The heavy brass doors of the Canton courthouse foyer did not completely shut, letting in the smell of damp maple leaves from the plaza.
My mother, Martha, held the stack of cream-colored envelopes like a deck of cards she intended to win with.
“We are using the calligraphy style, Helen,” she said, her finger brushing non-existent lint off her heavy wool skirt.
I adjusted my silver watch strap, the metal cool against my wrist. “Rowan wanted the simpler block print, Mother. She said it felt more modern.”
“Rowan is twenty-four and does not understand how these things look to our neighbors,” Martha said, her voice dropping to a sharp whisper as a deputy walked past the security desk. “We have a standard to maintain, even if you chose to forget it during your own court proceedings.”
I looked at the high marble ceiling, choosing to yield before we became a spectacle in the drafty hall. “Fine. Calligraphy it is.”
Martha tucked the envelopes back into her leather handbag with a satisfied nod. “The girl needs guidance, Helen. If you will not give it to her, I must.”
By two in the afternoon, my kitchen smelled of roasted garlic, but the warmth disappeared the moment Rowan walked through the back door with Arthur.
Rowan stood by the counter, rapidly twisting her gold engagement ring around her finger.
“We found the venue, Mom,” Rowan said, her voice high and defensive. “Arthur talked to the coordinator at Oak Ridge and they have an opening.”
Arthur ran a hand over his slicked-back gray hair and smiled, his folksy tone filling the small space. “It is a beautiful place, Helen. Just right for a quiet family affair, and they can squeeze us in.”
“Oak Ridge is lovely,” I said, putting down my tea. “But their waiting list is usually nine months.”
“We do not need to wait for a spring date when we are ready now,” Arthur said, leaning against the refrigerator, which hummed steadily in the corner. “October is the perfect time for a fresh start.”
“We are aiming for October twelfth,” Rowan added, looking at Arthur for approval before shifting her gaze back to me.
