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Aunt Janice wasdressed and making breakfast when Aiden entered the kitchen Saturday morning. Dressed in jeans and a purple shirt, and wearing big, bold jewelry, she didn’t look like a typical godmother. But she was theirs. Flamboyant, confident, unique.
Their father’s younger sister had been there for them when he’d passed away way too soon. When their mom also passed away a year later, Aunt Janice had moved in with them and had stayed until they’d all finished their studies and moved into their own places. She would always have a special place in his heart.
This morning, he’d have to tell her he wasn’t staying; he was flying back to Portland. It had been lovely to see her, but he’d had enough of this place. He was freezing his ass off trying to chase a feel-good story when he knew there was none to be found.
Smiling, he hugged her. “Something smells delicious.”
“Bacon and eggs, but…” Frowning, she opened the fridge. “I thought I still had bread…”
“Don’t worry about it, Aunt Janice, eggs and bacon sounds terrific.”
“How’s the foot?”
“Absolutely fine. The throbbing has stopped, probably because…”
The doorbell chimed. Aiden’s heart leapt in his chest.
“Be a dear and see who’s at the door?” Aunt Janice asked as she took down plates.
With his heart racing, he walked toward the front door and opened it. Had the lovely Vivian decided to pay them another visit? He’d had to change his mind about her after last night.
The whole incident had kept him awake. He was seldom wrong in his judgment of people, but it would seem in this case, he’d jumped to conclusions about Vivian Miller too soon. She obviously cared about her patients even if she didn’t like them very much—something she’d made perfectly clear last night.
However, it wasn’t Vivian standing on the porch this morning, but someone who clearly resembled her—same hair color, blue eyes a slightly different shade, not as slender, and she was shorter, but unmistakably also a Miller.
“I’m Annie,” she smiled. “Vivian’s sister. You must be Aiden?” Clutching a basket in her one hand, she held out the other one toward him.
Smiling, he took her hand. No electricity, though. “Aiden O’Sullivan. Pleased to meet you, Annie Miller.”
She laughed. “A charmer, I see. Mmm, I understand things better now.”
Things? What things. Before he could ask her, she was moving past him into the house.
“I’ve brought scones. Is Janice home?”
“In the kitchen.”
“I love, love this house.” She sighed before she entered the kitchen. “Hi, Janice, I’ve brought scones.”
“Bless you, my dear. I’ve just discovered I don’t have any bread.”
Annie put the basket down on the table. “I know I say it every time I visit, but you have such a lovely house, Janice.”
“Quite old, isn’t it?” Aiden added. “Like something from a different era.”
“It is.” His aunt grinned. “In the late 1800s, mining engineers from Butte found copper in these mountains, and everyone rushed here, eager to get rich. This house is one of a few that was built during those times and that has survived.”
“I didn’t notice much yesterday when I arrived, but I remember seeing similar-looking buildings and one particular beautiful building in one of the other streets on my way here. Same period?” Aiden asked.
“Yes, you’ve probably seen the Graff Hotel. It has been restored to its original glory by one of the Sheenan boys. They own one of the ranches outside town. The Valentine’s ball on Saturday will be held in the grand ballroom of the Graff.” Frowning, she looked down at his foot. “Will you be able to dance by that time? Otherwise, my plan… I mean, it will be such a pity if you couldn’t join in the fun.”
Her plan? His aunt had tried to cover up her words, but he’d heard her. What plan was she talking about? Setting him up with someone else? Annie, perhaps?
“Your foot?”
His aunt’s words penetrated his thoughts. “My foot is much better, thanks. The doctor stopped by last night. She bandaged the foot and gave me some pills…”
“Vivian was here?” Aunt Janice cried out, delighted. “Well, now we owe her a favor. Annie, you have to bring your brother and sister for dinner. What about tonight?”
