Houston shook his head and gave her a rueful smile. “As much as I hate to admit it, Flora is right. We do need someone to tackle the archives.”
“I’m always right,” Flora said complacently, the fierce glare magically disappearing.
“The position comes with flexible hours,” he added. “You could work around your appointments. And there’s a small stipend associated with the position.”
Ginger touched her arm. “You don’t have to decide now, but please think about it. The archives are in the old town hall. It’s a beautiful building with lots of history.”
Perhaps even her great-grandmother’s history…
“I’ll think about it,” she heard herself say.
“Why don’t you come by the town hall this afternoon?” the mayor asked. “Say, one o’clock?”
“I can do that.”
“Excellent.” Houston stood, the chair groaning with relief. “Flora, this doesn’t mean I’m letting you railroad me into every one of your schemes.”
“Of course not, dear. Just the good ones.” The innocent smile was back, but Chloe suspected that the mayor trusted it even less than she did.
Ginger stood as well and gave Chloe’s hand a quick squeeze.
“It was really nice to meet you. I hope we can get to know each other.”
“I’d like that,” she said shyly.
The couple headed for a table by the window. Before they sat, Ginger stretched up on her toes to kiss Houston’s cheek, and the fierce minotaur’s face softened completely.
That, she thought with a pang,is what it’s supposed to look like.
“Right then.” Flora gave a satisfied nod. “That’s sorted. Now, when’s your appointment with Dr. Jackson?”
“How did you—” She stopped and sighed. “Never mind. Eleven o’clock.”
“Better eat fast then. You don’t want to be late.” Flora stood, smoothing down her tracksuit. “Gladys and I will be off. Things to do.”
“You mean meddling to do,” Gladys said, rolling her eyes.
“Potato, potahto.” Flora leaned down, her black eyes suddenly serious. “You did the right thing coming here. Fairhaven Falls takes care of its own. You’ll see.”
Her throat tightened. “Thank you.”
The old woman’s serious look vanished. “And just wait until you meet Victor.”
Before Chloe could ask what she meant, Gladys had tucked her arm in Flora’s and pulled her towards the door. She stared after them, unexpected tears filling her eyes. Everyone had been so kind—a little overwhelming, perhaps, but she had no doubts it was well meant.
Fairhaven Falls takes care of its own.
She picked up her fork and returned to her pancakes, warmth spreading through her chest. The baby kicked, as if in approval.
“You and me, little bean,” she whispered. “I think we’re going to be just fine.”
CHAPTER 2
The clock on Victor’s desk read six-fifteen. His receptionist Petal wouldn’t arrive for another hour, which gave him exactly sixty minutes to review the day’s schedule, complete his morning rituals, and pretend last night’s dream wasn’t still clinging to his skin like smoke.
He pulled the patient files across the desk, forcing his attention to the neatly typed names. Mrs. Clarkson at nine for a routine blood pressure check. Gerald Hoffmann at nine-thirty to follow-up on his medication. A gap at ten, and then…
Miss Chloe Bennington. His hand stilled on the file. She was twenty-four weeks pregnant, and no partner was listed. The records transferred from her previous provider indicated a healthy pregnancy, but why had she left the city at this point in her pregnancy? He looked at her current address and groaned. The old Thornhill cabin was in an isolated location outside of town and based on her file, she was alone there.
