Page 17 of Sunsets at the Beach House

“Do you have a source for sour oranges?”

She nodded. “I saw them at Publix the other day, but I also know the produce place near the flea market has them. But seeing them at Publix was what got me thinking about the pie again.”

“Meringue topping or whipped cream?”

“Meringue. I think traditional is best for this one.”

Margo sipped her coffee. “I couldn’t agree more. That’s how your grandmother always made it.”

“And that’s how I remember it—with that fluffy mountain of burnished meringue. I plan to recreate the pie of my childhood as best I can.”

“Do you have your grandmother’s recipe?”

“I do. The original is in my recipe box in Landry, but I have a copy of that card in one of my recipe books here.”

Frowning, Margo leaned on the counter. “I don’t recall you ever baking that pie while we were here.”

“Neither do I, but I must have intended to. I have copies of almost all my recipes here. Mostly what I made was those kitchen-sink bars, chocolate chip cookies, and lemon squares. Bryan always wanted a Publix key lime pie.”

Margo sighed. “Those are fine. Publix has a good bakery, but nothing compares to your homemade baked goods.”

Claire grinned. “Thanks, Mom.”

Kat came out. “Please tell me you two haven’t drunk all the coffee.”

“Settle down,” Margo said. “There’s plenty left for you. But we might need to start another pot for Jules and Cash. If they ever wake up.”

Claire went ahead and filled Kat’s cup, then carried the carafe over to her mom. “Warm you up?”

“Sure.” Margo held out her cup.

“Perfect.” Claire topped her off, then added the rest to her own cup. “Now I can start a new pot.”

Kat held her cup in both hands. “Man, this tastes good today. Did you do something different to the coffee?”

“I put a dash of cinnamon in the grounds,” Claire said. “I was in the mood for a little kick.”

“It’s a good addition.”

“Thanks,” Claire said. “Can I borrow your car for about an hour or so this morning? I need to run out for a few things.”

“Sure,” Kat said. “Anything I can help with?”

“Not really, but you’re welcome to come if you want. I’m going to Michael’s to see about buying larger pans for the wedding cake, then Publix for a few groceries.”

Kat shrugged. “I’m showered and ready. I’ll tag along, if you don’t mind.”

“I don’t mind at all.” Claire got to making the second pot of coffee. “It is your car.”

“I can drive, too,” Kat said. “I like Michael’s. It always makes me want to make something.” She laughed. “And I am not that crafty. But it might be fun to try a new little project.”

“What kind of project?” Margo asked.

Claire was curious, too.

“No clue,” Kat said. “Maybe something will inspire me in the store. I could use a little inspiration as to what to get Miguel and Willie for a wedding present, too. What do you get two people who probably already have everything they could ever want?”

Claire shook her head. “No idea.” Then she laughed. “Why do you think I’m making them the cake?”

---