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“At my old age, I’ve learned the best thing I can do is stay flexible—so I don’t break.” She pats my hand. “And you’re staying at the Bradford house? I told Dylan she and that handsome Logan could come and spend the night in the bungalow here if things get too crowded. I like having friends around at night.”
“I’m sorry I can’t fulfill that part of our arrangement. Trust me, I really wish I could stay with you here.”
“Don’t worry. I’ve seen it time and time again—life always seems to put people together in the way they’re supposed to fit. It will all work out. You’ll see.”
My lips twitch, and I shrug. “I hope you’re right.”
“Now, speaking of flexibility, I think I have a yoga class scheduled?”
“Yes, you do.” I take her hand, leading her to the outdoor space overlooking the bay.
We spend the next hour moving through flows, working on balance and flexibility. It’s a relaxing class focused on breathing and light core work. We finish, seated in the lotus position with our hands in prayer pose.
“Namaste,” I say quietly as my brother approaches.
“You have five kittens, two pure black, two tuxedos, and this one,” Edward announces, walking over to where we sit. “He looks like a Russian Blue, but his head is shaped like a Chartreux. Although, Sky is Siamese, so he’s more likely Russian Blue.”
Edward places a fuzzy gray kitten in her hands, and Miss Gina exhales an affectionate laugh. “I don’t like to complain, but I do wish I could see a Russian Blue kitten. Describe him to me, Eddie!”
My brother’s expression is as serious as if she’s a queen and he’s her loyal subject. “He’s pure gray, and you can feel his thick coat, almost like a pelt. He has phantom rings on his tail, and when the light hits him, he appears to have a silver halo.”
“My goodness!” Miss Gina’s eyes widen. “He sounds magical.”
My jaw is on the ground. “How do you know all these cat facts?”
“PetMD has an extensive online database.” Edward’s brow furrows. “I’ve put out a bowl of food and plenty of water for Sky, since they’re all still nursing. I didn’t see any signs of a male cat anywhere.”
“He’s off living his best life, no doubt.” I don’t miss the touch of humor in her voice. “You’ve done very well, Eddie. I’ll call Dr. Moore at the Eastern Shore Animal Clinic and let him know what all you’ve discovered.”
“The mother is very friendly.”
“Yes, Sky is a good mamma. Her kittens grow up to be good cats. Maybe Dylan would like one—what do you think, Rachel? It can keep mice away from the restaurant.”
I think I’m annoyed that Sky sounds like a better mother than ours ever was, but I don’t say that part out loud. “I’ll ask her.”
“Are you okay?”
It’s impossible to get anything past Miss Gina, even blind, so I force a smile into my tone. “Of course! I’ll let you know what she says.”
It’s five when we’re all finished and loading into the Jeep. I have no idea what Zane did today, and to be honest, as appreciative as I am to him of helping me in the shower this morning, I’m still irritated at him for speaking to us the way he did.
Miss Gina walks with us to the edge of the driveway, and I give her a hug while Edward goes ahead of us to the Jeep.
“I fixed the broken window on the greenhouse, and I’ll take a look at the elevator tomorrow.” Zane puts a hand in his pocket and looks down, annoyance lining his face as he waits for me.
My eyes narrow, and I glance ahead to where my brother is already sitting in the backseat with his hoodie over his head and ears and the strings pulled tight under his chin as if in preparation.
We’re far enough away that my tone won’t upset him, and I reach out, putting my hand on Zane’s arm to stop him.
“You said your piece this morning. Now I have something to say to you.”
He turns, putting his hands on his hips as he faces me, which stretches his gray T-shirt attractively across his broad chest. “Go ahead.”
His brow lowers, and the scruff on his square jaw moves with the flex of his muscle. It doesn’t matter how handsome he is. I won’t be distracted this time.
“I spent the first half of my life with a man who was cruel and unpredictable, and I’m not spending another minute of it the same way.”
His low voice is gruff. “No one’s asking you to.”
