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“A ring is just a thing—”
“But it symbolizes our love.”
“Our love is what’s important.” He took me in his arms. “Think positively. We’ll look again in the morning light, but for now, let’s try to get some rest.”
Resigned, I nodded as I finished cleaning the watery mess. “When should I set the timer for coffee?”
“Six?”
I reached up to kiss him. “The shower’s all yours. I’ll program the brewer, then turn in. I’m bushed.”
He gave me a reassuring squeeze. “Don’t worry. The ring will turn up.”
“From your lips to God’s ears.” Spouting Grandma’s wisdom, I trudged into the kitchenette, set the delay-brew timer, and filled the coffee maker with water. How could I be so stupid? But when I scooped the grounds into the filter, something glimmered.
Towel-drying his hair a few minutes later, he paused when he saw my expression. “What’s wrong?”
“I found the ring…”
“That’s great!” He lowered his towel. “So why the long face?”
“In the coffee grounds…”
His Adam’s apple bobbing, he swallowed. “Do we have another visitor?”
Chapter 17
About to dry the breakfast dishes the next morning, I reached for the dishtowel, but the towel ring was empty. “Weird…it was just here.” I scanned the kitchenette before calling Luke. “Did you take the dishtowel?”
“Nope.” He peeked around the corner from the utility room. “I’m troubleshooting the thermostat.” He shook his head. “No matter what the temperature’s set at, it stays 68 degrees.”
“Not this again.” The earlier cold drafts and more recent gust of wind came to mind. “Haven’t Mateo and Marianna moved on?”
His mouth curving in a smile, he shook his head. “The heating system’s old.”
“Then explain that.” I pointed at the missing dishtowel, hanging overhead from a viga beam.
****
At noon, Rosie delivered five to-go boxes.
I greeted her with a warm squeeze. “What’re these?”
“Your wedding dinner entrées.” Rosie beamed. “I want you and Lucas to choose your favorites.”
“This is much too elaborate.” Luke hugged her as he relieved her of the packages. “We don’t need any food tasting. Anything you make is delicious. Besides, we’re family.”
“Exactly. You’re family, so you deserve the best.”
“Then join us for lunch.” I opened the screen door as Teddy bounced about our legs.
As she entered, Rosie cringed at the towel waving from the rafters. “Why’s that hanging there?”
“Oh, I meant to take it down, but I got caught up in fixing the heater.” Luke set the food on the table, climbed on a chair, and pulled the dishtowel from the beam.
Rosie crossed herself.
“This may be in left field…” I paused as I set another plate. “But did anything strange happen in this room?”
