My dad laid his hand on Ian’s shoulder. “Bless you, my son.”
Ian beamed at me, and I knew he was happy that my dad called him son.”
“I need to speak with Marie, so I’ll send your mom back to you and you can take it from there,” my dad said and left us before I could say a word.
He no sooner reached my mom than she turned her head toward me, her brow puckered, then she turned back to Marie to say a few words before heading for us. My dad left me in the lurch, her puckered brow letting me know that my dad had told her I had something important to ask her, which meant… I was to come up with a good excuse to take her to lunch.
“What is so important that you failed to mention to me?” my mom asked, stopping in front of me, a look of concern on her face.
My dad was going to pay for this one and Ian as well, that was until he came to my rescue.
“With the frightening bank robbery, Pep forgot to mention what she found in Aunt Effie’s safety deposit box, and we thought you would join us for lunch at Treetop so she could talk with you about what she found.”
When he turned his gorgeous smile on her, I knew he had successfully reeled her in, but his last remark sealed the deal.
“It would also help us take our minds off the frightening ordeal.”
“Oh dear,” my mom said. “Of course, this bank heist must have left you with a fright, but I must say what a hero you are in Marie’s eyes. She told me how you bravely stood up and cautioned the robbers to go easy with her. She believes your courage gave her courage. I am so proud of you, son.”
Ian beamed again, holding up two fingers that my mom couldn’t see, letting me know that he had been called son twice now. I, on the other hand, knew better. In her own way, she was letting me know that she already thought of Ian as a son, so marriage to him was inevitable.
“Let me get my purse from your dad’s vehicle. It’s good that I leave.” She cast a quick glance at my dad and whispered, “I don’t want him to become too dependent on his new boss.”
Ian turned his head away to chuckle.
I just shook my head as we followed her out of the bank, my dad beaming with delight.
CHAPTER 2
The scent of fresh basil and something garlicky drifted through the air as I stepped onto the upper deck of the Treetop Restaurant. The surrounding trees rose like leafy guardians around the structure, branches full and green, casting dancing shadows over the wooden planks. Hanging baskets overflowed with trailing petunias, ivy geraniums, and vines, while planters brimmed with color so rich they looked hand-painted.
I was pleased that Ian had the hostess give us a table near the side railing, where the view of the forest was spectacular, and the breeze kept the heat from settling too heavy. Large glasses of iced tea were brought to the table, and orders were placed: grilled chicken salad for my mom, a veggie wrap for Ian, and a turkey club for me with a side of sweet potato fries that Ian was sure to swipe.
“So,” my mom said, leaning in with a smile and eyes full of curiosity, “What did you find in Effie’s deposit box?”
I lifted the tote onto my lap. “Sealed letters. A whole stack of them, all addressed to me. And this.”
I opened the ring box, revealing the silver ring with Celtic etching. The light caught the curves in its design, giving it a shimmer that felt alive.
My mom took the box from me and looked over the ring. “I can’t say I ever saw it. It doesn’t look at all familiar.”
“Any clue what the letters might contain?” Ian asked.
My mom handed the box back to me. “Effie loved writing letters, but then in her time that was the way people who lived a distance kept in touch. And your aunt had many friends around the world. But letters to you would probably be more personal unless…” She shook her head.
“Unless what?” I asked when she remained silent.
“Unless she came across a mystery she couldn’t solve and believed you could. Perhaps it has to do with the ring.”
“A mystery to solve all these years later?” Ian asked skeptically.
“You never know with Effie.” My mom smiled. “Even in death, she still lingers around.”
“Now, I am really looking forward to reading them,” I said, excited at the prospect of a mystery. “She bundled them together like she meant for me to read them in a certain order.”
Her mom leaned back, tapping her fingers lightly against the glass. “That sounds like Effie, planning precisely how she expected things to be done. I do miss her.”
“I wish I could have met her,” Ian said.
