JANA WAS a happy bundle of nerves. On this beautiful July afternoon, she was hosting a dinner at her mother's house where Scott would join them. He had not met Julian and the twins, nor been part of any family activities. The meeting had been his idea. Jana so admired Scott, and was so besotted with love, that she always waited for him to plan what they would do and where they would do it. She had eagerly accepted his suggestion and had bought all the food and prepared most of it ahead of time so she could be with the family instead of in the kitchen. The sun was shining and the lake shimmered. Everything so far conspired for success.

She looked at the time: still two hours to wait!

"I'm taking Barney for a walk, Mom. Want to come?"

"Yes, that would be nice. I'll be right with you."

Jana was amazed at how well her mother had recovered in the six weeks since the surgery. She suspected that she had been in bad shape at first, despite her denials. Lacey'd had to return to the hospital three times because of drainage tube and breathing difficulties. But now she had energy and looked well. Her hair was growing back and Jana had been amused when she starting dying it black as soon as the stubble was long enough to show the gray. Best of all, her mood had improved.