Page 51 of Lemon Pound Cake Club

Instead, she reached into the basket and quietly arranged the lemons, lining them up one by one.

“I haven’t stopped thinking about her,” I admitted. “I can’t imagine losing my husband like that.”

“No one ever imagines it,” Camille replied.

Then she smiled again.

“I should probably get home.”

I nodded.

“Of course.”

She turned toward her driveway. Halfway there, she glanced back.

“And thank you for the lemons?”

I smiled.

“You’re welcome.”

I waited until she went inside, then walked back to my porch. I looked over at Danielle’s house again.

The street felt quieter than normal. I checked my phone, but there weren’t any messages. No one had talked about checking on Danielle or bringing her food or flowers. Maybe everyone thought someone else would do it, or maybe they were just waiting.

But I didn’t want to wait. I opened the neighborhood group chat. My thumbs hovered over the screen for a moment before I started typing.

Good morning, ladies. I know we’re all still processing the heartbreaking news about Danielle. Maybe we could meet at her house around eleven and bring some breakfast, flowers, or anything else she might need. No one should have to go through this alone.

I read it over once, then pressed send.

A few seconds later, my phone buzzed. One heart reaction, then another. Soon, messages started coming in.

Simone: I’ll make my breakfast casserole.

Nia: I’ll grab coffee for everyone.

Jade: I have fresh flowers.

Miss Evelyn: I’ll be there.

I smiled to myself. Almost a minute went by before another notification popped up.

Camille: Such a thoughtful idea, Maci. I’ll see everyone at eleven.

I looked at her message for a moment, then locked my phone.

It was strange. She had always been the one to lead, but it didn’t seem easy for her to follow.

When I pulled into Danielle’s driveway, almost every spot along the curb was already taken. SUVs and sedans lined both sides of the street, so I had to park a few houses away.

If the sheriff's cruiser hadn't been parked in front of Danielle's house, no one would have known that a tragedy had occurred in Lemon Grove last night.

I grabbed the bouquet of white lilies from the passenger seat and headed to the front door. Voices drifted over before I even reached the porch.

Miss Evelyn saw me first.

"There she is."