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Ruthie reaches down and yanks the hair off one foot. “Yuck,” she says, throwing it onto the carpet and leaving it behind. Colby simply shrugs and laughs.

“You were really just dying to dress up like a wizard?”

He levels me with a serious look, something out-of-character for this man. “Angel, maybe I just wanted to see you.”

His steady gaze is making me feel rather hot under this floor-length dress and flower crown. His blue eyes drill into mine so deeply, I wonder if he can see right into my cerebrum. I feel as if he’s desperate for me to understand the look he’s giving me, that he wants to wordlessly convey something.

Ruthie tugs on my hand, and I glance down at her. Leaving the depths of one set of blue eyes, only to collide with another, smaller pair. Their resemblance really is uncanny.

The child tugs me into the bathroom, and I don’t look back at her big brother in the process. Instead, I welcome the air that has filled my lungs once more now that I’m no longer looking at him.

I stand outside the bathroom stall while she does her business. When she comes out of the bathroom, she smiles at me, showing off those darling dimples again. I lift her so she can wash her hands and her eyes meet mine in the mirror. “You’re pwetty.”

I nearly blush. Children’s compliments mean more than adults do because children are unfiltered and brutally honest. “Thank you. So are you. You look just like Colby.”

She giggles so loud; it nearly bursts my eardrum. “You tink Cowby is pwetty.”

Ruthie finishes washing her hands, and I set her down and hand her a few paper towels. “That’s not what I meant,” I say.

She rushes out of the bathroom, and I quickly trail behind her in case Colby moves from his spot outside the women’s bathroom.

Ruthie stops right in front of her brother’s feet and yells, “She tinks you’re pwetty!”

Colby gives me a look that can only be described as cocky. And then he smirks. “Oh, really?”

I heave an exasperated sigh. “That’s not what I meant!”

Gram, Helen, and my parents appear through a crowd of people, and I take a few steps in their direction, thankful for the interruption.

Colby is fast though, gently grabbing my elbow and leaning in to whisper, “don’t be embarrassed. I think you’re pretty too.”

I swallow the lump that has formed in my throat and will the goosebumps that are now sprinkled across my skin, to go away. But the sensation of his whispered breath on my ear, won’t go away so quickly.

“Oh, there you are!” Mom says. “We were wondering where you and the mysterious Gandalf disappeared to.”

Colby steps in front of me, bowing slightly. “Ah, you must be Mrs. Woodcock?”

My mother, God bless her, blushes furiously. And she’s not even getting the full impact since his face is covered with a beard. Proof that it’s not all in a man’s looks, it’s in his confidence.

“Why, yes, I am!” She brings her hand to her chest. “And this is Mr. Woodcock.” She places her other hand on my father’s shoulder.

“Pleasure to meet you, I’m Gandalf. But also known as Colby Knight. And this is my little sister, Ruthie.” She smiles up at my parents.

Helen gasps. “Colby Knight?! Like the Colby Knight?”

A few people around us turn and stare, Colby pulls his beard up in an effort to hide more of his face.

“Sorry,” Helen whispers. “I’m Helen, by the way.”

“And I’m Gram,” Gram says with a saucy wink.

“Oh, I remember you. You naughty little minx.” Colby shakes his head in dismay, but he’s grinning.

These two are too much alike, I don’t think it’s a good idea for them to be in the same vicinity too long. I tug Gram away from Colby before the two of them can conspire anymore crazy plans. But the odds of her winning Colby in another auction are slim to none. I think…

“Oh, hey the line is finally shorter to see Susan Mawry! I want to get my book signed,” Helen says, reaching into her canvas tote and pulling out Susan’s debut romantic fantasy novel. I’m definitely borrowing that later.

“You kids go have fun,” Dad says, slowing his steps. “Your mother and I are going to go get some food. Someone said they have turkey legs here.” He looks very excited about the prospect.