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5
BRYNN
Brynn pressed a hand to her racing heart as she leaned against the bookcase. Did I really just let a man touch me? Hold me? Oh, God! I almost kissed him.
She placed her trembling fingers over her lips. Why did her body turn to liquid heat when he touched her? Was she getting sick? Was something wrong with her? Confusion spun, making her dizzy.
“Oh, Brynn, I’m glad I caught you.” Pippa stepped in front of her, her trusted service dog, Lady, by her side.
Brynn straightened and forced a neutral expression. “Oh? Was there something I could help you with?” She started walking to the front of the store. Aaron would be coming out of that room any second, and Brynn needed to make her escape now. Could Pippa hear her heart thudding?
“Dav-Danielle said you were getting married. Is that true?”
Brynn stopped by the desk, gathering her things. “Yes.”
Pippa’s eyebrows rose, and what seemed like a hundred questions flashed in her eyes. One of the things Brynn loved about Pippa was that she respected people’s privacy. “I didn’t know you two were dating.”
Brynn remained quiet. Her eyes darted to the secret library door—she needed to get out of here.
“Does this have to do with me needing to hide Danielle the other day?”
Brynn gave a swift nod. “Partly. Aaron’s offered us a solution, and protection.” She hoped Pippa understood what she was saying. But Brynn needed someone to talk to. Someone needed to know what was going on in case things did go badly, even though it seemed like they wouldn’t.
Brynn needed a witness. And a big part of her missed being able to talk about the things on her heart with another woman—even if she couldn’t talk it over with her sister. I wish it could be my Brynna.
Pippa’s expression softened. “Aaron is a good man. Everyone in this town respects him. He’s been a huge help in the community. You couldn’t have picked a better guy.”
“I hope so,” Brynn admitted as the secret door opened. “Come have coffee with me? I’d really love a listening ear if you have time?”
“Okay. I guess Troy can handle the shop for a little while by himself.”
Eyes focused forward, Brynn rushed to the front door, hoping Pippa was close behind. She couldn’t speak to Aaron again today—could barely think when he got so close.
As Pippa and Brynn crossed the street, Lady walked a few steps ahead of them. Sprinkles of rain fell from the overcast sky, the damp air charged with energy, as if a storm was about to hit. Hopefully it wouldn’t do too much damage.
The bell above the door to The Stardust Café jingled as they entered. A few people working on computers sat at small square tables around the room. The cozy café was warm and smelled of cinnamon and roasted coffee beans.
They stood in line behind an older couple.
“Oh,” Pippa said with excitement. “Remy has the mermaid cookies I like. Maybe I’ll get two since breastfeeding helps me burn the extra calories.” She laughed.
“How are the twins?” Brynn asked.
“Camilla has clearly let us know she’s the boss. She can be a little dictator. God forbid she isn’t fed the moment she gets hungry or changed as soon as she’s done peeing.”
Brynn smiled, memories of David as a baby playing flitting through her mind. “Those days are tough, but the moments in between make it all worth it.”
“Oh, yes. And Andrew is such an easygoing baby, so they balance each other out. And Aspen is a big help.”
“I bet.”
Remy, the owner of the café, smiled at them as the elderly couple moved on. “Hello, ladies. What can I get for you today?”
“I’ll take some of your mulled cider and two mermaid cookies, please.” Pippa reached into her coat pocket.
Remy grabbed a cup and marked it with a Sharpie before looking to Brynn.
“The cider sounds nice.” Brynn unzipped her purse and handed over a five-dollar bill.
