Evan had bolted.
Confused, I glanced down, searching for a clue about what had scared him off. My white sundress was cute. My new sandals and freshly painted pink toenails were even more adorable. I channelled a domestic goddess more than a terrifying troll capable of scattering the villagers.
But I knew a grumbling giant with a scowl capable of clearing a room—and it just so happened he had a score to settle with Evan.
Aiden McKinnon was a dead man.
He’d promised he’d only talk to Evan. No fists. No violence.
Promised.
And he’d lied. Big time.
How long after we’d talked had he waited before inflicting his vigilante justice? A day? Two?
My thoughts were still lost on Aiden on my walk home. I kicked at the loose pebbles littered over the path.
That man drove me crazy. Hot one minute. Ice cold the next. Never anything in between. He sure liked playing the knight in shining armour—when it suitedhim. Frustration itched at me tomarch over to his workshop and give him a piece of my mind. Not that I ever would. Or could. When Ryan and I had caught up for coffee, he’d ever-so-casually mentioned that Aiden was out of town for work. Whatconvenienttiming.
Shops faded to houses, the road grew quieter, the trees bushier, and finally, the hint of fresh rosebuds peeking over Yolanda’s fence welcomed me home.
I pushed my shopping bag to the crook of my arm to fish out my keys. After I followed the clinks to dig them out of the bottomless pit, I glanced back at my gate.
A woman wearing a floppy straw hat bent over my fence, fussing with the lavender. I’d bought it from the markets when it was barely clinging to life. Now, it thrived, lanky and out of control against the white picket slats. She plucked a small sprig for a sniff.
Alarm bells rang in the back of my mind. Not because she was a flower thief. I was just never at ease with memories lurking around every corner.
But I forced a smile into my voice and called, “Good morning!”
The woman froze, then wobbled slightly as she turned.
“Morning!” she said, a bright laugh bubbling out.
Most of her face stayed hidden beneath the brim of her enormous hat. She stood tall, her yellow dress floating like sunshine, but something about her was unsteady. A walking cane rested on the fence. That might be the reason. She rolled one shoulder, shifting a woven bag back into place, and a delicate gold charm bracelet slipped down her wrist when she grabbed the cane.
“I dropped by to see Yolanda,” she said.
“She left an hour or two ago.” I knew this because Yolanda had stopped me on my way to the village store to chat about a certain cabinetmaker. “Yolanda helps out at the church cake stall on Saturday mornings.”
“Doesshe? I hadnoidea.” The nervous bite of her lip hinted to me that she knew Yolanda wouldn’t be home.
I quirked an eyebrow.
“Silly me. I must have my days mixed up,” she said. “By the way, it’s nice to meet you. I’m Ruth.”
“Ruth?” The penny dropped.Of course. “Aiden’s friend.”
“Yes. Sometimes.” She muttered under her breath, “When he’s not acting like a total butthead.”
I laughed. Maybe Ruth and I would get along after all.
“I’m sorry you missed Yolanda,” I said. “She won’t be back until the afternoon. You’re welcome to come in for a cup of tea while you wait… If you like?”
Ruth’s head popped up. She accepted my invitation with a sunny smile.
Ancient hinges squeaked when I pushed open my gate, and her floppy hat twisted and turned as she drank in every detail. The only sound was her cane as it clipped on the front path and then on the wooden floor when she followed me inside.
I set my grocery bags onto the kitchen counter and pointed to the empty chairs at the tiny dining table.
