Page 63 of The Bitter Heir and the Beauty

“I wouldn’t have it any other way. But what else can I expect? Tragedy trails me like a stray cat. Can’t seem to shake the travesties either. But she’s a treasure, so it’s worked out okay.”

“What about lost things?” I ask.

“Do you mean the Cahoot Ruby and the Dubois Diamond?”

“And Tickle’s Golden Tokens.”

“All I can say about that is good luck.” She tips her head as if trying to talk herself into or out of something. She gazes down at her hands and then up at me. “Maddock, I’m not equipped to deal with a relationship.”

“You’ve figured out motherhood.”

“Hardly.”

“Give yourself more credit.”

Her voice is thick when she says, “I’m figuring it out as I go.”

Story of my life. “While you’ve been at the restaurant, I’ve been learning about Hugwash.”

“Hogwash.”

“Sounds the same to me.”

We exchange a smile.

I continue, “Recently, an anonymous donor pledged funds to repair and maintain the community center for the next hundred years.”

“That’s generous.”

“According to the bank records, they paid in gold.”

Honey’s eyes light up. “Is that so?”

I nod slowly. “That it is.”

Then as if having doubts, she says, “Remember, this is Hogwash Holler. Don’t believe everything you hear.”

“But I do believe my eyes. I saw the financial transaction receipt. I also see the history books ... and the way you look at me.”

She bunches her lips together. “Oh yeah. How’s that?”

“You like me.” My thoughts float to our first tour of the estate property.

“And you think I’ve finally realized it?”

My grin reaches my eyes because I know it’s true even if she goes on denying it.

“You are so cocky.”

“I prefer to think of it as confident. But you are so right.”

She tilts her head at aDid I just hear what I think I heard?angle. “You admit that I’m right about something.” Then her jaw lowers and her eyes narrow, shining on me, for me. “You just tricked me.”

I can’t help my gloating laughter, but I keep it playful and light.

Honey pokes me in the chest with each word she speaks. “You. Are. Going, To. Regret. This.”

I wrap my fingers around hers and draw her hand close to my face, contemplating where to start, not wanting to think about it ending.

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