Heartwood (35 page)

“Your mother is a good person.”

“Yes, I think I’m very lucky.”

–—

When they had finished changing into their party clothes, they went back downstairs.

“This feels funny,” Katie said. “There’s nothing left to do until everyone gets here.”

“Everyone” meant the family, of course. Jimmy and Janet
would be coming with Rebecca Ruth. Jimmy would sit at the head of the table and act as leader. Iris could have done it herself, but she felt shy about it. Phil would be bringing his client Mai Ling, who was as lovely as she was talented. Iris had hoped that something more than friendship might start blooming there but so far her son hadn’t lost his heart. However, he was a happy man these days because he loved his work. Being a business manager to several of the more exciting young classical musicians on the scene suited him perfectly. Steve and Christina would be coming up from Washington, and they had told her they had an announcement to make. Iris was almost positive she was going to be a grandmother again.

“I’m getting a little nervous,” Katie whispered.

“Me too,” said Iris.

“Maybe we should check the soup again.”

But the doorbell rang. “This is it!” Iris said to Katie, and she moved quickly to open the door.

“
Zissen Pesach
, Mom,” Laura said. “Happy Passover.”

“
Zissen Pesach
, darling.”

Laura stepped inside and looked around. Iris followed her gaze from the vases of fresh flowers to the sofa, which had been reupholstered in honor of the day. The air was as fragrant with cooking smells as Iris’s mother’s kitchen had been. Laura’s eyes sparkled—it could have been tears or happiness or both. “Dad would be proud of you, Mom.”

“I hope so.” Iris had to blink away tears of her own. She leaned in to kiss her daughter on the cheek. She was so beautiful, this child of hers. The sad look was gone from her eyes, and she was glowing again.

Iris turned to Laura’s companion. “Nick,” she said. “Welcome. Come on in.”