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She flexed her fingers and released a long breath as she batted away the idea of rummaging through his things. She couldn’t invade his privacy. It was wrong.
Instead, she turned back to the oven heated by a blue crystal. A while remained before the scones finished baking.
An odd desperation prodded her in the back until she turned slightly. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted his belongings once again. Her heart pounded. Heat flooded her body. And in an instant, she realized she stood before the sofa, her fingers hovering over Joel’s bag.
“I shouldn’t.”
The urge continued to build within her, and she glanced toward the door. No sign of Joel.
And finally, guilt crashed over her as she opened the bag and carefully dug inside, making sure to not leave any indication of her snooping.
A knife. Toiletries. A couple of hair ties. Socks. A pouch filled with coins. Dried nuts.
She didn’t know what she was looking for. Perhaps some evidence of Genica’s existence. But then she scoffed and rolled her eyes at herself. Why would he bring anything with him on their trip to Attleglade Forest? Whatever evidence he might have likely remained back in Ebriel with his family.
She began closing the bag when her fingers brushed against the crisp edge of an envelope. She inhaled sharply, digging meticulously through his things until she pulled out a stack of envelopes tied together with twine.
Letters.
Blood pumping and heart pounding, she glanced toward the door and then Eva. And then, fingers trembling enough to rattle the parchment, she untied the twine, opened the letter on top, and began reading.
My Dearest Grandson,
I completely understand how much this means to you. Your father would have done the same for your mother. He would have waited months, even years, for a single moment of her time. I know you feel discouraged and useless, but keep trying. She deserves a good man in her life.
I included a recipe below that might help. It’s foolproof, even with your lack of baking skills. You’ll see.
Nana
Nyana frowned as she read the letter for a second time. No mention of Genica, but surely the woman Nana spoke of in the letter must be Joel’s former fiancée.
Her frown deepened, hurt wiggling within her heart as she scanned the contents of the recipe. Apple pie. Just like the one Joel had baked for her a week ago.
After sliding the letter back into its envelope, she opened the one resting below it. Another correspondence with Nana.
Joel,
Don’t you worry one bit about the orchard. We’ll manage. I can imagine how difficult it must be to help put a king on a throne and to support the rebuilding of a kingdom. You say you feel obligated to help Calle, but I can’t help but wonder…
Does your reluctance to return home have to do with a certain special young woman?
Nyana pushed the letter aside, unable to bear reading about Genica despite her initial curiosity. She massaged her suddenly aching temples, each side throbbing in tune with her heart. When Joel had first told her about his former fiancée, she hadn’t cared. Why did it hurt so much now?
Wait! Her head shot up as she picked up the letter for the second time. The time frame is wrong.
She continued reading the rest of Nana’s words.
Oh, my sweet Joel. I remember when I found you in the orchard a year ago in tears. You told me you would never be able to find someone to love as much as you still loved Nyana. The road you have chosen won’t be easy, but I know you would do anything to be with her.
So don’t worry about the orchard. We’ll take care of it. You just work on bringing that darling girl home.
Lots of love,
Nana
Nyana’s eyes widened in shock, her blood cooling with ice, heating with fire, and cooling once again. Too late, she noticed the chilly breeze as the door opened and closed. She spun around to find Joel standing beside Maisy. Slowly, his eyes widened as he glanced between her and the letters.
She opened her mouth, but no words escaped when her jumbled mind refused to form a coherent sentence.
