Summary

The start of Chapter 23 begins with party plans already well underway for Laverne’s big celebration, briefly mentioning that everybody returned home without any further issues after Chapter 22. Chaurisse wants to invite Dana to the party, but is mysteriously denied by her father. Laverne brings Chaurisse along as she shops for her own dress, and it is difficult to find a dress in Laverne’s size. A few days later, as Laverne is working, the customers urge her to put on the dress and show it off. As Laverne returns downstairs to the salon, Dana and Gwendolyn walk in. Gwendolyn hands Laverne a piece of paper. Laverne does not look at it. Chaurisse looks at it, and it is a copy of James and Gwnedolyn’s Alabama marriage license. Laverne then throws it away, which draws the applause of her loyal customers...