Emily moves over to decorate a tray of cookies. That looks way more complicated than cupcakes. Lauren returns to her spot across from me. I miss working in the kitchen with my sister.
“It must get lonely at The Haven House after the angels leave.” Nana finishes cutting sandwiches into triangles and carries them out to the serving tables in the Den. She’s only gone long enough to set the tray down.
I pause and look at my sister. “I wanted to talk to you about that.”
Lauren pauses mid-swirl and lays her icing bag on the counter. “Are you leaving?”
The other ladies stop what they’re doing. Lily looks as terrified as my sister. None of them says anything.
When I first arrived back in Willow Creek, I stayed hidden at Lauren’s house. Well, it’s technically her son’s house, but she lives with him. Only the McLeod family and a couple of the club officers knew I was here. Lily didn’t know until a few days ago. I felt bad for keeping it from her. Still, it was for the best. It’s been two months, and I haven’t left club property.
I cover Lauren’s hand with mine and smile. “No, I’m not leaving.”
“Whew.” She places her other hand over her heart and lightly laughs. “Don’t scare me like that.”
“Are you stepping down as The Haven House Mother?” Now, Nanny sounds worried.
“Oh, no, not at all,” I assure her. “I love what I do.”
It’s the truth. The slower lifestyle here is just what I needed. Twelve years in California, ten of those as an ER nurse, was enough of the fast-paced life for me. I was born and raised here. My parents moved to Tennessee six months after they were married. I’ve missed my family and the small-town life. I’m glad to be back.
“What do you want to talk about?” Lauren asks.
“I was wondering, when there aren’t any angels here, if I could stay with you?” I’m a grown woman. Why do I sound like a whiny teenager?
“Oh, my gosh!” Lauren hurries around the counter and throws her arms around me. “I’d love that so much.”
“That’s a wonderful idea.” Nanny smiles, sighs deeply, and returns to stirring the homemade hot-dog chili. She refuses to use the store-bought cans.
It’s Valentine’s Day. Why half of these guys insisted on hot dogs and hamburgers, too, is beyond me. A few club members have picky kids, so it works out. From the looks of things, we’reworking on the last of the food for the night. Now, I feel bad. I should’ve gotten here sooner.
“Hello, ladies.” Mack, the club president, walks into the kitchen. He snatches a cookie from the tray. Emily doesn’t swat his hand. Lily laughs. She belongs here with the McLeods. I knew sending her to Willow Creek was for the best.
“Have all the families left?” Nana asks.
“Yeah, Ma.” Mack kisses his mother’s cheek as he walks by.
“I'd better get out there and make sure the bunnies don’t get out of hand.” Nana hurries out to the Den. She’s watching the bunnies closely since one tried to cause trouble for Jack and Lily. She checks on things and comes back in for more trays of food.
“Hello, love.” Mack pulls Nanny into his arms. He twirls her around the kitchen, causing her to laugh. It’s been weeks since she’s laughed or even smiled.
Lauren watches them for a long moment before dropping her eyes back to the cupcakes. My heart hurts for her. She used to have that. She hasn’t been the same since losing her husband. She sniffles and rubs her nose to hide it. Still, I feel her pain. Darin was right. She needs me as much as I need her.
The door to the Den opens, and Darin walks in. Wow. Think about the man, and he shows up. I give my head a little shake. No. No, I’m not thinking about Darin Worley or any other man. This is just a crazy coincidence. He’s not here because my mind conjured him up. From the expression on Darin’s face, he’s here on club business, and it doesn’t look like it’s happy news. He pauses and silently watches Mack dance with Nanny across the room. Whatever this is, it affects the McLeod family personally. My heart drops. This family can’t take any more bad news.
“Hey, Worley Bird. You want a cupcake or a cookie?” Emily glances up from decorating.
“Um.” Darin rubs the back of his neck. “Neither.”
All of us sense the shift in the air and stop what we’re doing. We follow Darin’s gaze to Mack and Nanny. They’re caught up in each other, unaware their world is about to shatter—again. I press my lips together when Darin’s eyes meet mine. I silently plead with him not to destroy Nanny’s moment of happiness. Darin takes a deep breath and drops his eyes for a moment. It’s bad. I want to rush Evelyn McLeod out of here and spare her any more pain.
Darin’s phone dings in his pocket. He doesn’t reach for it. “Mack, we've got a meeting.”
“A.A.?” Mack rests his forehead against Nanny’s. He doesn’t look away from his wife.
Darin clears his throat. “No.”
Nanny’s body stiffens, breaking the intimate moment with her husband. She slides under Mack’s arm and turns her head toward Darin.
