Id also phoned Margaret, feeling like she was owed some closure. To my surprise she was up to speed having already spoken with Miss No-nonsense. It turned out Howard confessed his affair after receiving a call from McNearny. Margaret was distraught about Evelyn and promised to call me if she had any news before I did.
We finished dinner, then Jim and I cleared the plates to ready the table for dessert. In the kitchen I turned on the coffeemaker.
Jim leaned into me. I love you, Kate. This is the best Thanksgiving ever because youre my wife and we have Laurie.
Tears sprang to my eyes and I hugged him. Im so worried about Evelyn. Thats a family that might lose their mommy tonight.
Jim held me. You cant think that way, honey. They saved the baby. Im sure theyre thankful about that. All we can do now is pray.
We held each other in silence. After a moment we heard Mom call from the dining room, Wheres my pumpkin pie?
I brought out Paulas magnificent pie and served it at the table with a generous scope of vanilla ice cream on the side. When it was ready, Jim poured coffee and splashed a little Irish Crčme into each cup.
As I sat down to dig into my pie, the phone rang. Jim and I looked at each other expectantly.
Let it go, Mom said. Whoever it is can call back.
I jumped up. I cant. It might be
Kate? Its Evelyn. Thank you.