Something Old, Something New by Beverly Jenkins

Author:Beverly Jenkins
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 2011-05-31T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 12

The next few days were bittersweet ones for the residents of Henry Adams. The bitter parts were tied to the memory of Ms. Agnes and her passing. The sweet to the news about Zoey. Word about her spread like a late July grassfire, and Lily thought it a good thing that Zoey and the Garlands were in Manhattan, because all the interest might have been too much for the town’s favorite little girl. Everywhere Lily went, she was asked to explain the story, and each time she did, the questioners would shake their heads sadly and say, “Poor baby girl.”

Everyone also wanted to meet Reverend Grant, and the task of making that a reality fell to the new VP of social affairs.

On Friday evening, when Lily and Trent, accompanied by Amari and Devon, arrived at the rec where the welcome reception was being held, they were pleased by both the size of the crowd and the tasteful but festive way the big meeting room had been decorated. The town’s residents were present, of course, as were some local dignitaries from neighboring communities. Also in attendance were a few men decked out in clerical collars. None of their faces were familiar, but Lily assumed they were area pastors who’d come to check out Paula. The only people who appeared to be missing were Tamar and Marie. Neither of them had been seen since the funeral, as far as she knew. She had talked to Marie the day after the memorial about coming to dinner on Sunday, but her godmother had asked for a rain check, her way of saying she needed space. Respecting that, Lily hadn’t called since.

Lily was about to suggest they get in the line with all the other people wanting to shake Paula’s hand when Sheila Payne rushed up.

“Good, you’re here. Trent, I need you to say a few words of welcome.”

And before they could blink, she whisked him away.

“Ms. Payne looks real happy,” Amari said.

Lily had to agree. “Yes, she does.”

“Preston says she really likes her new job.”

Lily was glad to know that. She’d yet to talk to Sheila about how the colonel felt, but decided she’d find out soon enough. Lily spotted Bernadine and received a thumbs-up, which Lily assumed meant the Boss Lady approved of the affair. Lily threw the sign back at her and grinned. Bernadine had also been skeptical about Sheila’s abilities, but everything looked lovely, from the fresh flowers on the buffet table to the fancy tablecloth and gold-rimmed china.

Lily glanced down to ask Devon how he liked the affair so far and saw him shooting daggers Paula’s way. She sighed sadly and looked up to find Amari watching her with concerned eyes.

He said softly, “Don’t worry, Mom. It’ll work out. You’ll see.”

She was so moved by his caring spirit and calling her Mom, she felt the sting of tears. She wanted to give him a big fat hug and a kiss, but rather than embarrass him in front of a room filled with people, she replied simply, “Thank you, Amari.

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