Derek calls from the kitchen. “I’ve gotta go, Gwyn!”

“I’m coming!” As I rush out of the room, my insides twitch. I glance back at the window. Am I overreacting?

As we’re getting in our cars, I wave bye to Derek. My stomach does back-flips the entire way to work. Jeff is bagging a customer’s merchandise when I enter.

“Thanks for shopping at Mystic Sage.” He logs out of the cash register. “You’re late, Gwyn.”

I dart behind the counter, removing my purse and jacket. “I’m sorry. Had to stop by Ronnie’s house first.”

“Oh, is she home? I thought she’d stay another night at the hospital.”

“She did, but Derek just left to pick up her and the baby.”

He grins. “They must be high on a cloud. Why did you stop by if she wasn’t home yet?”

“Uh…I wanted to bless the room before Luna slept there.” I hesitate but decide to ask him. “Jeff, is Ashley still upset I read her late husband’s book?”

“No,” he says, looking away. “She’s sensitive about him. Don’t let it bother you.”

“Phew. That’s a relief. She appeared rattled when I saw her at North Basin on Wednesday.”

His eyes widen. “Oh, I didn’t know she went there that day. Why did you go? It was raining on Wednesday.”

“I was looking for a glove Ronnie lost on her last hike there. She was trying to get her pregnancy moving.”

He chuckles awkwardly. “It seems to have worked.”

“Did you know Ashley was going for a hike?”

“No, she didn’t tell me.” He messes with his hair and walks toward the crystals room. “I need to work on inventory. Shane wants me to finish up a shipment on his day off.”

“OK. I’ll be here.” He sure ended that conversation abruptly.

The entry door dings and Alys Morgan strolls in. I smile and wave. My phone vibrates—a text from Seamus. My chest tightens.

Seamus: Good afternoon, Gwynedd. I hope you are well.

Seamus: I am embarrassed by my social blunder.

I plop on the stool behind the counter. That’s one way to put it. It would be rude not to reply, and I can’t avoid him forever. Immediately, I receive two more texts back-to-back.

Seamus: Would you consider giving me an opportunity to make amends?

Seamus: I value our friendship and I will take whatever steps I can to repair the damage.

This isn’t like what happened with Nick. He’s not an evil fairy trying to fulfill a prophecy. To be fair, I took advantage of his friendship and affection. I’d be lying to myself if I didn’t acknowledge that fact.

Me: Thank you for reaching out. I’m willing to talk. When would you like to meet?

Seamus: A time that is agreeable to you in a public setting of your choice.

Me: Isn’t a public place risky for our topic of conversation?

Seamus: Yes, but I wanted you to feel safe.

He certainly is trying, despite how uncomfortable this is for him.

Me: I trust you. Why don’t I stop by your house? Wednesday lunchtime?

Seamus: That is most agreeable.

When I glance up from my cell, Alys is waiting at the counter with a few Yule decorations, clenching her jaw. I slide my phone underneath.

“Sorry. I didn’t notice you standing there. I’ll ring these up.”

“Thank you. I visited the shelter this morning. Elijah Jackson was bubbling over with news about your red-headed friend having a baby girl. What did she name her?”

“Ronnie named her Luna. That comes to twenty-five dollars and sixteen cents.”

“What a charming name,” she says, pushing her credit card into the terminal. “I bet she has a head covered in her mother’s red hair.”

“Actually, it’s mostly blond. Has a reddish tint to it. She said Luna has her mom’s coloring.”

Alys grins as she lifts her bag. “What a surprise. Will you attend the council meeting tomorrow evening?”

“I plan to. Elijah said you want to keep the curfew in place. Why not lift the ordinance if the threat of kidnappings has ended?”

“To protect the children of the town, of course.”

“I don’t think most of the residents will approve. The council should vote to remove the ordinance.”

“That remains to be seen.” She heads toward the exit. “Have a wonderful day.”

“You, too. And thank you for shopping at Mystic Sage.”

Alys leaves and the bamboo chimes clank when the door shuts. I admire her for her devotion to the town’s youth, but I don’t think the townies will agree with her. Many of them want freedom for their older children.

As I gaze out the window, my gut pinches. My intuition tells me freedom may come at a cost.

I tap on Ashley’s apartment door. She opens it right away, already dressed in a wool pea coat.

“Hi, Gwyn. I have to dash out. Aidan went down for his nap late, and I’m behind on my lecture for today.”

“That’s fine,” I say, removing my puffer jacket. “You should take an umbrella. It’s pouring out.”

“Oh, right. With the gloomy weather, he may sleep longer, too. It should be a peaceful afternoon for you.” She grabs her umbrella.