“You did, huh?” Emma said in a biting tone. “You look awfully spiffy for errands.”
Nora shifted, rubbing her bare arms. They were lightly sunburned, a fresh crop of freckles dusting her shoulders. “What’s wrong?”
Maddy’s feet were frozen to the deck boards. She watched the speculation on Nora’s face and thought she saw a flush rising up her neck in the waning light.
Nora turned a searching look on Maddy, emitting a bleak laugh. “What’s going on? Did something happen?”
Words jumbled in Maddy’s throat, locking it up tight. She looked at Emma.
Emma took three steps, coming up so close to Nora she had to look up. She gave her sister a long, scathing look. “What is going on between you and Jonathan?”
Nora averted her gaze, going unnaturally still. “What—what do you mean?”
“You know what I mean. Tell me the truth, Nora, or so help me...”
Nora took a step back, putting space between them. She finally looked at Emma, searching her face for a long, painful moment. Her chest heaved. Her eyes softened with pity as her chin trembled and her face slowly crumpled.
“I’m so sorry, Emma,” she whispered. “I am so, so sorry.”
Emma’s lips flattened. “Sorry for what, Nora? What is it you did exactly?”
“I didn’t mean for it to happen.”
“What?You didn’t mean forwhatto happen?”
Maddy tried to telegraph to Nora.Say “the kiss.”Tell her it was a mistake, and you’ll never do it again. Tell her, Nora!
“Answer me!” Emma spat.
Nora flinched. Her mouth wobbled. Her blue eyes filled with tears. “I didn’t mean to fall in love with him, Emma. I swear it. It just happened. It’s all my fault, and I’m so sorry!”
Emma emitted a guttural roar and bolted forward, arms reaching out.
Nora stepped back. Her foot caught on a fallen pillow, and she stumbled backward. She went down hard, her elbows smacking the wooden deck.
Maddy’s hand flew to her throat. “Nora!”
“What in the world?” Mama opened the kitchen door. “What is all this ruckus about? Oh, good heavens! Nora, are you all right?”
Mama stepped outside, her gaze flying between Nora—sprawled on the deck—and Emma hovering over her, as rigid as a two-by-four.
“What on earth is going on?” She went to her fallen daughter. “Are you all right, honey?”
Nora sat up straight. “I’m fine, Mama. It was an accident.”
Mama helped Nora to her feet, fussing over her scraped elbows. When she finished she looked at Emma. “Now what in heaven’s name is going on here? Emma, what happened?”
“I just fell, Mama,” Nora said. “That’s all.”
“That is very wellnotall,” Emma said. “Tell her, Nora. Tell her what you just said to me!”
Daddy slid through the open door, quickly taking in the scene. “What’s going on out here, girls? I can hear you from upstairs.”
“That’s just what I’d like to know.” Mama crossed her arms, frowning at her daughters.
“Go ahead, Nora,” Emma sneered. “Go ahead and tell them how you’re in love withmy fiancé!”
Mama gasped.
