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always a mystery.

"Hello," she answered, hoping it was Andrew.

"You called?"

"I did. Oh, Andrew, the most wonderful thing's happened! But I don't have time to explain everything right now."

"Why not?"

"Because," she laughed, giddy with joy, "my sister's here and there's a car waiting to take me shopping for a Homecoming dress, and Andrew - oh, Annie can tell you about it."

"This must be the day for good news."

"What do you mean?" Everyone was waiting on the porch, but she had to know.

"It won't be official until tomorrow, but I've been elected Homecoming King."

"Oh, Andrew! Congratulations."

"Nothing in this world would make me prouder than to have you with me on Friday night."

Running light-heartedly out to the car, Courtney couldn't stop smiling. She didn't know what she'd done that could have merited such generosity, but she'd be forever grateful to whoever had decided to become her Fairy Godfather.

She didn't think she'd ever been happier in her life.

CHAPTER 44

"When in doubt, grab a ball of yarn and Get Creative!"

- Sasha Kagan, Sasha Kagan Knitwear.

LYDIA HOFFMAN

It was more than a week since I'd seen Brad. My anger had cooled and I wished I could take back some of what I'd said. I hoped he felt the same way. Tuesday morning when I removed the Closed sign from my door, I took the opportunity to glance up and down the street. It was too early to see Brad's UPS truck, but I was hopeful nonetheless. I hadn't figured out what I'd say, but I knew I'd be far less emotional than last week at Green Lake.

It had been an incredible few days. Friday afternoon, Courtney came by to introduce me to her older sister. They had a fantastic story about a fairy godfather who'd stepped in to ensure that her date for Homecoming would be as perfect as it could possibly be. I couldn't imagine who'd do anything like that. I think Courtney somehow expected me to know, but I didn't.

On Saturday it was Bethanne who arrived with an equally fantastic story of a mysterious benefactor who'd given her the money she needed, no strings attached. A gift, not a loan. The only stipulation was that she help someone else if she was ever in a position to do so.

Exuberant, she dashed across the street with a business idea that involved Alix - a contract to provide birthday cakes and other desserts for the various events Bethanne arranged.

I was thrilled for both Bethanne and Courtney. If this fairy godfather had any extra fairy dust available, I could use some myself - not that I expected any magic in my life.

The bell chimed, and Margaret walked in promptly at ten. "Good morning," she said cheerfully.

"Morning," I responded. I thought of asking her about her good mood but hesitated, wondering if she'd volunteer the information herself. Often it's still difficult to know how best to approach my sister.

"It looks like you had a good weekend," I finally ventured, somewhat cautiously.

"We sure did." She was practically skipping as she entered the store. I trailed behind her to the office.

"Did you do anything fun?" I asked. I was thinking maybe dinner out or a movie.

"Better than anything you can imagine!" She gave me a huge smile. Not a typical Margaret smile, either, which often seemed more of a grimace, but a wide, unstinting smile that changed her whole face.

"Oh?" I said, dying of curiosity.

She opened her purse and removed an envelope, which she handed me with a dramatic flourish.

"What's this?"

"Open it and see."

I'll admit I was eager enough to tear it open. Inside was a card and a check. I noticed the amount and gasped - it was for the entire bank loan of ten thousand dollars. The card was a thank-you note written to me by my brother-in-law and signed by both Margaret and Matt.

"What...how - " I stammered, hardly able to form a question.

"Matt has a wonderful new job."

My guess was that this new job had nothing to do with painting houses. "The money..."

"A signing bonus."

"But..."

"We talked it over, Matt and I, when you first gave us the money. Matt was so touched that you'd do this for us. I can't even begin to tell you what a difference it made to be able to keep the house. We - we've never gotten this far behind, and it was a blow to both of us. We're terribly grateful for what you did, but we always felt the money had to be a loan."

"But..." I couldn't seem