tour of the grounds?”
The question surprised Renee, as did her mother’s response, “I’d like that a lot, but I’m afraid I came with my daughter and I would guess she has to get back to work.”
“I can take you where you need to go when we’re done,” Ed said, as he smiled at Renee. “If that’s all right with you.”
“Of course.” Renee hugged her mother. “Have fun on the tour. It’s a wonderful place.”
“I can see that.”
“I’ll walk you out,” Carol said.
They returned along the same path they’d taken on the way in.
“Thank you for loaning me your mom. I’m relieved and happy and excited to know what my giraffes are thinking. I can’t believe Millie’s pregnant. I hate that she’s been worried about me not being there for her. I’ll take extra time with her. Maybe I should bring Devon out to meet her. Do you think that would comfort her or make her jealous?”
“I have no idea. Sorry.”
Carol grinned. “That’s okay. Giraffes aren’t your thing the way they’re mine. I wonder if there’s any research on the topic. I’ll have to go online and see.”
Renee was more caught up in the total acceptance of her mom’s ability and the fact that Carol believed everything she said. It hadn’t ever been like this before. Not that she’d had many friends who’d needed help with their giraffes.
“I’m glad she could help,” she murmured as they approached her car.
“More than helped. I can’t wait to see her show. It’s going to be amazing.” Carol hugged her. “Thank you again. You’re the best.”
“I didn’t do anything, but sure, thank me all you want.”
They both laughed. Renee headed back to work, happy about what had happened and just a little confused about how easily her mother was fitting in. Maybe she’d been worried for nothing. Maybe it was all going to be just fine.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
“ARE YOU SURE?” Verity asked for the third time as she set a stack of plates on the long table next to a cafeteria-size takeout container of enchiladas. “You’re sweet to invite me, but this is your life. I don’t want to interfere.”
Not that long ago, Renee would rather have had a root canal than invite her mother to hang out with her friends, but ever since the “giraffe incident” as she thought of it, Renee had found herself much more relaxed when it came to her mother. Maybe she’d just needed a few positive experiences to put things in perspective.
“You’re only in town a few weeks,” she said. “Once the show starts, you’re going to be wildly busy and I’ll never get to see you. The girlfriend lunches are a big part of my life. Of course I want you here.”
“Thank you, sweetie. I appreciate that. So how often do you have these lunches?”
“Mostly every week. We rotate through the locations.” Renee smiled. “When it’s Carol’s turn and the weather is nice, we eat out with the animals.”
“Did that bother you?”
“At first. They got a little close but I never heard their thoughts.” Something for which she would always be grateful. “When it’s my turn or Pallas’s turn, we eat here, at Weddings Out of the Box. Whoever is hosting provides an entrée. Everyone else brings what they want.”
Renee and Pallas had already set up a long table with enough chairs in the shade. There were pitchers of iced tea, along with lemonade.
Pallas walked in a few minutes before noon. She set down a nine-by-thirteen casserole dish and waved a large bag of tortilla chips.
“To complement your enchiladas,” she said. “Seven-layer bean dip. We are going to party today.” Pallas smiled at Verity. “I’m so excited you’re going to join us. This is fun.”
“Thank you for letting me participate.”
Wynn and Bethany walked in together. Renee made introductions all around, then poured drinks for everyone.
“I heard what happened with Carol,” Bethany said. “It’s so great how you were able to help her.” She paused. “Cade and I have some horses we’re concerned about. We have a horse ranch. Do you think you could come talk to them or am I asking too much?”
“I’d be happy to help if I can,” Verity said easily. “I get along well with horses.”
“Me, too, and I can usually guess what’s going on, but a little direct communication would be helpful.”
“You should open a satellite office here in Happily Inc,” Pallas teased. “Verity’s Animal Communication Network—East.”
They were all laughing when the rest of the women arrived.
Everyone met Verity and got drinks, then they put