Chapter 11

During their leisurely stroll back to the house, Jo couldn't shake the feeling something significant was about to happen, or perhaps already had, but what?

Nash had felt it. She'd felt it. Even their neighbor, Dave Kilwin, had seen something.

Maybe it was the changes that were afoot at the farm. Changes which would affect all of them. Raylene leaving. Jo finding two new residents. Adjusting to married life.

All good changes but changes, nonetheless.

After the walk, Jo headed to her office to check her emails and discovered the state had sent a notification they'd received her email. They also sent a copy of the one Ed Shevock, Raylene's probation officer, had submitted.

A final determination would be made within the next seven days. By all accounts, it was a done deal. Raylene would finish her probationary period early, which meant they would have to start planning for her future.

Shortly before dinner, Jo wandered into the kitchen where Delta was slathering a thick layer of cherry topping on top of Raylene's celebratory dessert.

Stainless steel pots sat on top of the stove. Jo lifted the lid, her mouth-watering at the sight of the Kansas City-style pulled pork barbecue. "This looks delicious."

"It's the best batch I've ever made," Delta bragged. "Give it a taste."

"I think I will." Jo grabbed a clean fork from the silverware drawer and sampled a small bite. "It's delicious, with the perfect amount of tang."

"Gary's been making excuses to come by here nearly every hour to sneak samples."

"I can't blame him." Jo replaced the lid and put the fork in the dishwasher. "What can I do to help?"

"Decorate the table. Gary ran by the dollar twenty-five store and picked up some balloons. I figured we could use them as a centerpiece." Delta told her they were in the living room.

Jo tracked them down and placed the balloon bouquet in the middle of the table. She helped carry the dinner dishes from the kitchen and had just finished by the time the first resident arrived.

"What's the occasion?" Courtney asked.

"We're celebrating."

"Celebrating what?"

Jo pressed a finger to her lips. "It's a surprise."

Carli, the farm's non-verbal resident, nudged her sister and whispered in her ear.

"What did she say?" Jo asked.

"She said she loves surprises and is wondering what special treat Delta made."

"Her famous barbecue."

While Courtney and Carli grabbed glasses and began pouring drinks, Jo helped Delta fill the serving bowls with food. She set a tossed salad alongside the platter of buns and meat and greeted the residents, who began making their way in.

There was a buzz of excitement in the air as the residents tried to guess what they might be celebrating. Everyone except for Raylene, who caught Jo's eye and winked.

All guessed it had something to do with Jo and Nash. Jo neither confirmed nor denied their speculation.

The meal ended, and Nash and Gary helped clear the table while Delta returned with the cherry cheesecakes. "This is for our celebratory dessert."

Michelle snapped her fingers. "Cherry cheesecake is Raylene's favorite dessert. This has to do with Raylene."

"That is a very astute observation," Jo said.

"Carrie Ford invited Raylene to move into the rehabilitation center with her when it's finished," Laverne guessed.

"No."

She guessed again. "Raylene finally finished the online certification she's been working on for tracking the bad guys."

"Not even close," Raylene said. "I haven't completed my criminal justice ethics class."

"Which is what exactly?" Delta asked.

"A course about ethical issues within the criminal justice system. The court system, misconducts, stuff along those lines."

"Boring." Laverne made a choking sound. "I would rather watch paint dry."

"Good. The resident's common area bathrooms could use a fresh coat of paint," Jo joked.

"Sign me up," Laverne said. "I love to paint."

"Really?" Nash asked.

"Yeah."

"I'll keep that in mind," he said.

"Back to the cherry cheesecake and Raylene's announcement." Jo motioned to her. "Go ahead."

Raylene stood. "The state is offering me early termination of my probation."

"Termination of probation," Michelle repeated.

"An early release from her probation," Jo explained. "Within a matter of weeks, Raylene will be released from the system, free to do whatever she chooses."

"Meaning Ed Shevock is history," Laverne said.

"Correct."

"That's great news." Michelle scrambled to her feet and hugged Raylene. Courtney and Carli were next. Laverne even mustered up an acceptable congratulations.

Nash waited his turn, followed by Gary. Delta was last. She wrapped both arms around Raylene and squeezed her tight. "We are excited, proud, thrilled and yet sad."

"Me too." Raylene beamed. "I'll be opening a bounty hunter's office in the area and plan to stay in Divine."

Everyone began talking at once, thrilled at the idea that one more in their close-knit family would live nearby.

Jo promptly arranged a conference call with Leah, Sherry and Kelli while they were all gathered in the living room, sharing the wonderful news.

After finishing, Delta cut the cheesecake and passed out plates. Jo savored the moment. It had been a long haul for Raylene. Long and difficult. But oh so worth it. She knew in her heart God had big plans, exciting plans for Raylene's future.

"I reckon it's time to clean up." Delta began stacking the plates. "When is Carrie coming by?"

"Sometime this evening." Jo stopped them. "Before anyone leaves, I have another announcement."

All eyes turned to Jo. "As I'm sure you're aware, the bakeshop and mercantile have done incredibly well this year. It was our best summer season ever. From all indications, fall and into the holiday season will be just as busy."

"And I've been baking up a storm to keep up," Delta said. "We could double the size of both businesses and do even better."

"I believe you're right, but I'm content with what we have now. There's such a thing as too much of a good thing," Jo said. "What I'm getting at is everyone in this room is receiving a raise. A five percent raise, starting with your next paycheck."

Courtney whooped loudly.

A chorus of excited voices filled the room and all Jo could do was smile and take it all in. They deserved it. Every single one of them.

"Maybe I should stay," Raylene joked. "This is a sweet gig. Free room, board, food and getting paid to boot."

"You're going to be successful after leaving here," Jo said. "Mark my words. There is nothing but blue skies ahead for you."

One by one, the residents left. Laverne was among the last. Jo stopped her. "I would like to have a word with you."

Laverne glanced around and pointed to herself. "Me?"

"Yes."

"About what?"

"A private matter we should discuss behind closed doors."

Delta shot Jo a side glance but kept quiet, hurriedly gathering up the rest of the dessert dishes and slipping out of the room.

"I didn't do it," Laverne said. "Whatever it is, I swear to you I haven't been snarky, mean, condescending, judgmental, or bossy."

"It's not about your attitude," Jo said. "It's about an entirely different matter."

"Great." Laverne moped past Jo, her head down as she made her way to the office.

Jo trailed behind, reminding herself she needed to take the bull by the horns and address the current situation. The sooner the better. As with all things involving Laverne, she would address it head on.