Page 52 of Stars Shine In Your Eyes

“When I found my father’s stories and his beautiful illustrations, I fell in love with them and wanted to share them with the world. Thanks to Owen Sullivan and Mathilda Westcott, it did happen. I need to thank my mother and stepfather for supporting my dream to come here and my brother, Carson, for believing in me. Always. Finally, I’d like to thank my publisher and agent, who were also instrumental in bringing my father’s dream to life. I truly believe that although he isn’t here with us today, he’s looking down on us, and he’s as thrilled as I am to launch the stories of a little girl and her father into the world.” Her words sounded choked as she finished her sentence, and she cleared her throat. “And now I would like to read the beginning of Mars at the Beach to you.”

Although Josie had read the book already, Mari’s delightful reading made it even more entrancing. As she always did with a great book, she got lost in it. She didn’t realize that her hand had slipped into Malcolm’s until the reading was over, and everyone applauded.

She realized she had only one hand free. She turned to look at him, and in that moment, their eyes caught, and it was all she could do not to lean in just enough to close the gap between them with a kiss.

But no, she couldn’t do that. Their temporary fling was a secret. And so she made herself pull her hand away. And tried to ignore that pain in her chest from the loss of his touch.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Malcolm had loved it when Josie slipped her hand into his during the reading. He didn’t think she was even aware of it at the time, which was confirmed at the end of the reading when she looked surprised to find her hand in his. And it felt right. What felt wrong, however, was her pulling it away. And then taking a step away from him. He was frustrated. Frustrated by her reticence to be with him—despite the fact that when they had set the boundaries for their relationship, he had told her he wasn’t interested in anything serious either.

“Marvelous, wasn’t it?” He turned to Fiona behind him. She’d come with Alice rather than her husband. Naturally. “Lewis couldn’t make it?” But he already knew. The douchebag was too “busy.”

“I’m afraid he had dinner with clients tonight.”

Malcolm’s stomach twisted at his suspicion that dinner with clients was anything but.

Josie jumped into the awkward silence with natural tact. “I had already read the book,” Josie said, “but I think it’s one of those you can read again and again, and it just gets better every time. It’s a children’s book, but it works on so many levels. I just hope that if Mari sells out tonight, she can bring in more copies in time for the reading retreat. This would be a wonderful story to read to children whose parents are no longer together. It’d even help the parents themselves who are grieving the end of a marriage.”

“What a wonderful idea,” Fiona said. “I’d planned on buying a dozen to give to all my friends with children. But it doesn’t look like she’s going to have nearly enough.”

Malcolm heard the wistful note in his sister’s tone. He knew she wanted children, but he also knew that wouldn’t happen with Lewis. He’d never wish anyone’s marriage to end, but surely Fiona would be happier with someone else. However, that was a decision only she could make.

They heard a little girl’s laughter and turned to see Aria holding a copy of the book with a big smile on her face. “Aunt Mari is the greatest!”

Tom ran a loving hand over her hair. “She certainly is.” He turned his smile to Josie. “It’s nice to see you again. Aria hasn’t stopped talking about you since yesterday.”

“Josie!” The little girl threw her arms around Josie’s lower half. “Do you want to read the book again? In my special spot?”

Josie’s smile was so wide it stretched from ear to ear. “There’s nothing I’d like more.” Hand in hand, the two of them walked off.

“It’s like she’s one of the family already,” Tom drawled.

Fiona had a speculating look in her eye as she turned to Malcolm. “Do you have anything you’d like to share with us?”

He loved his siblings dearly, but sometimes they got on his last nerve. “The cottage cleanup is going well.”

Fiona rolled her eyes, giving them a hint of the person she used to be before Lewis demanded she act so posh all the time. “I don’t know. When I saw you two together there the other day, I couldn’t help but think that you fancied her, and she looked the same with you.”

“I’m not allowed to ask her out, so that should tell you something,” Tom said to Fiona.

Malcolm was pretty sure there was steam coming out of his ears. “My personal life is none of your business.”

This time, both of his siblings rolled their eyes. “Well,” Fiona said, “I would hate to see you in denial about the nicest woman any of us has ever seen you with.”

“I told him the same thing,” Tom said. “I’m afraid he’s going to be too thickheaded to listen, though.”

Penny and Simon walked up. “Why do the three of you have your heads together?” Penny asked. “Or is it a secret from parents?”

Fiona smiled. “Oh, nothing much—we’re just thinking Malcolm and Josie would make an excellent couple.”

Penny nodded, smiling. “Your father and I were saying the same thing.”

“Now, Penny,” Simon said, “we agreed we weren’t going to meddle in his business.”

“I’m just looking out for his welfare,” she said before turning back to Malcolm. “In all seriousness, she is lovely. And we are not trying to be matchmakers. We simply notice how she makes you smile more than we’ve seen you smile in a long time.”

“Hear, hear,” Mathilda said, materializing as if out of thin air to join the group. “This is your chance,” she said bluntly to Malcolm. “Don’t blow it.”

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