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Marcie measures the sugar and pours it into the bowl with the cream. The whir of the electric mixer momentarily discourages more conversation.
    When everyone is served, the girls go sit on the deck outside the sunroom to enjoy their dessert. Eric, Drew, and little Michael are already there. “This is really good!” exclaims Kaitlyn.
    “Yeah, homemade is the best,” says Marcie through a mouthful of strawberries, cream, and shortcake. Inside, the adults are having a similar conversation. Mrs. Swyndall says, “This is really delicious, but I can really only have abite. Always watching my weight!” she pats her waist. “I don’t do much cooking, what with all of my volunteering and fundraising activities. Luckily, the new gourmet market in town has a good bakery.” Kaitlyn rolls her eyes at Marcie and says, “What’d I tell you?” under her breath.
    “Your house is so darling, Lilly. Did you use a decorator?” Mrs. Swyndall continues.
    “No, we did it ourselves little by little over the years,” says Mamaw.
    “Well, you did a terrific job. I had our cottage professionally decorated since we needed it finished quickly. We do so much entertaining with Don’s position at the university.”
    Don Swyndall joins the conversation, asking Poppy, “How much land do you have here?”
    “About five acres, including the woods and gardens,” says Poppy.
    “Have you ever considered selling some of the woods to a developer?” Mr. Swyndall leans forward towards Poppy and gestures at him with his fork. “You’re sitting on a gold mine. It could really increase your property value.” Marcie’s ears perk up—sell the woods!?
    “Oh, we would never sell.” Poppy waves his hand in an arc indicating the house and yard. “We value our property just the way it is,” he says with a chuckle. Marcie relaxes. She likes the lake cottage just the way it is, too.
    Al clears his throat and sits up straighter. Pansy lifts her head beside his chair. “Didn’t I hear that you are planning to do some more development on the property you just bought—in James Woods?” he asks Don Swyndall in a deceptively light and friendly tone. “You’ve got what—ten to fifteen acres?”
    “Oh, we’ve looked into different options, but nothing definite. I think a walking and biking path would be a nice idea, and perhaps some public areas,” says Mr. Swyndall vaguely.
    “Oh, I’m glad to hear that,” says Mamaw. “So much of the woods around the lake have already been developed. There are only a few areas of wetlands and woods left as natural habitat for the birds and wildlife.” Al doesn’t say any more, but his brow is furrowed and he looks thoughtful.
    “Well, more and more people are looking at their lake property as an investment.” Mr. Swyndall leans back in his chair and crosses his legs. “We got a steal on our place,” he says smugly. “Tearing down that old house and building our ‘cottage’ increased our property value considerably.”
    Kaitlyn leans over to Marcie and says, “All my dad ever talks about is money. It’s totally annoying. Let’s go see your room.”
    Marcie is a little stunned by the conversation she overheard. She had no idea there was talk of changing James Woods. It’s their special place! “Oh, okay,” she says distractedly. “This way, through the kitchen. We’ll leave our plates in the sink.” She leads Kaitlyn up the stairway to the loft.
    When they get to the top of the stairs, Kaitlyn says, “This is so cute—a loft! But where’s your room?”
    “This is my room,” replies Marcie. “It’s the kids’ sleeping loft. The cottage isn’t big enough for us to have separate bedrooms,” she says.
    “But you don’t have any privacy! I would hate to share a room with Kyle. I don’t want him to mess with my stuff.” She sits down on the window seat and leans back on the cushions. “Where do you keep all your things?”
    “I have drawers under my bed and shelves next to it,”