lipstick smile. “Are you ready for some cake?”
I come up beside her and marvel at the sweet treat being cut into perfect portions. The decadent scent of strawberries and cream in the air is mouth-watering.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“I’ll be back for another round,” Betty Lou says. I watch her hoist a big tray of cake servings onto her shoulder and exit the kitchen.
“I’ll be ready for ya,” Jenny hollers, continuing to efficiently cut into the remaining layers. She nods at me.
“I remember when Ralph tried his very first piece of my strawberry cake. He said, ‘Jenny, this is the best cake I’ve ever put in my mouth. How do you do it?’” She chuckles before her hands still, and she hangs her head.
“Jenny?” I palm her shoulder and realize she’s crying. “Oh, Jenny.”
“I’m sorry,” she sniffles. “I just adore that sweet man so much. I’m gonna miss him.”
“We all are,” I console.
Dabbing the corners of her eyes with the edge of her apron, she nods. “For what it’s worth, what you and George did today was very selfless and generous.”
“We wanted to,” I say, waving her off.
“No, Madison. Hear me out. The entire town of Heartsboro is grateful for you. A sure peace settled right over Ralph when you showed up yesterday. It was like he knew George was gonna be okay with you by his side. You gave him that peace.”
I’m stunned by Jenny’s kind words, unsure how to reply. “Well, I love him very much. And I love George too.”
“We know you do, sweetie. And all of us love you too. You’re family now.”
Jenny puts her arms around me, and we hug. The sound of laughter coming from the bedroom makes me smile.
“Oops, sorry to interrupt.”
I pull back from Jenny and notice Beverly standing in the doorway. I divert my attention to my sister. “Jenny was just telling me another Ralph story. You want some cake?”
“Sure, in a minute. But first, can I talk to you outside on the porch for a sec?”
“Okay.” I look at Jenny and say, “Save me a couple of pieces, would ya?”
“No worries. I brought enough to feed the entire town.” She offers me a genuine smile and resumes her cutting.
Bev pushes open the screen door, and we walk outside. I scan the crowded lot of parked cars; the turnout for our wedding-turned-celebration party,impressive.
“First of all, you were right. I love him,” Beverly says, crossing her arms across her chest.
My smirk is immediate, and I playfully bump her arm with my fist. “Told ya.”
“He’s so handsome, and the way he looks at you… Wow. That man is definitely in love.”
I feel a rush of heat across my cheeks. “I love him too. I do.” I’m still wearing my makeshift bride outfit and tuck my loose hair behind my ears.
“I’m proud of you, Maddy.”
“You are?”
