Swiping the last remaining croissant from the breakfast counter, I head out through the big patio doors in the direction Clementine disappeared.
Cultivated over the years by my mother’s green fingers, the garden is coming into full bloom, and it’s one of my favorite times of year. The soft scent of lilac mingles with the heavy roses and drifts along the path toward the pool.
It’s still a bit chilly for my sister to be there, but that’s my first stop anyway. When I don’t find her, I try the second most likely place to find her—taking the route through the rose garden toward the chicken coop.
That’s where I find her, scattering feed and throwing lettuce leaves to the chickens.
She turns when she hears the crunch of my shoes on the gravel. “Not in the mood, Miles.”
I hold my hands up, along with a croissant. “I come in peace.” It’s clear she’s been crying. Her face is puffy, eyes red. “What’s up, Clem? Do you need me to beat anyone up for you?”
I don’t know why that sets her off into wrenching sobs, but I let myself into the coop and pull her into my arms. “It can’t be that bad.”
I expect her to recoil, but instead, she sobs on my shoulder, big, breathless sobs. It’s been a long time since I saw her so upset, so I let her use my shirt as a tissue until I suddenly have to shove her away because I realize I’ve left the coop door open and one of the chickens is attempting a daring escape.
“Whoops.” I wince, picking the chicken up and placing it farther away from the entrance. At least it gets her laughing. “Are you going to tell me what’s wrong?”
She drops her head and stares at the ground before shaking it. “Nope.”
“All right. Well, you know where I am if you want to talk.”
She swipes a hand under her nose and sniffs. “Thanks, Milo.”
“Anyway, I came over to find you. I was wondering if you’d take Ruby out sometime. Maybe get the girls together. She’s had a hard few days, so I’d appreciate it.”
Her puffy eyes narrow on me, and she rolls her lips before eventually replying, “Sure.”
“Thanks, Clem. I appreciate it,” I say, hugging her again. “Anyway, I need to get to the yard.”
“I like her, Miles,” she calls out once I’m through the gate.
My stride pauses. I debate on replying before deciding not to, because that’s the problem.
I like her too. I just need to figure out how much.
CHAPTER 18
Ruby
“Ithink your horse has shrunk.”
I look up to find Story and Clementine leaning over the stable door, then glance back at the goat quietly munching Maverick’s hay—where he’s been for the last ten minutes, ever since he jumped over the door and into the stall.
I manage a weak laugh. “Yeah.”
“What are you doing?” Story asks, opening the stable door. She crouches down as the goat trots over and playfully nudges her. “Hi, Churchy.”
“Do you know him?”
She nods, scratching behind his ear. “It’s Churchill. He’s Valentine Nook’s resident Hungry Hippo. No surprise he’s here at mealtimes. The fruit hasn’t appeared on the trees yet, so he goes in search of other food. In the summer, he raids everyone’s gardens, don’t you, darling.” She kisses his long face. “Anyway, back to you and what you’re doing here.”
“I’m hiding,” I reply, though I thought it would be obvious.
“Why?”
“Were there still photographers at the entrance?”
Clementine nods knowingly.
