Page 121 of Lemon Pound Cake Club

A tear rolled down my cheek.

"I kept my promise." My words hung in the morning air.

"I just wish I didn't have to."

"You should've been here."

Another tear slipped down my face.

"You should've had your baby and grown old. You should've been sitting at the head of that table."

I laughed even as I cried.

"You would've bossed us around, too."

I almost heard her voice answering me.

"Because somebody has to."

I wiped my cheeks.

"I miss you."

It's the kind of missing that catches you at the grocery store, or when you grab your phone to share something funny and then remember they're gone.

"I still talk to you."

I smiled.

"I know you know that."

I heard footsteps behind me. I didn't have to look to know who it was. Zaire knelt beside me and quietly handed me a napkin.

"I figured I'd find you here."

"I wasn't ready to leave."

He nodded.

"They're waiting."

I glanced back at Mari's headstone.

"I know."

I ran my fingertips over the cool granite one last time.

"Come on."

I smiled, even though I was crying.

By six o'clock, every seat at my table was filled. Danielle laughed at something Jade said. Nia set out the wine glasses. Simone placed fresh flowers in the center. The room felt alive again.

Miss Evelyn arrived last, carrying Mari's old recipe box under her arm. She placed it in front of me without a word. This was our Thursday tradition now. I opened the lid.

Under the recipe cards inside, I found Mari's handwritten note.

I didn't need to read it anymore. I knew every word by heart. I looked around at the women at my table, who had become sisters through choice, survival, and honesty.