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“Shay, darling.” Her outstretched hands preceded her rapid descent down the front steps, and then she was gripping my fingers with her own. “I’m so thrilled you could make it.” A warm smile grew on her face, and sunlight struck the gold of her elegant updo.

My nerves instantly eased at her welcome, and I answered with a grin of my own. “Of course, Mrs. Shepherd. It’s an honor to be invited.”

“Come inside, child. It’s a tad nippy, isn’t it?”

In my sweater dress and tights, the cold didn’t quite reach me, but I followed her. The doors opened into a long hall that branched in two directions—one into a closed doorway, and another into a large room with a grand piano. To my left, a staircase led down, and further, another led up. I snuck a peek over the banister to note the home boasted at least three floors.

Natural light flooded the space, and I tried to take it all in as I accompanied Nessa through the piano room, a formal dining room, a massive kitchen that looked untouched, and a cozy living space. Finally, a glass door led us onto a balconied porch looking over the backside of their sloped land.

Outdoor heaters like those on restaurant patios warmed the space, and Nessa offered me a seat at a quaint spot near the balcony rail, where two wicker rockers sat on either side of a table laden with tea and cookies. I settled into the comfortable chair, my gaze wandering to the grounds below, over a pool, a pool house, a smaller garden house, and a series of stone steps set into the grass. Past that, the manicured lawn gave way to a wild forest of reds and golds.

“Your home is lovely,” I felt compelled to say.

“Thank you, dear. We do love it here. Recently remodeled, you know.” She perched beside me and reached for the tea service, the sun glinting on a huge princess-cut diamond on her left hand. “I have to admit, I never cared much for tea, but coffee…” She lifted the lid of the electric kettle to reveal the brew within, scenting the air.

I laughed. “I know a good Southern woman is supposed to love sweet tea, but nothing beats coffee.”

“Especially on a day like this.”

Warmth from the nearby heater simmered over my skin, and I settled into my chair, rocking while she poured the coffee.

“How do you take it?” Nessa asked.

“Sweet as honey,” I said.

Nessa poured a few spoonfuls of sugar into my cup and handed it my way. The brew was strong, but the sweetness softened it nicely. I hummed in approval.

“Tell me, darling,” Nessa said. “How are you settling in at Henley?”

“It’s been great. Ivy’s helping a lot.”

Pretty blue eyes met mine. “She’s a doll, isn’t she? The daughter I never had.”

“Yes, she’s very friendly.” I neglected to mention the raging girl crush I’d developed. Did I want to be Ivy? Or just be her best friend? Jury was still out.

“And what about my son? Is he behaving himself?”

My smile faltered for a moment. “He’s— Yes.”

She hummed, and the blue turned calculating. Deep. Just as intense as her son’s. “He told me about the difficulties you’ve been having.”

“Oh— It’s not⁠—”

“I’ve half a mind to talk to Booboo myself. He’s only there because his wife is an old friend of mine. One word in her ear, and he’d be in the permanent doghouse.”

Panicked, I set down my delicious coffee. “I’d really rather you didn’t. I’m not trying to make waves.”

“That’s what Camden said, but for the record, I prefer you to Booboo any day.”

I forced myself to keep my fingers from fidgeting in my lap, but the sudden curiosity was impossible to contain. “Mrs. Shepherd⁠—”

“Nessa.”

A laugh rose like thorns in my throat as I corrected myself. “Nessa. Can—can I ask a question?”

“Of course, darling.”

I glanced once more at my luxurious surroundings. “Why exactly did you invite me here?”