“I don’t,” I assure him. “Maybe you can come with me to the shop early tomorrow before we open?”
“Of course.”
“Oh, I almost forgot,” Mom says. “We brought a surprise for you.”
“A surprise? What is it?”
Mom grins, turning toward the door. “If I told you, it wouldn’t be a surprise. You’ll see when you get home.”
It feels weird that Mom says “home” and is referring to the cottage. Our home has always been in Washington, in a cozy house that’s only a short walk from the beach. I thought I missed it, but now I realize I’ve mostly missed my parents.
I’m so happy they’re here.
“Do you want a cup of tea before you go?” I ask, hoping to postpone their departure.
Mom glances at the wall of tins, hesitant. “We don’t want to be in the way…”
More of a hot chocolate drinker, she’s never been a fan of tea.
“I have all kinds of varieties,” I coax. “I’m sure we can find something you’ll like.”
“Yes, I remember Laverna using that tactic as well,” Mom says with a laugh.
“That reminds me. While you’re here, I was hoping you could help me with a few hot chocolate recipes for the menu. Tea/cocoa fusion kind of things.”
“Of course I’ll help.” She gives me an impish smile. “But why would you ruin perfectly good hot chocolate with tea?”
“I think it sounds delightful.” Dad squeezes my shoulder. “I will happily sign up for tastings.”
The door bells jingle as another couple steps into the shop.
“We really should go,” Mom says reluctantly. “We’ll head to the cottage and see you tonight. Do you have a key we could use?”
“I stopped by the hardware store yesterday and had an extra made for you.” I pull it from the hidden pocket of my dress. “Now you can come and go as you please.”
“That was thoughtful of you,” Dad says. “Thank you, Kit.”
“Of course. Do you know where the livery stable is?” I ask before they turn toward the door. “Someone there should be able to take you to the cottage.”
“We’ve already secured a ride. A nice man named Hudson is waiting outside with our luggage.” Dad leans in, dropping his voice to a whisper. “Canine shifter—I’d bet my life on it.”
Guessing shifters’ animal forms is a game we’ve always played.
“You got it right away,” I say, impressed. “He’s a Newfoundland.”
Dad bobs his head, acknowledging the praise. “We’ll see you tonight.”
With a happy heart, I hurry back to the tea counter to help Rowan with the rush.
“The three of you wield potent magic,” he says when there’s a break between customers. “I don’t think I realized how powerful that autumn/summer combo could be.”
“It’s nice, isn’t it?”
“It is.” He smiles. “You seem happy.”
“Almost all my favorite people are currently in Moss Hollow.”
“Almost?”
