Chapter 32
Louise DelaneyLouise took a step back to admire the dining table. With the help of Abby, Shelby, and Philip, they had adorned the walls with Christmas decorations, surplus to those on the tree. Together, they’d made a roast beef, twice-baked potatoes, and an apple and pear salad with pomegranate vinaigrette. The girls also prepared a giant cheese ball and scattered a variety of crackers around the platter. At the request of Louise, Philip had prepared a sticky date pudding drizzled with homemade caramel sauce.
Louise decided to use her best tableware—the ones she and Warren were gifted for their wedding. “There’s no point in keeping them in the cupboards unused,” she’d said as she pulled the set out. “One day soon,” she told Abby, “these will be yours.”
“Mom, can you stop say
