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imposition at all. Please, come pull up a chair, and let me pour you a cup of coffee. Dylan and I were just working on a project together.”
    “I see that.” Vivian crossed the room but paused just short of taking a seat. “How wonderful.”
    “How are you doing?” Traci opened the door of a cabinet above the sink and took a tall glass. “You’re a long way from the big house. Would you like some sweet tea?”
    “No tea, thank you. And I’m fine…just missing my Andrew something awful tonight. The moonlight is so beautiful. I think we’re having what the news people call a Super Moon…so bright and close. And the stars weave a sparkling velvet blanket. Andrew and I used to love to stroll together on nights such as this when the stars danced and the wind whispered through the treetops.” She turned toward the counter where the cakes sat cooling. “Oh, it smells simply divine in here. I knew it would. You’ve discovered the perfect combination…”
    “What’s that in your hand?” Dylan asked as he motioned to the small, brown jar clasped in Miss Vivian’s palm.
    “Oh, this…” Vivian passed the jar to Traci. “It’s just a bit of pure vanilla extract that I brought from the pantry at the big house. I thought you might need it while you’re whipping up the frosting for those gorgeous confections.”
    “I just started preparing the buttercream. But, I have…” Traci’s voice trailed off as she reached for a jar of vanilla perched on the table, shook the contents. “Oh, my. This jar’s empty, but, Miss Vivian, how did you know I would need it when I didn’t even realize until now?” Her eyes widened with disbelief. “And how did you know we’d be making frosting?”
    “A little bird told me.” Vivian glanced toward the ceiling and then turned to wink at Dylan as if they shared a secret. “You know, it’s a shame to waste such a beautiful night cooped up in this stifling kitchen.” She waved a hand in front of her face as if to emphasize the heat. “Perhaps, while those cakes cool, you two might take a stroll together along the greenway and enjoy the stars.”
    “Well, it will take a while for the layers to cool.” Traci nodded. “I suppose we could, Miss Vivian.”
    “Well, of course you can.”
    “I usually go for an evening run, but I missed that today since we had to…” Traci paused and shook her head. “Never mind that. But I’m sure Dylan would rather head to his cottage for a while than take a walk with me. He’s got music to mix, don’t you, Dylan?”
    “It can wait.” If Traci was going walking, Dylan was sure planning to join her—especially at this late hour. “I’ll go with you.”
    “Oh, that’s not necessary. Miss Vivian will walk with me.”
    “Oh, no, thank you, dear.” Vivian held up a hand, palm splayed, and shook her head emphatically. “I have to get back. I have an apple pie in the oven. Apple pie was Andy’s favorite, you know.”
    “I remember.”
    “How about Traci and I walk you home, Miss Vivian, and then we’ll follow the greenway back here?”
    “You’re such a gentleman, Dylan.” She smiled at him. “But I just spoke with David and he’s headed home from the grocery. He should be here any minute.” An engine rumbled through the open kitchen window as a car turned into the drive. “Oh, there he is now. What perfect timing.” Vivian headed toward the patio and the gate that led to the driveway. “He’ll drive me home.”
    “It is a beautiful night.” Dylan’s gaze drifted to the starlit horizon as it kissed a canvas of dancing Angelina Forest trees beyond the yard. “And now a walk seems like a perfect idea.”
    “Of course it is.” Miss Vivian mouthed a few words to the heavens before lowering her gaze once more and offering another quick wink. “I’d better not keep David waiting. You two have a nice time now. And this wedding cake you’re whipping up together, well, it’s just a preview.”
    “A preview of what,