Sweet Fortune

along.”
    “Me out of the picture?” Jessie asked shrewdly. “Yes, I know.” She gazed back at the closed door of the big white house as the Mercedes pulled away from the curb. “I hope she's happy now.”
    “Something tells me that woman is never going to be happy for long,” Hatch observed. “But I'll give you odds she'll come to the engagement party to celebrate this turn of events.”

    The waiter took in the five faces seated at the table that had been set for eight. He cleared his throat as he handed out menus. “Are we still waiting for the other members of the party, sir?” he said to Hatch.
    Jessie bit her lip and Hatch glanced at his watch. In addition to herself and Hatch, only Aunt Glenna, David, and Elizabeth had arrived at the restaurant for the engagement party.
    “I don't think there's much point waiting any longer,” Hatch said. “It looks like they won't be joining us, after all. Bring out the champagne and that bottle of sparkling water.”
    “Yes, sir. I'll be right back.” The waiter moved off through the crowded dining room.
    Elizabeth stared at Hatch, her eyes wide with curiosity. “I can't believe you both got fired on the same day.”
    “Must have been fate,” Hatch murmured.
    David grinned. “Sounds more like bad luck to me.”
    “Same thing.” The corner of Hatch's mouth kicked up as he traded a look with the younger man.
    Glenna gave Jessie a cool, remote, oddly satisfied smile. “I'm sure it's all for the best.”
    David glanced toward the door. “Looks like the old bastard is going to stand you up, Jessie. You know, somehow I thought he'd at least put in an appearance.”
    “He's not real happy with me right now,” Jessie said quietly.
    “It's the moms I don't understand,” Elizabeth said. “I told them they should come, even if they were mad at you. But they said you were making the biggest mistake of your life and that you were going to cause everyone a whole lot of trouble and be real sorry later. They said they couldn't be a part of it.”
    “Maybe in time they'll understand that I had to do it,” Jessie said, her eyes going to Hatch. He smiled at her and grasped her hand under the table.
    “So, where are you two going to wind up living?” David asked quickly, obviously determined to turn the conversation into less troubling channels.
    “Portland, probably,” Hatch said.
    Elizabeth brightened. “Good. That's not far away at all.”
    Hatch grinned. “That's why I decided to take Jessie there instead of Phoenix. We wanted to be someplace where you could come and visit easily.”
    “Thanks.” Elizabeth looked at her sister. “Like I said, I can come down on the train.”
    “It's going to work out just fine,” Jessie said firmly.
    The waiter returned with the champagne and the sparkling water. Everyone watched attentively as he went through the ritual of opening the wine and pouring it. When he had left the table, Hatch picked up his glass.
    “We're here tonight to make my engagement to Jessie official. I'd like to thank everyone—”
    “Hold it,” David broke in, his eyes on the door of the restaurant. “We've got more guests.”
    Jessie and the others turned to look toward the entrance. Lilian and Constance stood there, handing their coats to the hostess.
    “It's the moms,” Elizabeth announced gleefully. “They came after all!”
    Jessie realized she was suddenly feeling a little more relaxed and happy. She smiled at her mother as Lilian moved toward the table. Lilian smiled back ruefully.
    “Hello, Mother, Connie,” Jessie said softly. “I'm glad you could make it after all.”
    “You're just in time to join us in a toast.” Hatch got to his feet and held out a chair.
    “So I see,” Lilian murmured, her eyes on her daughter.
    Elizabeth grinned up at Constance as David rose to seat her. “Hi, Mom. I'm sure glad you two decided to come. We missed you guys.”
    “Well, it was fairly obvious you were going to go ahead without us,” Constance said in her usual pragmatic fashion. “Didn't seem much point in ignoring the whole thing. If Hatch is determined to carry Jessie off, I suppose we're all going to have to learn to adjust to the situation.”
    “We are, of course, overwhelmed by your gracious acceptance of the situation, Mrs. Benedict,” Hatch said.
    “We're here, aren't we?” Lilian retorted.
    “Yes, you are, Mrs. Benedict,” Hatch allowed. “And we appreciate it. I think. Have some champagne.”
    Glenna gave