“It’s time to get to the bottom of this,” I muttered out loud.

“Yes, Jim, it is. It really is,” Maggie said.

Morning came soon enough and, as Maggie finished the dishes after breakfast, I loaded Layla into the stroller.

It was bright and early as we strolled with Layla towards the flower shop. Mama’s shop opened at 8am but Mama was usually in the back around 7am or so getting the flowers prepped for the day.

As we let ourselves in, the little bell above the door announced our arrival and within seconds Mama emerged from the back of the store.

Seeing the three of us standing in front of the counter, her shining eyes beamed and she whooped, “Well, my Lord, what are you three doin’ here so early in the mornin’!”

“Hey, Mama,” I said. “Well, Maggie and I have been wanting to have a little talk with you about Layla.”

“Of course you do. Let me make you some tea and we’ll all sit down in the back and have a little talk,” Mama said, and with a cackle she disappeared into the back of the store.