Three exclamation points. From Elizabeth Walton. The world had truly gone mad.

"Your mother moved up brunch," I told Michael. "And she's bringing swatches."

"What's a swatch?" Austin asked.

"Little pieces of fabric," Alex informed him. "For deciding on colors and textures."

Austin made a face. "Sounds boring."

"It won't be boring," Michael assured him. "Grandma also mentioned something about cake tasting."

That got Austin's attention. "We get to eat cake? For breakfast?"

"For research," I corrected, but I was smiling.

Samantha checked her watch. "And that's my cue to leave. Good luck with Hurricane Elizabeth." She hugged me quickly. "Remember what I said," she whispered. "Prenup."

After she left,...