“Maysie.”
Mabel comes to a complete stop, face a bit pale. “Maysie?” she whispers in thought. “As in Maysie Donovan?”
My eyes widen in shock that she knows a four-year-old. “Yes! You know the Donovans?”
A ghost of a smile crosses her face. “The friend I lost? That was Maysie’s mom.”
“Oh! What a small world. But I guess you grew up here.”
“I haven’t seen Maysie since she was a tiny baby. Hard to believe she’ll be starting school already.”
“She’s the sweetest little girl,” I tell Mabel.
“I believe it,” she says with a sad smile. “So, if she’s your niece, which Donovan are you married to?”
“Oh. Not married.” I blush. “But I’m with West.”
“Wow.” Her eyes pop. “He was still in a relationship when I left. I for sure thought you were going to say Hayes or Colter.”
“Nope.” I smile. “It’s West.”
We finish the tour by stepping out onto the patio.
“Wow! This view is even prettier than the pictures,” she says in awe.
“It’s what I’ll miss the most,” I tell her. “But I love my new place even more.”
I can see a thought working across her features and wait quietly until she’s ready to voice it.
“How are Cade and the kids?”
“To be completely honest, I’m only just getting to know Cade, and I never knew what he was like before, but he seems good. I know Wren has mentioned that she thinks he still struggles with his wife’s passing, but he smiles a lot when the kids are around. And as for the kids, they are the greatest little things. I think they keep Cade on his toes, though. Especially Maysie.” I giggle. “Hudson is quiet, but both are very sweet.”
She absorbs everything I just said and smiles softly. “Good. Good, I’m glad to hear they are doing all right.”
I walk her back to the front to say goodbye when she pulls me in for a hug.
“I hope I get to see more of you, Jade. I think we would make great friends.”
I giggle, hugging her back. “You should stop by Lemon and Lavender sometime. It’s a bakery in town that I own with my friend, Sarah. Have a treat on me as a welcome back to town.”
“I will do just that.” She smiles, walking to her SUV. “Thanks, Jade! It was so great to meet you and see the house in person.”
“No problem!” I wave. “See you around!”
After Mabel leaves, I start to get a head start on packing so we have more time to just have fun later when a slight chill snakes its way down my spine. I’m not supposed to be here alone, but I glance at the clock and see that Wren and Sarah should be arriving soon. Ignoring the feeling, I go back to placing dishes inside a box when a sound comes from the front of the house.
My breathing becomes slow and controlled as I gently, and very quietly, set the last plate down and creep to the front.
“Sarah? Wren?” I call out, getting empty silence in answer.
Heart racing, I creep down the hall, thinking maybe one of the girls went to the bathroom, but as I reach to knock, a shadow from the way I just came catches my eye.
I turn, expecting to see one of the girls, but instead my heart freezes and I scream.
“Hi, Hads. It’s been a long time.”
I’m just getting in my car to head home when my phone rings.
