Page 166 of Eight Years Gone

Grace wiggled her brow, looking at Aunt Maggie as the door closed behind him. “That officially puts us over the two hundred and fifty mark for centerpieces.”

Maggie nodded as she smiled. “I’ve got to hand it to you, Grace. Setting up those little tables and making the centerpiece options our window display was a great idea, honey. It’s hard to walk by without stopping in.”

Grace smiled mischievously as she wiggled her brow again. “I know.”

Aunt Maggie laughed. “The Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving will be an all-hands-on-deck situation around here.”

Grace nodded with feeling. “That’s a definite. I’ve got everyone on the schedule. The kids can come in after school on Tuesday and work Wednesday afternoon. I’ll see if Jagger can give us a hand, too. We’ll order pizzas and make an event out of it.”

Colton stepped out of the fridge, carrying the arrangement Maggie had put together a couple of hours ago, then walked out front. “Mr. Pendleton, I believe these are for you.”

“Wow. This looks great,” Mr. Pendleton said with delight.

“They really do,” Amanda agreed. “Your wife will be thrilled, Mr. Pendleton.”

“The flowers are definitely awesome,” Colton went on. “I bet if you add a box of these chocolates, you’ll be her hero for days.”

“Definitely,” Amanda piped up. “Especially when it’s entirely unexpected. It’s not even Valentine’s Day. The assortment box is good, but the caramel-filled ones are to die for.”

“Agreed,” Colton threw in.

“All right. I’ll take a box of the caramel ones. Just don’t tell Mrs. Pendleton it was your idea,” Mr. Pendleton joked.

Colton and Amanda laughed. “Our lips are sealed.”

Aunt Maggie looked at Grace. “That boy’s an Evans indeed. Good-looking and has plenty of charm to go with it. Just like Logan. Just like Steve.”

Grace nodded. “When he actually talks, he’s very charming.”

“Things seem like they’re getting better. He’s more relaxed today than when I first met him.”

Grace nodded as she exhaled a breath. “It’s slow, but he’s coming around. He went to all his classes this week, which has Jessica relieved. He helped Jagger at the dojang and asked me what shoes he should wear to his group outing last night.”

“Give him space and patience, and he’ll be fine. He’s certainly doing a nice job here.”

“He and Amanda both,” she agreed.

Grace had spent the morning showing Colton and Amanda the ropes. It hadn’t taken her long to realize that both kids were quick to pick things up. After a couple of hours, she’d been able to head to the back to help Aunt Maggie with the arrangements.

Colton came to the back as Mr. Pendleton left. “Am I helping Asa with the deliveries today?”

Grace glanced at the clock. “We don’t have that many, so I think you’re off the hook this afternoon.”

“Cool. Amanda and I are talking about heading to Brew after our shift.”

“They make a darn good cookie,” Aunt Maggie said as she leaned across the table, reaching for the orange ribbon. She sat back, gasping as she grabbed for the table’s edge when she lost her balance.

Before Grace or Colton could react, Aunt Maggie fell to the floor with a loud thud.

Grace stared in horror at Aunt Maggie crumpled at her feet. “Aunt Maggie.” She fell to her knees while Maggie struggled to sit up. “Don’t do that. Don’t move.”

Colton rushed over, pulling the stool out of the way, then knelt as Aunt Maggie sat up on her butt. “Do you want me to call the ambulance?”

Grace nodded. “Yes—”

“No.” Maggie pushed back the sweater sleeve on her right arm, examining her elbow where a large bruise already bloomed. “Do not call the ambulance. I’m fine. I’m clumsy and pissed off.”

Grace held Aunt Maggie’s gaze, studying her crystal-blue eyes, looking for signs of confusion. “Did you hit your head?”

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