“I’m holding it together.”
Honor abandoned the bowl and came to sit on the floor with her and CJ. Sunlight slanted through the big windows, washing everything in warmth. Felicity tucked her legs beneath her and ran her thumb over CJ’s little fingers in a gesture meant to soothe herself as much as him.
Then she launched into the recounting of the long day she had, including the stolen journal, the useless police and the awful bakery shop owner, but leaving out the part where she and Gabe fell to the floor in the cookbook section in a tangle of bliss.
When she finished, Honor’s eyes were wide. “I can’t believe someone took the journal. This is getting scary.”
“I know. I wish whoever’s doing this would just show his face, the way your ex did. But I have no idea who would be interested inme.”
“Whoever took it, they’re not just breaking in for random things. They want something.”
She nodded.
“You’ve told me so much about Henry.” Honor pitched her voice low. “How he started as your auction rival and turned into one of your favorite people.”
She issued a shaky laugh. “He made mefuriousat that event. He outbid me on the edition I’d been tracking formonths.”
Honor smiled in memory of the story. “And then he apologized and offered to let you borrow it.”
Felicity swallowed the tightness in her throat, little CJ’s face blurring in her teary vision. “Yeah. That was Henry.”
“And he sent you that chicken soup package the winter you got sick. The one with seven teas and the ridiculous fluffy blanket.”
Her chest warmed. “He always knew how to make someone feel cared for without making a big deal of it. He was like the favorite uncle I never had.”
Honor squeezed her hand. “Have you tried to contact him? You’re positive he’s…gone?”
She wagged her head. “I emailed him a few times over the past three months. I got no response, but I didn’t follow up because…well, my shop was sinking fast.”
“And it was your number one priority. Understandable.”
“Now someone stole his journal, and I didn’t even get a chance to read more than a couple entries.”
“I know that has to be difficult. Not knowing what you missed.”
Before Felicity could speak, Willow breezed into the kitchen with a mug in hand, and Layne right behind her.
Willow stopped. “Do I smell brownies?”
Honor laughed and pushed to her feet. “They’re in the oven.”
Willow went to peek through the glass on the oven door. “There’s nothing like a warm brownie fresh from the oven. I have a horse therapy session in a few minutes. By the time I get back, they’ll be cool.” Her lips turned downward in a disappointed pout.
Honor grinned. “That’s the same face your brother makes when he doesn’t get what he wants. I’ll bring you one in the paddock. And one for your vet too.”
“Oh, that would be so sweet of you!” Willow’s eyes danced. “Crew will appreciate a snack too. I’m glad the good ole Malone charm worked.”
They shared a laugh.
Layne, looking fresh and restored by her nap, swooped in to unstrap CJ from the seat. As soon as he saw her, he started to fuss and root around to nurse.
Layne was always stunning, but the tender, maternal expression made her the most beautiful woman on the planet. Cradling her son, she threw them all a look. “Someone’s hungry. I’m going to slip out and feed him. Good to see you, Felicity.”
“You too, Layne. CJ and I had a nice chat.”
She smiled down at her boy. “He is a good listener. Let’s hope he keeps that trait and doesn’t turn into a Malone man.” She made a face that had them all chuckling as she left the kitchen.
Willow announced she was going to be late for that session and followed right behind her, leaving Felicity alone with her sister again.
