Friendship Cake by Lynne Hinton Page A

notions of what being a mother was like.
    She was not regretful and had never grieved that she did not have children. And somehow she imagined that the girls came to her in their darkest moments of discontent because she would never automatically take their mothers’ side or present the fear or protectiveness that a mother always harbors. She was a safe and reliable ally. She was a wise and trusted friend. And to Margaret this was better than being someone’s mother.
    When they pulled into the driveway, Wallace was already there; he was sitting in his car. Margaret watched as the young man opened the door and stood as his grandmother got out from the passenger’s side.
    â€œWell, I guess this is it then. You ready?” Margaret turned and faced Lana.
    â€œI’m a mother now. Courage will be the most important thing I can give my child.” Lana gazed towards Wallace. “After love, of course.” She faced Margaret, who replied, “Of course.”
    They got out of the car, and Lana walked over to Wallace. Immediately they embraced, spoke to each other privately, and walked to the front porch.
    â€œBeats all, doesn’t it?” Jessie shut the car door, watching the two young people as they walked past her. Lana looked her in the eye and then dropped her face.
    â€œAre you very disappointed, Jessie?” Margaret put her hand on Jessie’s arm.
    â€œOh, I guess a little. This isn’t anything to throw a party about.” She sighed deeply. “But I still believe in that boy. And he’s handling this like a real man. I am proud of him for that. He intends to be a father to that child, even though he doesn’t have a clue what that means.”
    Margaret nodded. “I know. I don’t think anyone really realizes what all that encompasses, do they? But, you know, these two kids have a lot already on their side. They’ve got you. And Lana’s mom, she’ll be upset at first, but she’ll get over the initial shock and be there for them. Janice will support the two of them. She’s your daughter, after all.”
    Jessie interrupted. “And they’ve got you. And I know what I’m talking about now, you’re the best friend a young couple or even a grandmother can have. Yeah, we’ll do okay,” she said as they joined Wallace and Lana at the door, “we’ll all do just fine.”
    She reached up and held Lana’s chin in her hand. “My grandson loves you, Lana Sawyer. That counts for a whole lot in his grandmother’s record book. You’re family now. The Jenkins and Sawyer blood is mingled in that baby’s heart. I’m going to stand by you, you and your child. I will never turn my back on family.”
    Lana threw her arms around Jessie, almost knocking her off the porch. “Thank you, Mrs. Jenkins. I was so afraid.”
    â€œWell, I reckon you still got one more bridge to cross with your family. And since we’re here, and your grandmother’s looking out the bedroom window, we better not stop.” They all glanced towards the back bedroom, where the curtains quickly fell back together.
    Lana and Wallace both took in deep breaths. Margaret rang the bell. The door opened, and they all walked in.

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    Peggy’s Fried Okra
    4 cups okra (cut crosswise)
    Flour
    4 slices fried bacon, coarsely chopped
    Bacon drippings
    2 cups peeled and chopped tomatoes
    Salt and pepper
    Â 
    Cut okra crosswise and flour. Cook bacon. Fry okra in bacon drippings until brown. Add tomatoes to okra, stir in bacon. Season to taste. Simmer until tomatoes are tender. Stir often.
    â€” PEGGY DUVAUGHN
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    T he doorbell was ringing and Louise was trying to get Roxie’s clothes on her. Breakfast had been a catastrophe because Roxie kept saying that she was being poisoned and wouldn’t eat anything put in front of her. Louise had tried oatmeal, eggs, even a cinnamon coffee cake. It was just going to be a bad