“This is a tad overboard,” Ted Bennett softly complained. After the four hours shopping with his wife, Beverly, Ted was not looking forward to carrying all these bags inside. He sighed as he reached for the bags.

“Yes, and I know! Candice is always up to no good. But really, I called about Saturday….yes, of course you can bring him….yes, they are here. The girls flew in earlier. I’m walking in now, so I’ll give you a call later….I know, Candice needs a lift in all places before she wears that again. Bye darling.” Beverly hung up with her oldest friend Beth. “Can you put those upstairs, love? This is why I married you,” Beverly said, smiling at Ted, as she made her way inside.


Beverly headed straight for the kitchen, headed for Mrs. Greene, the gossip queen. She didn’t hesitate as she prodded for information on Caroline and Gabrielle.

“Oh, Caroline looks amazing as usual, a little thin, but so pretty. Brie, well she looks….I don’t want to say it, but broken. Didn’t you meet Garrett on the last trip? Ted said he was so sweet to both the girls,” Mrs. Greene inquired.

“Yes, but he seemed, I don’t know, too good. I felt something about him I didn’t like. Sadly enough, I was right. A good meal and a nice party will cheer her right up. And Caroline, well, let’s get her matched already,” Beverly winked.


“Now, don’t get her all upset. You know very well that young lady is not in the mood. It’ll happen when she’s good enough and ready. It’s little Brie that worries me. Granted, I don’t know her too well, but I can see empty eyes. That girl looks so defeated,” worried Mrs. Greene.

“Ok, Alright. I’ll lay off, but I want Caroline happy. It’s been so long since she’s been happy. Jake, well that was just bad. But she picked herself right on up. She kept going,” remembered Beverly. She wanted Caroline happy. She wanted to see that smile again.

Mrs. Greene shook her head as she started, “Now, that wasn’t living. She just was just doing the movements. She needs to find herself. But she’s strong like you. She needs more time, that’s all. Now, let me get this turkey started for tonight. I heard Mr. Bennett coming down the stairs.” Mrs. Greene shooed Beverly out the kitchen.

Beverly walked in to the living room and sat down next to Ted. She quickly explained the conversation she just had with Mrs. Greene in the kitchen. “And, she said she looked empty. Oh, poor girl. I worry about those two. They should be settled down by now. Twenty seven is right around the corner for both of them. Well, not time for sadness. We need to cheer them up. What did you think of the menu I e-mail you yesterday. Did you see the changes I made?” asked Beverly.

“Um..yes, the menu. The changes were….um…I think you made the right choices. Yes, it’s perfect. Just like you,” smiled Ted. He never opened e-mails from his wife with “what do you think” as the subject line. Beverly, rolled her eyes, and smiled a little as she snuggled next to Ted.


“Now, this party is great and all, and I know you’ve been planning it for months, but let’s not put any pressure on the girls. I mean it. No dates and setting them up with every eligible man you and your lunch ladies know,” warned Ted. “I want to see those girls happy and enjoying themselves. Not worried about who they need to talk to.”

“Of course. I wasn’t even planning on it,” Beverly said, secretly knowing that the minute Caroline called the word was out. There were already sons and nephews headed in the girls direction. “I love you, you know,” Beverly said, changing the subject.

“Uh huh. I’m serious Bev,” Ted scolded, as his arm came around Beverly. “They will find this one day.” He leaned in and kissed his wife.