Colt’s hand slid around Penny’s waist, resting on the small of her back, and when their lips finally parted, he appeared to whisper “I missed you” before lightly kissing her temple.
Cassie’s heart warmed at the intimate exchange. For all their differences—and the sparks that occasionally ignited as a result—they made an incredible team and an endearing couple who loved each other fiercely.
“Hey, Mom. You look great.” Colt stooped to kiss his mother’s cheek next. “Sorry I’m late. I’m working on a new salad for the inn utilizing local, in-season produce. I’ve brought some for you guys to try.” He set a large Tupperware container on the counter then tapped a box of candy tucked beneath his arm. “I also grabbed some of Sadie’s triple-chocolate truffles to celebrate your triumphant return.”
Luke grabbed her hand and gave it a quick squeeze. From the look on his face, he couldn’t wait a second longer.
“We have some big news to add to tonight’s celebration.” His grin grew wider, as if he couldn’t contain his excitement. “We’re having a baby!”
Penny squealed and launched herself at Cassie, throwing her arms around her in unbridled delight while Maggie gasped and covered her mouth with both hands. Tears glistened in her eyes as she glanced from Luke to Cassie then back to her son.
“Congratulations, old man.” Colt clapped a hand on his brother’s shoulder. “I’ve always thought I’d make an awesome uncle.”
“A decent one, at least,” Luke teased, and Cassie watched the two brothers in amusement, both playing it cool while the shimmer in their misty eyes betrayed their soft, gooey centers.
“How are you feeling?” Maggie asked when it was her turn to hug the mother-to-be.
“Pretty good, all things considered. Tired, mostly. And constantly hungry.”
“Oh, goodness. You poor dear. Let’s eat, let’s eat!” Maggie gestured for everyone to grab one of the serving dishes then herded them into the dining room. “I want to hear all the details!”
Luke quickly mounted the cuckoo clock before joining Cassie at the table. With one arm slung across the back of her chair, he filled in the gaps of the story whenever she paused to take another bite. By the time they’d finished dinner and moved on to dessert, they’d made plans to host a gathering at the café the following evening to announce the news to all their friends.
For the first time since seeing those two pink lines, all of Cassie’s fears and apprehensions slipped into the background, muffled by the outpouring of love and support. For the first time, she didn’t worry about being good enough. And for the first time, she felt nothing but pure, unsullied excitement for the adventure that lay ahead of them.
“We should probably get going.” Luke glanced at the clock. “It’s almost nine, and I try to get these two in bed before ten.”
These two…Cassie smiled. Her husband couldn’t be more adorable.
“I’ll pack up some leftovers.” As Maggie scooted back her chair, the cuckoo clock struck nine.
Colt released a good-natured groan as the tiny door sprang open, followed by the trademark sound.
Cuckoo, cuckoo, cuckoo.
Cassie stared, suddenly captivated by the clock’s unique design. Instead of one bird springing forward at regular intervals, two small lovebirds sat on a single nest.
“You noticed it, too?” Penny leaned across the table, her voice breathy.
“Noticed what?” Colt asked.
“You think the next clue is in my cuckoo clock?” Maggie’s eyes widened, her gaze darting between Cassie and Penny in disbelief.
“What clue?” Colt turned to Luke. “Do you know what’s going on?”
Luke shook his head.
“It’s possible,” Cassie told Maggie, taking out her phone. Her fingers trembled slightly in anticipation. What were the odds that they’d solve two riddles in one day? “‘You solved the first clue, now for number two,’” she read aloud. “‘When the time is right, you’ll know what to do. But before I grant you your request, all the birds must leave their nest.’”
“Wait.” Colt glanced at his wife. “Is this the scavenger hunt you were talking about the other day? The one with the nutty billionaire and some old diary?” He didn’t wait for a response before adding, “You think he hid a clue in my mother’s clock?”
“We found this clue in a fainting couch I had delivered today,” Penny told him. “But that’s not even the craziest story. I did some research this afternoon, and learned that once, when Edwin wanted a particular diary that supposedly belonged to Amelia Earhart, he tracked down the owner on a private island in the South Pacific. And it was completely off-the-grid.”
“I don’t like it.” Colt’s turquoise-blue eyes flashed with a protective glint. “I don’t like the idea that this guy has access to Mom’s clock and your couch. It’s creepy.”
“He’s harmless, I promise,” Penny assured him. “He was friends with my dad.”
This news seemed to only marginally mollify his concerns.
