Oblivious to our whispered conversation, Rowan nods as he closes the gate, looking adorably staunch and awkward. “Hello.”
I step forward to begin the introductions. “Mom, Dad, Nadine, this is Rowan. Rowan, this is my mom, dad, and best friend, Nadine.”
“It’s a pleasure,” Rowan says, all stuffy and nervous.
“I remember you, Rowan,” Dad says warmly. “It’s been ages, though. I doubt you’ll remember me.”
“Vaguely, sir. You’re Laverna’s nephew.”
“Correct!” Dad beams. “I see you’re still working at the tea shop.”
“I returned to help Kit, yes.” Rowan’s gaze meets mine briefly, and a little zing of attraction passes between us.
Do not sparkle.
Looking more than a touch suspicious, Mom glances my way as she says to Rowan, “You came back just for Kit?”
“And for Laverna,” Rowan pulls his eyes from mine. Though I suspect he senses I’m struggling with my sparkles, his face gives nothing away. “We were close.”
“That’s nice,” Dad says. “Very nice. Why don’t you come in for a while?”
Rowan glances at his waiting cart. “Oh, I should…”
“I’ll help you with your horse,” Dad offers. “I grew up here, you know. Worked at the livery stable while I was in high school, back when it was next to the grocery store and the Samuels family ran it. It’s changed hands now.” He pauses. “Now that I think of it, that was probably forty years ago.”
Rowan gives me a helpless look, but I just shrug, hiding a smile.
“Do you know the Danfords?” Dad asks as Rowan unhitches the horse. “Hudson brought us home earlier. Gave me his card. Nice guy.”
“Yes, sir. I grew up next door to the Danfords.”
“Did you?” Dad asks, sounding genuinely delighted. “You’ve been around a while. Tell me, have you seen the gnomes? Howlong have they been on the property? Have you ever seen them pass through before?”
I don’t hear Rowan’s answer because they head to the back garden, leaving me standing with Mom and Nadine.
“That man is extremely handsome,” Nadine says, fanning her face with a grin.
Mom frowns. Less than impressed, she says, “I believe theextremely handsomeman is taken with you, Kit.”
Before I can respond, Nadine says to my mother, “I told you she started seeing someone. She was far too quiet for living here all by herself.”
“Are you dating him?” Mom demands.
“Oh.” I rub the back of my neck. “Yes. In a manner?”
Nadine puts on a thoughtful frown. “How do you date someone ‘in a manner?’ Is that like on social media all those years ago, when someone would classify their relationship as ‘it’s complicated?’”
“Oh, Kit,” Mom sighs, ignoring Nadine. “I was hoping you would find a nice pixie while you were here.”
“Mom.”
“I’m sure there are lots of lovely options. You haven’t been here too long. Are you sure you want to leap into a relationship so quickly?”
“What is he?” Nadine asks before I can respond, not bothering with formalities when it’s just the three of us.
I give my mom a wary look. “A mage.”
They both gasp. Nadine lifts a hand to her throat, clutching non-existent pearls. Her scandalized grin says she’s delighted.
