"Totally agree," Effie chimed in.

Since everyone was crazy about being slim, Effie, being a celebrity, stuck to a veggie diet. She would happily eat whatever she fancied if people were more tolerant of fatter people.

After a bit, Lilah's plate was stacked. Astrid still wanted to fill it up, so Lilah jumped in, "Mrs. Rhodes, I can't handle more."

Astrid patted her head, saying, “Whoops, my bad. It doesn't matter.

Eat as much as you want."

Laura was very curious. Her grandma had never been this nice before.

Even though she was sweet, she would never offer food to others on her own initiative.

This was a first! Did Lilah really resemble her aunt Joselyn?

Laura had never laid eyes on Joselyn but had heard stories. It was a no-go topic in the Rhodes family so she had never brought it up.

Seeing her grandparents being all warm to Lilah got Laura wondering if they did look alike.

In the middle of meal, Walter strolled in.

"“Granduncle, Grandaunt, why didn't you tell me you were back? My grandma's been missing you!" Walter said as he placed down a gift.

“Why are you here?" Braden asked.

“I just missed you guys. I came over as soon as I heard you were back."

Without waiting for anyone to invite him, Walter grinned, sat at the table, and glanced at Effie. "You've shed quite a few pounds lately.

Eat up!"

"I will. The Rhodes family chef is amazing," Effie said between bites.

Walter looked at Effie with pure affection in his eyes.

Astrid caught onto something right away.

After dinner, Laura brewed coffee for everyone but she handed Lilah a different kind. Kind of shy, Laura said, "Try this. It's sweet and a lot of girls dig it."

Lilah took a sip and nodded. "Yes, it's good."

"You Like it? Take some home then." Laura's eyes sparkled.

Lilah felt a bit stuck. She couldn't haul everything back. Why did Laura seem so eager to give her the world?

"No, thanks. I took a bunch of stuff already today," Lilah said.