Oh.
Ohhh.
My eyebrows lift before I can stop them.
Ivy catches it immediately.
Her smile turns knowing, like she’s not about to make a big deal out of it unless I do.
“You clocked us,” she says lightly.
I laugh, a little embarrassed. “I… sorry. I wasn’t trying to stare. I just?—”
“Hey,” she says, waving it off. “You’re fine. Curiosity is allowed.”
“So you’re all…” I make a vague gesture with my hand. “Together.”
“We are,” she confirms easily. “All in. Very intentional. Very tired.”
Freddie grins. “The tired part is mostly the kids.”
Timothy adds quietly, “And Pickle.”
The dog sneezes violently.
I blink. “That’s… actually really cool.”
It surprises me how quickly the words come out. How true they feel.
Ivy’s expression softens. “Yeah?”
“Yeah,” I say. “I mean, good for you. For all of you.”
I hesitate, then admit, “I’m just surprised. Not in a bad way. Just… small town.”
She laughs. “Oh, honey. Coyote Glen pretends it’s traditional, but it’s mostly just nosy. As long as you show up for people, love your kids, and don’t screw over the town…” she shrugs. “They’ll gossip. Then they’ll bring you a casserole.”
“And speaking of gossip…”
The voice comes from behind me, bright and delighted, like it’s been waiting for its cue.
Dottie Langford appears at my elbow with the timing of a predator who’s been circling patiently.
Oversized sunglasses. Perfect lipstick. A smile that saysI know thingsandI’m about to know more.
“There you are, Aurora Harper,” she says warmly, already sliding into the empty space beside me. “I’ve been hoping to run into you again.”
I laugh, because what else do you do when Dottie Langford decides you’re part of the lineup?
“Hi, Dottie.”
Her gaze flicks over the table in a single, efficient sweep—triplets, dog, men, coffee cups, vibes—then settles back on me, sharp and curious.
“Well,” she says. “Your grandmother would’ve loved this.”
“Oh?” I manage.
“She always said you could tell a place by how loud the laughter got before four p.m.,” Dottie continues. “And look at this. Children. Babies. Love.” She pats Ivy’s arm. “Evie believed in living loudly.”
