“Oh. Now I remember. Perdon, Kieran. But where is she?”
“Inside. She’s part of the marketing team.”
“Ah. Well, I doubt you two want to join us in the Dorm, but Granny can, right?”
“That’s up to her.”
“Spend a night in the Dazzlin’ Damsels Dorm? Only an eejit would say no to that!”
“Hey, guys,” Monty said. “They just opened the doors. The line’s forming for the book signing. Should we get in it?”
“Ya should.” Granny turned around. “Ya want all three books, especially Rance’s. I’m in it.”
Kieran grinned. “She’s so in it. I’m prejudiced, but I think she steals the show. Listen, go ahead and queue up. Granny and I already have signed books so we’re going upstairs. I want her to see what we did up there.”
“I want to see that part, too,” Jordan said. “We could wait and get our books signed after the line gets shorter.”
“I like that plan.” Monty started toward the front steps. “I’ve seen the upstairs, but not when little kids are in it. Well, except for Kendall’s little girl, Jodie.”
“I’m fine with going up there first.” He’d follow wherever Jordan led. “Mom, I know you wanted to see the upstairs with kids in it.”
“I do. Let’s do that and get our books signed later.”
“I’m not so sure we should wait, Mom.” Greta looked worried. “There are so many people. What if they run out of books before we get there?”
“They won’t sweetie. Since we provided the building for the bookshop, Lucky’s put back enough for all of us.”
“Oh! Great! Then I want to go upstairs with the rest of you.”
“Maybe I should stand in line, though,” Jordan said.
“No worries.” His mom gave her a smile. “You’re covered. I texted Lucky this morning to add books for you and your brother.”
“Wow. Thanks. Thanks so much.”
Granny nodded in approval. “Good on ya, Raquel, lookin’ out for yer son’s cailin.”
Although his mom blinked at the unfamiliar word, she didn’t miss a beat. “It’s what we do, right?”
“Aye, ’tis. Are we goin’, then? I want ta see if I fit through that tunnel ya made, Kieran!”
As the group started walking toward the Victorian’s wide steps, Luis took Jordan’s hand.
She glanced up at him. “What’s a cailin?”
“I’m not sure, but I’ll bet holding hands is involved.”
“Does your mom know what it means?”
“Nope.”
That made her chuckle. “She’s so cool.”
“Yes, ma’am. She likes you, too.”
“Did she say that?”
“She doesn’t have to. I can just tell. Everybody likes you. You’re a hit.”
