Page 45 of Cold Case, Warm Hearts

Why had her father bought the place?

What was she doing there?

But she didn’t explain any of that to the ladies at the table. “Nothing noteworthy, unfortunately. I’m planning to take everything to the thrift store.”

Aspen enjoyed the meal and the company more than she’d anticipated. Grace filled them in on her wedding plans. She and Andrew would marry in the spring.

Cassidy shared a few funny stories about James and the newborn.

Tabby told them about a new client she’d just started working for. Apparently, she was a decorator, and considering what she’d done with her own place, a very good one. If Aspen were staying, she might hire her to decorate the house.

Carly asked the ladies about something she’d read in the Bible, which set off a conversation about faith and the armor of God, and even Jacqui, though generally quiet, contributed to that conversation.

This group of friends seemed knitted together as if they’d known each other for years, but Aspen learned that Carly, Grace, and Jacqui were new to town. Cassidy had been gone since high school, only returning a couple of years prior. Only Tabby was local—and Chelsea, but she hadn’t made it that night.

Apparently running a multi-million-dollar company demanded a person’s time.

Aspen loved their friendship and easy conversation. Unexpectedly, the thought of leaving Coventry brought a twinge of regret. Maybe more than a twinge. This camaraderie was exactly what she needed. Friends, a community.

They were enjoying dessert when a sound had her head turning toward the living area. An older woman emerged from the hallway carrying an infant.

“Mom.” Tabby stood and went to her. “Cassidy said the baby needs to sleep.”

The woman patted the child’s tiny back as she settled in a rocking chair by the fireplace. “She was fussing. I don’t mind holding her.”

Tabby shot Cassidy an apologetic look, but the pretty brunette only laughed. “You rock her as long as you want, Mrs. Eaton. If she starts fussing again, bring her to me.”

“Can I get you something?” Tabby asked her mother. “You know you’re welcome to join us.”

“You don’t need an old lady ruining your night. Besides, I’m content to hold this little one.” The woman sent her daughter a look. “If I had my own grandbaby to rock?—”

“Have you met Aspen?”

Aspen held in a laugh as she stood and stepped into the living area, happy to help her friend avoid that conversation. “Nice to meet you.”

The woman looked her way, then blinked. “Oh. Oh. You must be Jane Kincaid’s daughter. I heard you were back.”

Amusement fading, Aspen worked to keep her smile in place.

“Mom.” Tabby’s sharp tone did nothing to divert her mother’s staring. Tabby turned to Aspen, eyes wide, embarrassment clear in her expression. “My dad’s out of town, so Mom is staying with me for a few days.”

The woman kept rocking, but she was focused on Aspen as she shook her head. “How rude of me. I’m Marion Eaton. I’d get up but?—”

“It’s fine.” Aspen could see the resemblance between Tabby and her mother, though the older woman’s wrinkles indicated more frowning in life than smiling. “You knew my mother?”

“Everybody knew Jane,” Marion said. “She was a force.”

Fiery. Passionate. Charismatic. A new description…aforce.

Aspen could feel Tabby’s shock beside her and turned to face her. “I’m going to talk to your mom for a second.”

After a squeeze to Aspen’s forearm, Tabby returned to the kitchen, and the women resumed their chatting. The water came on and dishes clanged against one another as they cleared the table and tidied up.

Aspen slid onto the sofa closest to Marion’s rocking chair. “Were you friends with her?”

“I hardly knew her. My husband and I were married with kids when all that stuff happened.”

“All what stuff?”

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