Wren pins Sarah with a look and says, “Actually, Sarah, they are all that sweet, believe it or not.”
“Not.” Sarah scowls, bringing her wine glass to her lips.
“It’s true.” Wren nods. “Cade and his late wife were the sweetest couple. He loved her fiercely, and I used to dream about a love like theirs.”
“I was so sorry to hear about Clara’s passing. She was such a beautiful soul.”
Wren smiles sadly. “Thanks. She is sure missed. Some days I don’t think Cade has ever gotten over her. I hope he can move on some day. He works so hard, and he and those kids deserve the world.”
I reach out, grabbing Wren’s hand and giving it a squeeze. “West told me what happened. It’s so sad.”
“It is,” Wren says sadly. “But life goes on, you know?”
“I do know.”
“Oh, that’s right. You mentioned at supper the other night that you lost your parents?”
“I did.”
A knock at my door halts the conversation.
“I know you’re in there, girls.”
We all groan and roll our eyes at the sound of Mrs. Ira’s voice.
“What does she want?” Sarah sighs.
“I’ll go see,” I say, getting up from my spot on the floor.
“Hi, Jade,” Mrs. Ira greets as I open the door.
“Hi, Mrs. Ira. How can I help you?”
“I never made it back into the bakery after we all left. Today was just chaotic for our little town. First Harper and then Natalie.” She shakes her head, and I tilt mine, confused by what she means about Harper.
“Harper?” I ask.
“Oh yes! Haven’t you girls heard?”
I shake my head. I did hear there was an ambulance at the bookstore today, but I assumed it was for Harper’s grandpa. “No, sorry,” I say as Wren and Sarah join us.
“What’s going on?” Sarah asks.
“Harper Lenox was taken to the hospital this morning,” Mrs. Ira tells us. “Found beaten in her store. It was your brothers who found her,” she says, tipping her chin towards Wren.
We all collectively gasp. “Oh my gosh!”
“It was Jep, wasn’t it?” Sarah snarls.
Mrs. Ira nods in confirmation. “I heard she pressed charges and he’s behind bars now.”
“Good,” we all say in unison.
“Anyways, I just wanted to stop by and see if you girls wanted to sign this card for Natalie.” She extends her arm, holding out a card.
“Oh, of course,” I say grabbing it. “Let me go get a pen.”
“How is Natalie? Have you spoken to Ms. Tizzy?” I hear Sarah ask.
