Page 9 of The Locksmith's Promise

“Seems I have some unfinished business.”

His mouth tipped up at the corner. “Glad to hear you’re going to deal with that. He’d want to know him.”

I searched his eyes. “You think so?”

His brow crinkled as he nodded shortly. The creases around his mouth deepened as he raked his hand through his thick mop of curls. “He’s changed.”

I took a deep breath and held it. “You think you might be able to help me find him?”

His eyes twinkled. “Oh, yeah. I think I might be able to do that.”

I narrowed my gaze.

He laughed and threw a heavy arm around my shoulders. “Now that the cat’s out of the bag, why don’t you take the stick out of your ass and come over and have a beer with us? My wife is dying to meet you.” His eyes sparkled. “Says she needs news from the outside.”

I laughed, remembering how mercilessly we teased Miller about dressing up to go into the city, and shook my head. “She a city-slicker?”

He snorted. “So she says. Every time I offer to take her into the city, she acts like I just asked for a divorce.”

My eyebrows shot up. It wasn’t often an outsider moved in and opted to stay. “She likes it here?”

He nodded. “Loves it.”

I smiled. “Loves you, you mean.”

He grinned widely, white teeth flashing in his beard. “The three kids she gave me seem to suggest it.”

I released a deep sigh and smiled up at him. “I’ll come over.”

“Great!” He lit up. “Give me a call. Better yet, talk to Maxine. She’s the social coordinator.”

I gave a short nod.

It was long past time.

I only hoped Baxter would want to meet Corwin as much as Corwin would want to meet him.

4

Sooner Rather Than Later

Maggie

One week later, closing in on dinner time Saturday afternoon, I took the bull by the horns.

The day couldn’t have been more perfect. Sun shining, birds singing, the smoky tease of autumn floating in the air reminded me there would soon be weekend hikes and bonfires, the bustle of the fall festival, and a madcap rush to prepare everything we’d need for Christmas and the winter shut-in before the snow blew in.

Corwin had been spending his free time with Mikey and today was no exception. Up until now, it had been my dad picking him up.

Today, it was me.

Having an excuse to drop in to Miller’s place unannounced, armed with a box of treats no less, relieved much of the social pressure.

There was less anticipation as well as the possibility of backing out at the last second if I chickened out.

This time, I called Jenny at Buns and Biscuits ahead of time and placed an order for cinnamon buns, triple chocolate scones, and her famous giant oatmeal raisin cookies.

And if I nervously nibbled one as I made my way over to Miller’s place to surprise Corwin and finally meet Maxine?

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