“You were just kind of zoning out over there,” he teased lightly.
My mom and Adele were still talking, and my mom was beaming. “Perfect. I’ll call Janet.”
“Maggie, you don’t need to call Janet,” Adele said quickly.
“Janet usually has to chase tourists away from her rentals,” my mom pointed out.
Adele giggled. If I thought her throaty laugh was a turn-on, the sound of her giggle cinched around my heart with a burst of sparkle and joy.
“That’s probably a good point,” she said. “When I told her I didn’t know my time frame when I was scheduling, she pointed out that she unfortunately couldn’t leave it open-ended.”
I didn’t know why, but I could tell Mom had decided Adele was her project. Asher met my eyes with a knowing brow waggle.
Our mom loved a project, someone to take good care of. Adele fit the bill perfectly.
When we were walking out a few minutes later, Jasmine—who ran the gallery and helped with the café—smiled over at us. “Hey, Silvers!”
Our mom stopped to give her a hug and introduce Adele.
“So good you’re in town,” Jasmine said warmly. “You’re going to love it.”
Adele nodded. “So far, so good,” she offered before glancing at her watch. “Well, I should get going.”
As we drove to drop her off a few minutes later, I was acutely aware of the feel of her sitting immediately beside me. She emanated warmth, and I savored her scent, brisk and outdoorsy with a vanilla hint.
Chapter Five
ADELE
The barn tour
“Mom, I’m fine,” I said.
I tried to swat away the internal frustration rising inside me. I knew my parents loved me. And yet, I was so weary of their protectiveness.
My mother let out a soft sigh, the sound filtering through the call. “I know you’re fine. I would just like you to be careful.”
“I’m always careful,” I insisted.
“Katmai is very remote.”
I fell silent for a moment, as I stood alone in the efficiency kitchen of my short-term rental. My mouth dropped open and my eyes went wide even though she couldn’t see me.
“Are you serious?” I sputtered. “You and Dad wanted to live in a place that required a float plane just to get to it. The only reason you moved was because of me.”
Another sigh from my mom. “I understand, honey, but you just proved my point.”
“How did I prove your point?”
“We moved to be closer to medical services for you.” Her tone was practical.
I ignored the tears stinging my eyes. “I know, but I’m fine now.”
“You are, but you have to be monitored.”
“I’m not going alone,” I burst out, abruptly grateful that Cole and Asher had invited me to go with their group.
“Oh, you’re not?”
