“Can’t it be both of ours?”
She shook her head. “You like chocolate. That’s what we got you for your birthday.”
“Oh, yeah, I forgot.”
She laughed again. “You forgot your favorite cake flavor?”
“Yeah, silly Uncle Cody. Luckily, I haveyouto remind me.” He touched Harper’s arm. “You remember Harper?”
Avery turned her intelligent eyes on Harper. “Hi. What’syourfavorite cake flavor?”
“Have you ever had Nutella cheesecake?”
Her little eyes lit up. “No. But I like Nutella.”
Harper leaned forward and lowered her voice. “It’samazing.”
Immediately, Avery wriggled out of Cody’s arms and tugged on Eastern’s top. “Dad, can I have a Nutella cheesecake at my next birthday?”
He sipped his beer, a knowing smile on his face. “Sure.”
“There’s Mrs. Sandler. I’m gonna tell her!” Avery ran across the room toward the bakery owner.
Harper cringed. “Will there be a problem if Mrs. Sandler doesn’t do Nutella cheesecake?”
Eastern shook his head. “Nah. Her birthday’s not for a while. She’ll change her mind at least a dozen times before then.”
“Oh, good.” She shifted her gaze to see Tilly standing on her own, wineglass in hand, several feet away. Harper frowned. The other woman hadn’t mentioned she was coming tonight. But then, neither had Harper.
She touched Cody’s arm. “I’ll be back in a second. I’m just going to say hi to Tilly.”
His gaze landed on the woman before he nodded.
Harper crossed the room. When she touched Tilly’s arm, the other woman jumped, then touched a hand to her chest. “Harper, sorry, I was in my head for a moment.”
“That’s okay. Is everything all right?” She was holding her wineglass very firmly and she didn’t look…comfortable.
“Yeah, I’m just a bit nervous to be here. So many people and all.”
“Has anyone said anything to you?”
“No. But starting a conversation with anyone is like pulling teeth.” She shook her head. “I’m probably being too sensitive.”
“Not at all. Your feelings are valid. I’m sorry people are making you feel uncomfortable.”
“I’ll get used to it. Anyway, how are you? I’m sorry, I don’t think I’ve checked in enough since Travis barged into the bar. Has he made another appearance? Or your father?”
“Actually, no. Neither of them have. Which is good, I guess.”
Tilly frowned. “You don’t sound certain.”
“Not seeing or hearing from my father in particular makes me nervous, because I don’t know where he is or what he wants.” Well, other than to seek some form of revenge on her for his jail sentence because the guy couldn’t take responsibility for his actions.
“Eastern and the other officers haven’t spotted him?” Tilly asked.
“Unfortunately not, but Cody keeps reassuring me that if he’s here, they’ll find him.”
Tilly touched her arm. “Eastern’s good at his job, and Cody’s good at looking out for people. If they say you’re safe, I’d trust them.”
