The warmth of Moses’s presence behind me is a comfort as he reaches out a hand to shake Norma’s.
“It’s a pleasure to see you again, ma’am. Thank you so much for everything you’ve done. We appreciate it more than you know.”
Her smile is just as bright as ever. “It was Bernie’s specific request that I handle it so the burden wouldn’t fall on Magnolia. She never wanted to be a burden.”
As she says the words, the letter practically scorches my hand. I want to open it right then, but I don’t want to break down in front of everyone, so I slip it into my purse.
“Mags?”
A familiar voice comes from behind us, and security steps forward to block her before Keira waves them back.
“Temperance? How did you ...” I glance from her to Keira, who has to be the reason she’s here.
“Keira told me. Kane couldn’t make it, but I wanted to be here for you.”
Another hug has me fighting to choke back my emotions. “Thank you for coming.”
“Of course.”
She squeezes me hard until Mount taps Moses on the shoulder, and we hear him say, “Time to get things rolling.”
We separate, and I kiss her on the cheek. I’ve always liked the girl, and couldn’t be more thrilled she finally found her path to being happy.
Moses takes my arm and leads me toward the small area where the pastor waits to perform the service. As soon as we’re all in place, he begins. Even though I should be paying attention, my mind is on the note in my purse.
What did you want to say to me, Bernie? Why couldn’t you say it while you were still here? If you decided to give me one last dressing-down in this letter, I swear I’m going to burn it.
A chuckle almost escapes from my lips as I think about Bernie sending down a lightning bolt in my direction for the very thought. But she doesn’t. The pastor begins to sing a hymn, and a few voices from the crowd, most notably Norma’s, join in, making it carry far beyond the marble walls surrounding us.
When the short service is done and the last blessing is said, I move forward to shake his hand.
“Thank you, Pastor. Bernie would’ve been very pleased.”
Much to my surprise, he chuckles. “I don’t know about all that. I’m sure she would’ve said I was off-key in that last hymn, but we can hope I did her justice.”
As Moses’s arm tightens around my shoulders, I smile. “I didn’t notice at all. It was beautiful. Besides, Bernie would’ve been thrilled because I didn’t turn this into a jazz funeral. We truly appreciate everything.”
“Oh, so the brass quartet I saw walking up just a minute ago isn’t for Bernie?” he asks.
I spin around and spot the men standing with their instruments. Norma grins as she walks away from them and toward us and the pastor.
“Norma ... what did you do?”
The older woman’s smirk widens into a grin. “She can’t tell me no, now. It’s just one song. I think we could all use some joy in our hearts today.”
Moses pulls me back against his chest as they start off with a dirge that turns upbeat as we follow them through the cemetery. By the time they finish that onevery longsong, everyone in the cemetery is clapping their hands and praising Jesus.
Including one person I donotwant to see at all, especially here and now.
Thirty-Three
Magnolia
Istiffen as the brass players lower their instruments, and instantly, Moses is on guard.
“What? What is it?”
I turn slightly and gesture toward the men. “Cavender’s here. And the guy with him ... I’ve seen him before. Who the hell is he?”