“How?” Amy asked.
Kristine shrugged.
Amber snapped her fingers. “I’ll be right back.” She disappeared, and a few moments later reappeared with a handsome, dark-haired Fierro brother—Kristine recognized the family resemblance immediately.
“That was quick,” Amy said.
Amber just smiled. “Muses can fiddle with time a bit. I actually had to pull Ryan away from home and explain your situation.”
“Oh. Sorry,” Kristine said. “We didn’t mean to interfere with your free time.”
“No problem at all. I was just helping my wife with her latest home project. As Amber just indicated, I’m Ryan Fierro.” He stuck out his hand and shook Kristine’s first and then Amy’s. He smiled at Conlan. “Good to see you again, cousin-in-law.”
“And you, my queen’s consort.” Conlan laughed and extended his hand. They pulled each other into a man hug, slapping each other on the back.
“So, I understand you’d like to visit my parents,” Ryan said. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen them too. I imagine it would be easier if we went together. Are you all right with that?”
“I’d appreciate it. Not just because I need directions, but it would be nice to have an introduction by a family member.”
Ryan nodded. “At your service.”
* * *
Kristine followed Ryan up the steps to the family’s South End brownstone. As soon as they walked through the door, a beautiful bird with a long, colorful tail flew over and landed on Kristine’s shoulder. Ryan stopped in his tracks and straightened his spine. “Jayce?”
“I’m afraid so,” Kristine said.
Before she had time to explain, a woman who resembled the rest of the family except for her height came around the corner, drying her hands on a dish towel.
“Ryan!” The older woman rushed over to him and reached up to give him a hug. She was only about five feet tall.
“Hi, Ma.”
“I’ve missed you.”
“Missed you too.”
After another brief hug but without taking her hand off Ryan’s shoulder, she turned toward Kristine and asked, “Who have we here?”
Ryan smiled. “Mom, I’d like you to meet Kristine Scott. She’s Jayce’s friend from New York.”
The bird on Kristine’s shoulder bobbed its head a few times, as if nodding.
Mrs. Fierro clasped Kristine’s hand, and then she placed her other hand over it. “Welcome, Kristine. Perhaps you can explain what’s happened to Jayce. We’ve been wondering, but first let’s sit down in the dining room. Would you like some coffee?”
“Yes, thank you.”
She followed Mrs. Fierro to the large dining room, and Ryan pulled a chair out for her.
“Can I help you in the kitchen, Ma?” Ryan asked.
“Sure. We’ll be right back, Kristine.”
While Kristine waited, Jayce, still on her shoulder, leaned in and rubbed his feathered face against her cheek.
“Oh, Jayce,” Kristine whispered. “I was told it would be a couple of months before we could speak, but I want you to know I’m so sorry. Of course, I’ll wait for you.”
Jayce bobbed his head in agreement like before.
