All You Need Is Fudge by Nancy CoCo Page B

help make it memorable.”
    Jenn’s face lit up. “Oh my gosh. That’s fantastic. They are such a cute couple. I have some great ideas already. Did he say if he wanted it to be private and intimate or did he want to go big and public?”
    â€œHe said he wanted it to be special, that Frances deserves special. I don’t think big and public is their style, do you? He wants us to do what we think Frances would dream of doing.”
    â€œHmmm.” Jenn tapped her chin. “They do seem more intimate, and yet how wonderful that they are in love and taking this big step at their age. I think the whole island should celebrate.”
    â€œReally?”
    â€œWell, okay. I guess that’s not reasonable, but if Shane ever asks you what kind of proposal I want, you tell him I want marching bands and fireworks and planes with banners. I want to make the evening news in five states. I want big and splashy!”
    I laughed and shook my head. “You are a nut. That kind of attention would terrify me. Good lord, my mother would get involved and then everything would be her way.”
    â€œMy mother,” Jenn said. “Yes, I want my parents flown in to the island and a festival of Fudgies in my honor.” Her eyes sparkled.
    I plated dinner and placed one plate in front of her and took the stool beside her. “I think we should do some research, present Mr. Devaney with three options, and let him pick which one he likes best.”
    â€œThis is so exciting,” Jenn said, her dark hair bobbing as she bounced on the bar stool. “We need to kind of hint with Frances and see what kinds of proposal she wants.”
    I shook my head. “No. I promised we wouldn’t let her know anything was going on.”
    Jenn pulled a face. “Fine”—she stabbed a piece of chicken with her fork and waved it in the air—“but that doesn’t mean we can’t still find out. I’ll tell her I have a couple who want me to plan their engagement. I’ll ask her if I could run some ideas by her and see what she has to say.”
    â€œNow that sounds better. Just be sure Frances doesn’t figure it out. She’s very smart. It’s tough to put anything passed her.”
    â€œI know. She knew I was in love with Shane before I did.”
    I smiled and forked up my own chicken. “I can’t wait to be as smart as she is. She told me that age brings wisdom if you pay attention. I’m paying attention.”
    â€œYou are good at that,” Jenn said.
    The door to my apartment opened and Mal came rushing in with Frances behind her.
    â€œHello girls. I didn’t mean to interrupt your dinner. I took Mal for her final walk of the day and thought I’d bring her back to you. We had a great time together, didn’t we, Mal?”
    I gathered my puppy up near my heart and squeezed her. “Thanks for watching her overnight. I missed my baby.”
    â€œEvery now and then Mama needs a night off to have a life,” Frances said with a twinkle in her eye. “I was young once and remember.”
    â€œThanks, Frances,” I said. “Do you want some dinner? I have chicken and salad.”
    â€œNo, thanks.” The twinkle in her wide brown eyes brightened. “I have a date myself.”
    â€œFinally she talks about her love life,” Jenn teased.
    Frances blushed. “We were trying to keep things to ourselves for as long as possible.”
    â€œIt was pretty evident from the start, but thanks for sharing. Mr. Devaney is a great guy.”
    â€œDouglas might just be the love of my life,” Frances said and put her hand on her heart. “And here I thought it was too late for a woman of my age.”
    â€œOh, it’s never too late,” I said, jumping up to hug her. “Come have some tea while we eat. Dish about everything.”
    â€œOh dear. It’s tempting, girls”—Frances ran her hand through her