Chapter 62: The Shadow Follows
Diane’s POV
Saturday morning had arrived with surprising swiftness. The week had passed in a blur of baby preparations, work calls, proposal preparations and anxious anticipation of Andrew’s visit. My mother had thrown herself into dinner planning with an intensity that seemed disproportionate to the occasion, creating elaborate shopping lists and debating menu options as if preparing for a state dinner rather than a simple thank-you meal.
"Are you sure we need all of this?" I asked, scanning the list she’d handed me as we pulled into the farmers market parking lot. "It’s just one dinner."
"We need fresh vegetables," she insisted, already climbing out of the car. "And herbs. Store-bought simply won’t do for a proper roast chicken."
Joan caught my eye in the rearview mirror and shrugged, amusement dancing in her expression. "Let her have this," she whispered as my mother marched ahead of us. "I think she’s enjoying having someone to fuss over."
The farmers market was bustling with weekend shoppers, the air fragrant with the scent of fresh produce and baked goods. My mother moved through the stalls with purpose, examining vegetables with a critical eye before selecting only those that met her exacting standards. Joan and I trailed behind her, carrying bags that grew heavier with each stop.
"What about these tomatoes?" Joan called, holding up a cluster of vibrant red heirlooms.
My mother pursed her lips, considering. "Those will do nicely for the salad," she conceded, adding them to our growing collection. "Now we need fresh rosemary and thyme."
An hour later, we’d checked off everything on her list: a plump, free-range chicken, an array of seasonal vegetables, fresh herbs, artisanal bread, and even a bottle of local honey for the morning’s breakfast. My feet ached from standing, and I was more than ready to head home.
"I think we have everything we need," I said, hoping to steer my mother toward the exit before she found something else to add to our haul.
She nodded, seemingly satisfied with our bounty. "Yes, this should do nicely. Andrew will be impressed with a proper home-cooked meal."