Page 24 of Rescued Hearts

When Honor’s sister drifted up, she set her hands on her hips and tilted her head like a small bird, surveying them both. “Got it all under control, I see.”

Honor straightened and threw a sideways glance at Gray. “Is it all right if I leave my supplies here until tomorrow?”

“Leave them here forever if you want. There’s space in the back room.”

“That’s a great idea and saves me the hassle of lugging it all back and forth if I’m going to be holding workshops regularly.”

Her sister nodded distractedly and eyed Gray. “I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name.”

“Gray.”

“Gray…”

“Malone.”

Her lips formed anO, and appreciation gleamed in eyes that were a close shade of blue to Honor’s. He wasn’t surprised she’d heard his name before. His family was well-known.

“I’m Felicity.”

“Nice to meet you. I’m going to walk Honor to her vehicle.”

Her sister bobbed her head in an enthusiastic nod. “That’s great of you.”

Honor and her sister locked gazes in some silent battle he couldn’t understand. But seconds later, Honor broke the stare and turned to Gray. “I’m ready.”

With a nod of farewell to Felicity, he extended an arm, motioning Honor ahead of him. When they approached the counter, he paused. “Should we get those packages you never mailed?”

“I’ll do it tomorrow. It’s been a long day, and I’m not sure I can handle another wait in line.” Her brows pinched. “You didn’t mail your things either.”

He patted his back pocket where the letters to the families of the men killed on the USSValor Heightswere stowed, letters he had to send the old-fashioned way instead of through email because he wasn’t able to locate the families’ contact information.

Honor seemed satisfied with his nonverbal response and didn’t ask more about the letters, which he was glad for.

As they walked out onto the sidewalk, he was surprised to see some evening shadows gathering. The cooler air wrapped around them as they strolled in the direction of the post office.

“Appreciated the class, by the way.”

She threw him a smile, a soft tilt of her lips that showcased the perfect full curve of them.

“I didn’t think I’d enjoy it as much as I did.”

“Didn’t think you’d be good at it, you mean.” Her tone teased him, coaxing a smile to his lips. The expression felt unfamiliar. After the long winter, and spring too, smiling felt like a new season.

He huffed out a laugh. “That too.”

They continued on the short walk. As the post office came into view, he suddenly wished the journey took longer so he could keep talking to her.

He eyed the lot. “Which one’s yours?” He could already guess. Between three vehicles—a rusty old SUV, a pickup truck and the VW van—he already knew which vehicle suited Honor best.

“The truck,” she said with all the seriousness of a preacher on a Sunday.

He studied her. “You’re joking.”

She stopped walking and looked down at her flowy top, skirt and her toenails painted three different shades of the rainbow. “What do you think?”

He laughed again. That was twice now. He could almost hear what his sister would say about that, if she ever found out.

When they reached the van, Honor didn’t immediately get in. Instead, she leaned against the side. He did the same, soaking in the warmth of the day from the metal.

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