Page 43 of All Along The Watchtower

Mimi beamed. “Housewarming presents.”

Peyton perked up. “Really?”

“Really. Come unwrap.”

We all watched as she tore into the paper, revealing a collection of handmade pottery in her signature deep blues and greens. Dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, and mugs, each one unique but clearly part of a set. She must’ve started on these the day she found out about Peyton.

My throat got tight. “Mimi, you didn’t have to do this.”

“Of course I did. Every home needs proper dishes.” She lifted out a bowl, showing Peyton the wave pattern carved into the rim. “I made these special for you both.”

“They’re beautiful.” Peyton ran her fingers over the glazed surface. “You made all of these yourself?”

“That’s what I do, sweet girl. I’m a potter. Well, it’s one of my mediums, anyway.”

My daughter looked intrigued. “Can you show me sometime?”

She squeezed Peyton’s shoulders. “I’d love nothing more.”

I had to turn away for a moment, pretending to check the cornbread in the oven while I got myself under control. My moms had always known how to make a house feel like home. Even this sparse rental with its bare walls and empty spaces felt warmer already.

Mom touched my shoulder. “You okay?”

I nodded, not quite trusting my voice. “Yeah. Just… thank you.” Clearing my throat, I opened the cabinet. “Well, let’s set the bowls on the table and put the rest away.”

I began loading plates onto an empty shelf, and the timer went off. “Chili’s ready, and there’s the cornbread.”

“Got it.” Mom snagged a potholder off the hook on the side of the fridge and pulled the cast-iron skillet from the oven.

Peyton stood at the door to the backyard, peering out toward the neighboring yard. “Hey, Bree’s home. We should invite her to dinner.”

Mom and Mimi exchanged a look. I did my best not to react. “You’re welcome to walk over and issue the invitation, but it’s quite possible she’s got plans, or she’s just home to let Keeley out before heading back to the Brewhouse.”

“I’ll go ask.” She’d bounced out the door before any of us could blink.

I wondered what excuse Bree would offer, because no way was she going to be up for a family dinner. Not when I was involved.

No one was more surprised than I was when Peyton came back a few minutes later with Bree and Keeley in tow. Judging by the faintly confused expression on Bree’s face, she wasn’t quite sure how it had happened either.

“Hey.” I flashed a smile I hoped she found welcoming rather than manic. “Thanks for joining us.”

“Hi.” Bree hovered just inside the doorway, looking as if she might bolt at any second, much as my daughter had the day we’d met. Keeley trotted past her to investigate the house.

Mimi swept into the awkward like a welcome breeze, scooping Bree into one of her signature hugs. “It is so good to see you, darlin’. It’s been too long.”

After only a moment’s hesitation, Bree squeezed her back, her face relaxing. “It has. Great to see you, Mimi. You, too, Mama Flo.”

“You can sit by me,” Peyton announced as she set a fifth place at the table.

The corners of Bree’s mouth tipped up. “Sounds good.”

A few minutes later, we all settled at the table with our food.

Bree crumbled her cornbread into her chili. “So how’s school going?”

“Everybody was talking about the dead guy today,” Peyton announced.

Mimi frowned. “I’m not sure this is appropriate dinner conversation, baby girl.”

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