Suspicion prickles down my spine. “Elsie.”
She presses her lips together in an attempt to conceal her smile. “Oh, would you look at that? Time’s gotten away from me. I better run. The boys have football games today.”
I arch a brow. “Uh-huh. Convenient. And it’s calledsoccer.”
She laughs, slipping on her coat. “Theydohave games. They’ve been asking when Auntie J is going to show up again.”
I remember the first time I saw Knox with Elsie’s and Finn’s boys. It was like watching a man who had been born to be a father, even if he hadn’t known it yet. He scooped them up so effortlessly, spinning them around in the air like they weighed nothing, their giggles filling the air around us. Then, at the loch’s edge, he crouched down beside them, showing them how to skip stones with such patience and focus. But it was the way his eyes softened when they spoke that stuck with me. Like everything they said mattered, like their worlds were his to protect.
I smile, tucking the memory away. “Tell them I’ll be there next weekend. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
Her expression shifts. “You guys are going to make wonderful parents someday.”
The words are unexpected but…not unwelcome. My stomach flutters, and for a heartbeat, I picture Knox holding a baby in his arms, his green eyes filled with the same quiet devotion he has when he’s with her boys.
“Maybe someday,” I murmur.
“I really do need to run. The boys will be waiting.” She leans down, giving me a quick squeeze. Then, with a smirk that tells me she’s enjoying this far too much, she adds, “Enjoy the rest of your day, Juliette. I have a feeling it’s going to be…special.”
“What in the world are you talking about?”
She just grins, tossing a wink over her shoulder as she heads for the door.
What is going on today? Did the universe decide it was time for a full-on chaos fest? I roll my eyes, half convinced I’m imagining things, when Lucy strolls over to collect Elsie’s mug from the table.
“Hey, love!” she greets. “Don’t you look radiant today.”
Okay, now I’m starting to think I’ve accidentally wandered into some alternate dimension. I glance around, half expecting confetti to fall from the ceiling.
“And so do you. Did you discover how to bottle sunshine while I wasn’t looking?”
“Maybe I did! Or maybe it’s just the coffee.” She spins away with a flourish, leaving me wondering if I’ve somehow missed the memo on what everyone’s been drinking this morning—or if the entire world has collectively lost its mind.
With Knox still out, it’s the perfect time to call Aunt Rose. It’s been a few days since I’ve seen her. The phone rings a couple of times before it goes straight to voicemail.
I feel that little pinch of disappointment, but before it settles, my phone buzzes in my hand.
Aunt Rose
Sorry, darling. I’m in the middle of a very important situation. I’ll call you later!
Okay… Looks like it’s back home for me.
I’m back at Knox’s, sprawled out on the couch when I hear the front door creak open. Knox comes into view, his broad shoulders filling the doorway, the air shifting with him. My heart does that little flutter it always does when I see him.
When he leans down to greet me, his kiss is soft but sure, leaving its mark after he pulls away.
“Hey, you,” I say. “You were out longer than I thought you’d be.”
He settles beside me, his arm easily slipping around my shoulders as I lean into him. “Aye, turned into a busy day,” he mumbles. “I’d like to make it up to you, though.”
My eyebrow arches. “Mm, finally. What do you have in mind?”
His voice drops low as he chuckles. “Savethatfor later. We have plans tonight, and you need to get ready. We leave in an hour.”
“Oh, fun! Where are we going?”
“It’s a secret, lass.” His voice softens just a touch, that teasing warmth that’s become so familiar to me seeping through. “A wee birdy told me you found quite the dress the other day. You should wear it.”
