Page 58 of Nothing to Fear

Shit. Well. She wasn’t the only one spouting the bad words.

Luckily, she got a pass when Alice entered. “Oh, Savanna, sweetheart, good morning. How did you sleep?”

“Amazing.” Too amazing. “You have wonderful beds.”

“And an abundance of them.” She kissed the top of Buoy’s head and surprised her by bowing to kiss her cheek too. “Buoy and I are going to a tea party at the stables today.”

“Lovely.”

Had she ever used that word in that context? It felt right in that moment, though a little awkward on her tongue.

“Would you care to join us?”

“That’s very generous of you.”

“Of—”

“But I have to get back to the city. I’m working today.”

“You’re working—oh, yes, you’re working.” Alice laughed. “Ben assigned Ferguson to your detail. He’s been apprised.”

What the…? “Detail?”

“He’ll take you wherever you want to go. He’ll drive you and ensure your safety.”

“There’s no need—”

“Haven’t you learned there’s no point resisting. We’ll always—”

“Insist, I know,” she said and sighed.

The generosity did make her uncomfortable, because how would she ever repay it? How could she show her own gratitude for their kindness?

“Would you like some coffee?” Alice asked just as a side door opened and a server came in with a tray. “It’s fresh.”

What a contrast to the coffee she’d offered Alice at the store.

“Thank you.”

“If there’s anything specific you want to eat or you have special dietary requirements—”

“Coffee’s fine,” she said as it was poured for her.

“Color,” Buoy said, pushing her paper closer.

Alice sat at the other side of her youngest. “Be polite, sweetheart,” she said and kissed his head. “Have you had enough to eat? We’ll pack snacks for the car. Do you want to take cookies or cakes to our party?”

The woman was always looking after other people. So attentive. So kind. The family was truly blessed.

NINETEEN

OF COURSE A man like Darroch Breckenridge would be on time. Her heart pumped hard as anxiety shook her fingertips. That last customer took forever to ring up, and then the woman just had to throw in some extras… which she “absolutely had” to try on first. Why did these things happen at the worst possible time?

A shiny black car outside her house was conspicuous enough. Two was a neon beacon. The one already there had to be Darroch. She, as in the shiny black car carrying her, pulled up right behind the first. Shit. If Darroch was waiting, she was more than late. Damnit.

“Thank you,” she called to Ferguson and bolted out of the car. Darroch appeared from the rear of the other vehicle at the same time. “I know, I’m late…” Walking backward while addressing him, she searched her purse for her keys. “I will be ready—I will—”

“Babe,” he said, looking pointedly at the car she’d just emerged from, then back at her.

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