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The Duke brothers scoffed at that.
“Sorry I’m late, Asher. I brought the things you wanted.”
Autumn went still as a woman appeared beside the sheriff. Even without a mirror, she knew it was the woman people thought she looked like or would when she was older.
“This is my sister and the mother to this rabble, Robyn,” the sheriff said. “And this is Autumn, the woman I was telling you about.”
“Mom. That woman looks like you,” Ritchie whispered loudly.
“Sh-she does,” Autumn managed to get out. “Hello, Robyn.”
“Wow” was all Robyn could manage as she and her sons stared at Autumn. It was unsettling. Almost as unsettling as the large hand that settled on her shoulder.Ford’s hand.
Their names were Asher and Robyn, and this woman was nearly identical to her. What did that mean? Was it possible that…No, don’t go there without proof.
“And now we can start the tournament!” Tripp Lyntacky said.
She turned with a frozen smile on her face.
“Take a breath, Autumn.” Ford was in front of her now, both hands on her shoulders. “In and out—that’s it.”
She did as he directed, and by the third breath felt calmer. “Thank you, Ford.”
He nodded, his eyes running over her face. “Last night—”
“No, Ford.” She cut him off.
“Wewilltalk, Autumn, and soon.”
She managed a tight smile and then took Ritchie’s hand and walked to the volleyball court.
“There’s Benji, Mom.”
“Then let’s go stand next to him and watch the game.”
“I’ll be cheering for you, Ford!” Ritchie called over his shoulder.
“Thanks, Ritchie.”
Autumn didn’t look back.
Sheriff Dans’s sister, and—Dear God, was he her father?It seemed unbelievable, and yet they were Asher and Robyn, the names written in her mom’s book.
Do I talk to him?
“How are you doing today, Autumn?” Piper said as Autumn stopped with Ritchie beside her and Benjamin.
Luna and Maggie were there too.
“Good thanks.”
“You want to go with Benji, Ritchie? Aunt Jess just arrived. She’s over there with the other kids. They’re going to play in the bouncy castle while we play volleyball.”
“Can I go, Mom?”
She looked around for the designated area. “I’ll walk you over, Ritchie.”
“Mo-om,” he said in that really annoying, whiny tone he’d developed lately. “Just watch from here. I can walk there with Benji.”
