She pulled out her phone and they scrolled through until they found the location services information in the settings.She blew out a relieved breath when she saw the setting had been turned off for her camera.“I didn’t inadvertently give away our location.”
Nash tucked her in for a hug.“That’s good news.I don’t see how he could figure out where we are from those photos but we’re going to keep our guard up.”
She nodded and snuggled into his side.When Charlie spotted them sitting so close, he smiled and returned to playing.
Nash spoke softly so only she would hear.“I’ll talk to him tonight.Tell him we’re officially dating.He’s going to be happy about it.”
“I hope so.”
Nash rubbed his thumb along her arm.“He will be.”
For a few minutes, they sat and enjoyed the security of the room and the people.
Nash pulled out his phone.“I haven’t checked the publisher’s website or social media yet.Did you see what they posted?”
That sent panic zipping through her veins again.“No.I didn’t even think about it.I was so worried about being with Ella and Charlie again, it didn’t cross my mind.”
She pulled out her phone and tapped the shortcut for her publisher’s site.
Her heart stuttered at the front page.She’d never been one of their top-tier authors.There were big names with the company, and they always had the front page.
Now, her book sat on the front page, along with a close-up picture of her and Ella with the snow dragon.Her heart thumped and she couldn’t stop the worried sound from escaping.
Nash wrapped his arm around her.“It’s going to be okay.”
Olivia enlarged the photo to focus on Ella’s smile.“She looks so much like Mary Mae.If Adam sees it, he’s sure to recognize her.”
Nash squeezed her shoulder.“I’m betting he already knows that you and Ella are together.He’s probably always known.”
Okay, that was true and helped her control her galloping heartbeat.The page’s banner read, “Snow dragons and brucans are popping up in Vermont.Where else?We’d love to see your photos.Don’t have snow?That’s okay.How about a brucan made from paper or wool?A drawing of Lelja and Kayaia in action?We’ll showcase them all on our social media links.”
Her voice shook when she whispered.“They know we’re in Vermont.I didn’t even tell Rika that.”
Nash reached over and clicked on the first social media link.“Let’s see if someone on here figured out our location.”
There were even more images on the social media pages, including those of Charlie and Nash.Olivia’s stomach tightened.“I’m so sorry.”
Nash shrugged.“It’s fine.Charlie will be thrilled to be on your socials.Let’s scroll through the comments and see if we can figure it out.
Sure enough, it didn’t take long to scroll through to find the culprit.Charlie’s friend Maribel.
That’s my friend Charlie, who just moved to Phail, Vermont.Great snow brucan, Charlie.I miss you!Maribel.
At least Olivia knew her publisher hadn’t dug into her location.Neither had Rika.It was the innocence of a child living in Europe and excited to see her friend’s picture online.
She’d have to ensure Charlie never felt bad about Maribel’s comment.
She snuggled in closer to Nash as they scrolled through various sites.Maribel’s comment wasn’t the only one identifying them.Some people mentioned they’d spotted her in multiple places in New England.A few mentioned she lived in Phail.At least no one mentioned the farm.
Charlie spoke up from across the room, his voice filled with laughter.“I think Ella Mae is ready for bed, Olivia.”
She looked up to find her girl snuggled up with her head on Oggie’s back while the dog rested with his head on his paws.
Olivia blinked back the rush of emotion at the sweetness of the sight.“Looks like bedtime.”A quick check of the time showed her that it was thirty minutes past the time Ella usually fell asleep.
Olivia scooped Ella up gently and headed to the stairs.Charlie yawned and announced he was headed to bed to read for a bit.
As she climbed the stairs with her girl in her arms, the boy and his dog beside her, she knew even though their images had become public knowledge, she wouldn’t change a thing about having these people in her life.
