Sunday mornings are always special. We love waking up to the church bells that ring out over the French Quarter, and then there are the fresh croissants and pastries from the bakery below, not a bad way to start the day.

Maggie was still in the shower as I made fresh coffee in the press that I’d given her last Valentine’s Day. It was an antique silver French press that I bought in one of the old stores in “The Quarter,” a real beauty.

I hoped we could start the day off on a happy note. The news from Mama Vermillion and Maggie’s reaction had been unsettling and I knew we were both anxious to see Mama as soon as we could.

“That coffee smells great!” Maggie said from the bathroom.

“And the croissants!” I said. “We’re going to have to find a new apartment or we’re both going to weigh 300 pounds by this time next year!”