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“Would he harm her?” Kit asked as he made gravy.
“Didn’t you hear what I said about Cole? He’s gentle around women and, like you, would rather defend than hurt them. He’svery respectful of boundaries and suchlike, so if CeeCee had to be stuck with anyone, it should be Cole,” Stephanie said.
“Why do you think your friends win over us?”
“Who said I did?” Stephanie challenged.
“It’s clear the way you’re talking,” Kit retorted.
“Answer me this. What are the odds of six friends buying six inns that are haunted by six siblings?”
Kit’s mouth opened and then closed as he stirred the gravy. “Astronomical,” he finally replied.
“Exactly. What if we’re meant to be here, right now, at this precise moment, for a reason?”
“What purpose?” Kit shot back.
“You tell me. I don’t believe in coincidence, and this is overwhelming for me.”
“Do you think there is a plan we can’t see, Stephanie?” He sounded genuinely curious.
“I honestly don’t know, Kit. But looking at what I just stated, I can’t imagine the odds of something like this happening naturally. I feel we’re all in the right place for a significant event to occur. Still, I’m uncertain, same as you,” Stephanie answered, experiencing a sense of righteousness. Somehow, she knew what she was saying was true.
A howl from outside made her jump, and Kit cursed as their conversation was interrupted.
“Here we go again,” Stephanie whined, resigned.
“Yes. But at least the food is ready. Come to my room. The protection spells there will dull his tedious roar,” Kit said as he served their dinner.
Stephanie grabbed two glasses, cutlery, and a carton of apple juice and followed Kit out.
Kit balanced their dinners, opened his door, and he let them in. He motioned Stephanie towards the armchair and placed the plates down as he hauled the occasional table in front of her andthen gave her a plate. After pouring drinks and settling down, they ate as the flames from the fireplace lulled them into a comfortable silence.
“You didn’t do bad,” Stephanie said before taking her last bite of mash.
“It was bloody wonderful!” Kit exclaimed in denial, and Stephanie laughed. He looked so indignant.
“It wasn’t terrible for your first try,” she teased, and Kit pouted. Stephanie’s gaze went to his bottom lip as it jutted out, and then she quickly avoided his eyes.
Kit proudly declared, “No chef from my time could have cooked that better!”
She knew he’d caught her glance and was relieved he’d not said a word.
“I bet Wollscombe’s cook did!” Stephanie retorted.
“Ah, Mrs Finch. She was wonderful. Her pastries were to die for. I’ve never tasted pie making like hers since leaving home. A buxom woman, well rounded by her own baking and cooking, that spoke more for her skills than word of mouth.” He looked wistful. “I miss her,” Kit drawled, smiling as he remembered her.
“Was she your chief cook?”
“Yes. She was a very versatile lady. She could arrange and prepare banquets when needed and then simple suppers on a cold winter night. Papa loved her meals. He often bantered that she was trying to make him fat in his dotage.” Kit’s face fell. “Of course, he never reached that point.”
“You loved him? I hear stories from your time, and there’s respect and duty mentioned, but never much of love.”
“Love existed in our household. Papa adored all of us and made sure we understood that. He knew we’d all have a hard life, so he ensured that love flowed easily. Lucian claimed Papa and Mama were a love match. I wouldn’t know, but Lucian spoke of his memories frequently. I remember Papa being sad and lookingat the hills in the distance. Lucian recalled Mama used to ride there, and he said Papa was waiting for her to come home. But she obviously never did. Still, it didn’t stop Papa’s yearning for her,” Kit said sadly.
“That’s so tragic,” Stephanie whispered. In her imagination, an older man resembling Kit appeared, radiating perpetual sadness.
“Yes, it was. He consistently prioritised our fun and playtime and provided answers to our endless questions. Even when busy. Papa may have overindulged us, but he didn’t allow money to ruin us. We all had a trust fund we’d inherit at one and twenty, and it had plenty to last us a lifetime. Of course, Lucian inherited most of the estate, as he was the eldest and heir, but Lucian added to our funds. He was so generous.”
