He trundles into the store, sniffing the tiles with mild curiosity.

If I had planned on visiting the hardware store today, I would’ve left Bruce at home. This was just supposed to be a get-out-of-the-house outing, where we could wander around the town and see what there was to see. Map out places where I could utilize Wi-Fi and get back to work for my website design clients.

But then I saw the sign for Sawdust and Supplies, and I couldn’t resist its siren call.

“That’s a big boy you have there.” The store owner hooks her thumbs in her pockets, grinning at the two of us. “I’m sure I would’ve remembered seeing him around town. You two new?”

I nod. “We’ve been here just over a week.” I pat Bruce’s head, which is conveniently as high as my waist.

Then, I rummage in my bag for the list of supplies I wrote up a couple of days ago. I’m not done cleaning out all the odds and ends in the cabin, but I’ve already got ideas for refurbishing some of the furniture.

“I’m looking for a few things, if you wouldn’t mind helping me out?”

“Of course.” She accepts the list, her eyes scanning the items. “So, where are you all staying? Bought a place?”

“We’re in a cabin about twenty minutes north of town. Off Birch Road.”

“Birch Road? You mean the Gunner place?” Up until this moment, the woman’s questions all had a tone of mild curiosity, but these carry a sharp note of interest.

Is Grandma Minnie’s cabin really that fascinating?

“That’s the one.”

The woman’s golden gaze traces over me rather than my list. “You renting?”

“No. My family owns it. I’m Zoey Gunner. The woman who lived there was my grandmother.”

The shop owner’s eyes go wide, and I get the feeling I’m missing something.

“Selena’s your mother?”

Ah, sometimes, I forget that despite never visiting Pine Falls before, these people still have a shared history with my family.

“She is. Do you know her?”

“Knew her.” The woman’s mouth goes tight at the corners. “Lost touch after she left.”

Well, isn’t that great? Apparently, Mom left some people behind when she moved to Denver and never looked back.

My mother is a vibrant personality. She can make someone fall in love with her in a minute. Losing that love probably doesn’t feel too good.

“I’d be happy to tell her I ran into you the next time I get her on the phone. Just … I’m sorry. I don’t know your name.”

She gives me a small smile as the tension in her body fades away. “I’m Rebecca Jameson. But don’t worry about it. We weren’t that close. Let’s go find you these bits.” She turns and heads down the nearest aisle.