Igor opened his mouth—probably to tell me to leave—so I saved him the trouble.

“I’m not staying. I just wanted to drop these off.” I passed Darcy the box of brownies. “Liam didn’t want them, so I thought you guys might. If you’d prefer to throw them in the trash while I’m not looking, that’s okay too.”

Darcy opened the box and beamed. “These look amazing!” He turned to show the others, who didn’t respond. “Did you make them?”

“Yeah.” I crossed my arms, not quite sure what to do with my hands now that they were free.

“Wow.” He shot me a cheeky grin and winked. “You’re barking up the wrong tree with Liam, but if you decide you’d prefer the newer model, I’m here most days.”

That brought a smile to my face. I knew he was being silly, but I appreciated it. His expression softened for a moment, almost as if my smile was what he’d been hoping for.

“Don’t give up,” he whispered.

“Thanks.” I jerked my head toward the door. “I’d better leave before anyone calls the cops.”

Darcy winced. “Oh, yeah. About that. Has anyone told you?”

“Told me what?”

“That Nate Braddock is the local sergeant these days. So you really don’t want anyone to call the cops.”

My eyebrows shot up. When I’d left Destiny Falls, Liam’s brother Nate had still been waiting to find out where he’d be placed for his years on the beat, but he’d obviously ended up back here one way or the other.

“Thanks for the heads-up.” I said a quick goodbye and left.

At the cottage, it was time to prepare dinner. I hadn’t made anything before I’d left in case my conversation with Liam went well and we’d decided to eat together. I’d known it was a long shot but couldn’t help hoping for the best. I checked the refrigerator, which was newly stocked, and considered my options. I didn’t feel like much, but I needed food. Lunch had been too long ago.

While I thought, I sent an update to Gray, letting him know I still hadn’t had any luck, and another status update to Blair so he’d know I was alive and well. I’d just set my phone aside and decided on a stir fry when there was a knock at the door. I frowned, unable to think of anyone who’d willingly seek me out.

Grace was on the doorstep. She smiled hesitantly. “Hey. Have you eaten?”

“Not yet. I was just about to put something together.”

She touched the side of her neck, a gesture I recalled her doing when she was nervous. “Would you like to eat with me? I’ve made fish kofta and couscous with vegetables.”