Chapter Thirty-Eight
That’s the last of it.” Tuesday smoothed packing tape over the seam of the last cardboard box. “Whew! A person could move eighty feet or eight hundred miles. The amount of work is still the same.”
Pepper slung her arm around her sister’s shoulders, pulling her in tight. “Are you sure about this, me moving?”
“I love this tiny house.” Tuesday gave a happy sigh. “I signed the new lease and sent it off to Mrs. Carmichael this morning.”
“We’ll be neighbors, but you’re committing to Georgia? That’s a big deal.”
“As if I’d run off to Chicago and leave you here.” She snorted. “No chance, not when J.K. Growling finally has a fur cousin. Actually, what if we cut a hole in the back fence, and let her and Kitty hang out whenever they want?”
“Five dogs between us?” Pepper said wonderingly. “Can you believe it?”
“Ha! I know. And who said they didn’t like dogs again, Ms. executive director of the Virginia Valentine Memorial Shelter?”
“Try saying that five times fast.” Pepper hugged herself. She’d finally found a great way to use her law degree, running a place where being needed was an asset. On her watch as shelter director, no animal would ever feel abandoned. “Are you coming to the shelter’s groundbreaking ceremony?”
“I can’t. I have to start my first day.” Tuesday grimaced, gesturing to the tiara on her head. “Princess party host.”
“Are you excited about Happily Ever After Land?” Something told Pepper that it wasn’t only the job that kept Tuesday from the shelter’s ceremony, but the fact that the mayor would be there in an official capacity. She had tried to bring up the fact Beau asked to meet with Tuesday to her sister on two occasions, and each time her sister had rebuffed the idea and redirected the conversation so fast Pepper had whiplash.
“There are a few eccentrics working there, but I guess I’m one, too. I’m requesting my official title be Princess Felicia Ariana Beatrix Ulrike Leila Olympia Ursula Sophia.” She waved her hand with a flourish.
“I’m sure the children love meeting you with that mouthful.”
Tuesday winked. “It’s an acronym.”
Pepper paused. “Princess F.A.B.U.L.O.U.S? Sounds wonderful, your excellence, or should I say, your modesty.”
Rhett came in, swiping a brow. “Do I bow or kneel in your exalted presence?”
“What about me?” Tuesday folded her arms. “I’m basking in front of Everland royalty here.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Pepper asked.
“You two have been the subject of every single article on the Back Fence bar one, the hottest topic since Rhett confessed his love in front of half the town.”
“Your sister deserves hearing her praises sung from the rooftops,” he said firmly.
“I do like you, Cupid.” Tuesday blew him a kiss.
“I am curious.” Pepper leaned in against Rhett, looping a finger into his belt, another giving him a private tickle. “What’s the one story not about us?”
“Davy Jones, of course.” Tuesday tossed the packing tape and caught it with one hand. “The statue was put back today. No one is calling the judge out directly, but everyone is willing to forgive him, if not forget.”
“That’s for the best,” Pepper said. “I feel bad for him.”
“Why?” Rhett asked, mystified. “After what he put you through?”
“He’s a coward. And it’s a terrible thing to live your whole life in fear.”
“Do you think that anyone is going to try to prosecute him?” Tuesday asked.
Rhett shook his head. “Everland wants to move on. But I did hear a rumor from Maryann that he asked her to look for home help care for his mother because he’ll be moving, wants to buy a fishing cabin somewhere quick.”
“Wow,” Pepper said, before glancing to the book on the counter. “Pirate Lore of the Georgia Coast? What’s this? You taking an interest in history?”
Tuesday snatched it up. “Maybe.”
