Page 54 of Hensley Manor
All the friends I’d made, the love I’d found, were all with me.
My aunt and uncle loved Ian almost as much as I did. I’d kept my promise to them, too. We saw each other several times a week. They’d come have dinner with me and Ian, or we’d go to them.
My life had turned out better than I ever thought it could, and I oftentimes pinched myself just to make sure I wasn’t dreaming.
Ian had taught me how to make hot chocolate the old-fashioned way, instead of just adding milk to one of those packets you bought from the store. I went into the kitchen and found a pot, squares of chocolate and cocoa powder, milk, sugar, salt, and some vanilla. The aroma made my mouth water, and once the hot chocolate was ready, I divided it into four mugs. I placed two mugs and a bowl of marshmallows on a tray before walking to the sitting room where Violet and Glen cuddled on the couch.
“Probably not as good as yours,” I said, setting down the tray. “But I hope it’s okay.”
Violet took a drink and scrunched up her face, teasing me. Then, she grinned. “It’s lovely, Cole. Thank you.”
I placed the bowl of marshmallows on the table beside them before taking the tray back to the kitchen. I grabbed the other two mugs and went on a search for Ian, looking in the bigger kitchen where the chef was preparing dinner before walking into the hall and heading for the dining room.
Where was he?
“Is that one for me?”
Smiling, I turned to see Ian setting up the table for dinner. He liked dinner to be a more formal affair, where we all sat together instead of at separate tables. Just like he’d been in Evergreen Valley.
“Yep.” I handed one over to him. “Careful, it’s hot.”
“As hot as you?” he asked with a wink.
“I’m your husband. Pretty sure that means you’re guaranteed to get laid tonight. No need for the flattery.”
After placing his hot chocolate on the table, he tugged me to his chest. “Maybe I like to flatter you. You’re cute when you blush.”
“WhenIblush?” I playfully nipped at his bottom lip. “Whatever you say, Mr. Bashful.”
“I never blush.” His lips twitched.
“Wow, you’re bashfulanda liar,” I said, caressing his smooth jaw. “Interesting combination.”
“I have to keep you on your toes,” he said, before lightly kissing me.
Keep me on my toes? He was constantly knocking me off my damn feet in the best way possible, even after four years with him.
The doorbell rang, and I drew back from his lips. “I’ll get it.”
He sighed as I stepped out of his arms. “Hurry back to me.”
“Nah, I think I’m going to run away and join the circus.”
Ian shook his head, smiling, and grabbed his hot chocolate from the table.
I left the room and headed for the foyer. But when I opened the front door, no one was there. I poked my head out farther, checking the parking lot at the side of the manor. The only cars I saw belonged to the guests. No one stood in the yard or around the front porch.
“Hello?” I called out.
No answer.
I went to close the door, but stopped when I saw something on the ground beside my foot.
A small red box.
Bending down, I picked it up. A note was pinned to the top.
Cole,
