Page 83 of Positively, Penelope

“Then yes. Only special people.”

They walked on and talked about the day and Penelope’s favorite birthday memories, including the time Luke rode a camel first in order to show her that she could fulfill her birthday wish of riding a camel. They’d been eleven and seven. He’d walked funny for a week.

Iris shared how her last birthday party had been at the very spot to which they were walking, and they’d stayed until dusk in order to catch fireflies.

The image of Matthias running around with a giggling Iris catching fireflies settled in her heart like a perfectly sung note. Right. Sweet. The type of family memory she’d embrace too.

After holding Penelope’s hand for part of the walk, Iris took off after a rabbit scurrying past, leaving Matt and Penelope following at a slower pace. Birdsong twittered overhead and a gentle breeze rustledthe leaves, carrying the cool scent of pine. The simplicity brought its own magic and she breathed it all in, the feeling of . . . well, she wasn’t certain, but it made her want to linger and sing and sigh all at once.

“You do realize how much you’ve made a difference here, don’t you?”

Matthias’s deep voice blended in with the setting around her, offering a deliciously warm mix within the slight chill in the October air. A perfect sound. Hot chocolaty.

“I’m happy I’ve been able to help.” She smiled up at him, pushing back a strand of hair that had fallen loose from her ponytail. “It really has been one of the most delightful experiences of my life so far.”

“Even with all the troublesome Grays?” The twinkle in his eyes inspired her chuckle.

“I’d have to say the troublesome Grays have been my favorite part. People are what make the difference in our lives most of all.” Her thoughts dove into her doubts. “But, Matthias, there’s something I wanted to talk with you about.”

His attention zeroed in on her face with such intensity, she almost forgot what she was going to say. How strange was that?

“Yes?”

She drew in a breath, garnering courage. “I think someone is stealing our ideas for Darling and giving them to Emblem.”

He came to a stop, turning completely toward her. “What?”

She gestured for them to keep walking, and when he didn’t move, she slipped her arm though his to urge him along. Iris didn’t need to worry about this. “I dismissed the idea at first, but the longer I’m here, the more I realize all the instances can’t be coincidences.”

“What instances?” He’d lowered his voice to match the tone she’d set.

“The website designs, the box seats, the newspaper ads, and then... the float?”

“The float?” He almost stopped again, but she tugged him forward,glancing around them to make sure no one was within earshot. It was unlikely that a spy followed them to the Vandermeer—whatever that was—on her birthday, but she’d watched enough mysteries to be suspicious.

“I just assumed Emblem had already secured a spot in the parade when Grandpa Gray signed us up, but then I overheard the Emblem folks arguing at the parade about how their appearance was a fast decision. And that they hadn’t planned on even being at the parade until a few days before.”

“Which would make sense seeing as how the presentation was so...”

“Uncreative?” She waved at Iris, who’d stopped in front of them to pick an orange leaf off the ground, and the realization that this little scene in her life looked very much like a family moment almost distracted her. She gave her head a shake and pulled the current conversation back to the forefront of her mind, pocketing that unexpected thought for later. “Grandpa Gray said that floats receive their placement based on the size of the donations—a sacrifice Grandpa Gray made along with pulling a few strings of his own.”

“He knows everyone.”

“Right, which is why he thought we’d be closest to Avontur or that other company nearest the royals.”

“And you think someone tipped off Emblem from The Darling House team?”

“But who would? Not Grandpa Gray or Gwynn, surely.”

“No, I can’t imagine either of them ever doing anything to wound the Darling. And Gwynn practically lives and breathes love for the place.” His gaze fastened on hers. “Did Alec know?”

Alec? No, surely not him. He was family. “I hinted at something about the parade, but wasn’t specific. The theater troupe knew, but if it were one of them, then it would have to be someone different for all the earlier times. None of them knew about the news interview or the web designs or the other things.”

“Have you told anyone of your suspicions?” He’d stopped and turned toward her.

“Only my family, but I’d thought about mentioning it to Grandpa Gray.”

“Good idea.” Matthias nodded and threaded her arm back through his to continue walking. “He knows so many people and I’m certain you can trust him above all others.”

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