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the dining table. She was wearing a patterned scarf loud enough to cause seizures. I’m sure she was trying for cheerful and had unwisely taken Mary Elizabeth’s fashion advice.
    She had also bought replacement drapes for Alex’s office which she displayed proudly.
    The duplex is modest in size. You have to be careful how you decorate it or you can make the rooms look even smaller than they are. I do a lot of cream on cream. The ruffled sheers in Pepto pink would make Alex’s half look like a dinky dolly dream house. But this was Alex’s mom and Alex’s problem.
    I managed not to snicker until Rosemary had gone off to change clothes and share her find with Alex, but I looked over at Bob and caught him grinning and I kind of lost it.
    “Alex will be very surprised with those drapes,” I said finally.
    “Yes, and then some.”
    I shook my head at him.
    “You know, you and Alex are both entirely too nice. I have to work hard not to take advantage of that,” I scolded.
    Bob grinned some more. He was looking a lot better. Dad got up and hugged me.
    “I’ll see you tonight,” he said. “I’m bringing your mother.”
    This wasn’t a huge surprise. Mom and Dad didn’t live together but they weren’t really separated either.

    *  *  *

    The band was slogging through Melody Of Love . They played everything at a slow waltz time and it made the songs all but indistinguishable. I did my best to tune them out and to sit up straight so I didn’t crease my dress. I was wearing the same gown I had for Althea’s wedding. I hadn’t had the time or inclination to shop for another.
    The gazebo looked terrific. In previous years, when there had been only needed renovations, parts of the structure had seemed a little faded and tired. That night it stood in vibrant glory, housing a very uncomfortable Mrs. Graves, a haughty Tara Lee, a fluttery Mrs. Everett and Mr. Jackman who was doing his best to hide himself and his enormous red silk flower boutonniere behind the left pillar. I doubt he had understood what he was signing up for when he agreed to be the Queen’s consort. At least he didn’t have to wear a crown.
    Shirley Winkler was ‘sick’ and couldn’t attend. I think she was sick with shame and also fear of what Mrs. Graves might say to her.
    “We have a surprise to share with you all,” Rosemary said as Alex passed around the sparkling cider. In deference to Bob’s restrained menu, we were all avoiding alcohol. “Bob is retiring.”
    We all started to offer congratulations but Rosemary rushed on.
    “And we have decided to sell our house and get a condo and then a place up here so we can spend summers with you. That means we’ll be here to help with the wedding.”
    I managed a grimace that might pass for a smile and then gulped my cider. Alex and Mary Elizabeth at least managed wan grins. Mom and Dad did a little better.
    “Well. That’s just lovely,” Mom said. She did it really, really, well but I knew she was lying. Even my mother had Rosemary-fatigue.
    I squeezed Alex’s hand under the table, offering comfort and support. The housing market was really slow. I consoled myself with the hope that they wouldn’t find a buyer for a good long time. Maybe years.
    And if they did manage to sell the house and get up here by summer… well, there was still Las Vegas as a fallback option.
    “Cheers!” I said, offering a toast. “Happy Valentine’s Day!”

Excerpt from the next Chloe Boston Mystery: Viva Lost Vegas

    Alex poured me a glass of wine as soon as I walked through the door.
    “So,” he said nervously. “Gwen called today. She’s been talking to Mom.”
    “No,” I said, refusing his request and the wine. “No. I don’t want her to be a bridesmaid.”
    “But—”
    “No.” I turned, picked up my purse, called Blue and then left. About two blocks later I stopped running and called the house.
    “Chloe!”
    “I’ve had it. I don’t want a polka band. I don’t want fruitcake. I don’t