“Can we bring a picnic?” Tommy asked, bouncing on his toes with excitement.
Frank ruffled Tommy’s hair. “That’s a great idea, buddy.”
The bell above the door chimed again as William stepped inside. “You can go back to your house now, Frank,” he reported. “Though I’d still feel better if you’d accept the security upgrades I recommended.”
“I’m happy to discuss it later,” Frank agreed, nodding politely as three customers entered the bookstore.
Isabel frowned. “Can you stay for a little while, Frank?”
“We’ll stay,” he promised. “Tommy wants to explore every inch of the children’s area.”
Isabel looked across at Tommy. “I’m so glad to have you both back. It’ll be wonderful to spend time together.”
“That’s exactly what I was thinking,” Frank told her. “It’ll be like a fresh start.”
Lynda walked into the store and nearly dropped her coffee when she saw Frank and Tommy. “Good grief. I think I’ve seen a ghost.”
“Surprise!” Tommy said excitedly as he grinned at Lynda. “Grandpa and I are back.”
Lynda gave Tommy a hug. “I can see that. Welcome home.” Her gaze moved to Frank. “I know someone who’s missed you.”
Isabel groaned. “Don’t give all my secrets away.”
“I won’t, but I know something I can do.” Lynda pulled out her phone. “Kathleen told me to call her when Frank and Tommy returned from wherever they’ve been. We’ll look after the store so you can spend time together. How does that sound?”
Isabel watched her friend dial Kathleen’s number. “It sounds wonderful, but you both have other work to do.”
Lynda looked over her shoulder, then leaned forward and whispered, “That’s what sick days are for. Except this time, we’re not looking after the store because you have a temperature. We’re here because you have an achy, breaky heart.”
Frank’s eyes widened. “I like your sentiment, but the achy, breaky heart seems a little… painful.”
Lynda looked at Isabel. “I thought you said Frank was romantic?”
Isabel grinned. “He is. He’s just teasing you.” She waited while Lynda talked to Kathleen. There was no stopping them. Her two closest friends were determined to work in the bookstore.
“That’s settled,” Lynda said triumphantly. “Kathleen will be here in twenty minutes, so the three of you can find somewhere else to hang out.”
Isabel’s eyes widened. “Are you sure? We’ve got the author talk this afternoon and more books?—”
“I’m sure,” Lynda told her. “Now go. I can take care of the store on my own until Kathleen arrives.”
After giving Lynda a quick hug, Isabel led Frank and Tommy into the beautiful day, followed closely by William. “Where do you want to go first?” Isabel asked Frank.
“That’s easy,” he said with a wide smile. “We’d love to see your new house.”
Isabel grinned. “Your wish is my command.”
CHAPTER 43
Frank sat on the swing on the veranda of Isabel’s new house. The gentle back-and-forth motion soothed his frayed nerves. Stars pricked the dark canvas of the sky, so much clearer here than they had been at the safe house.
Beside him, Isabel sat quietly, a throw blanket draped across her lap. She hadn’t pushed him to talk, content to share the silence as they listened to the distant lapping of waves against the lakeshore.
The house on Maple Street was everything she’d described—charming, comfortable, and filled with potential. Tommy had fallen in love with the sunroom, just as Isabel had predicted.
From inside, the soft clink of dishes and the occasional rustle of papers was the only sign that William was in the kitchen. He’d given them space, allowing them to feel as though this could be a normal evening.
“Tommy went to sleep quickly,” Frank said finally, breaking the comfortable silence. “The excitement of being back must have made him extra tired.”
