Though pleased color pinched Lulu’s cheeks, she waved Mia away. “Go on, open Nell’s before she bursts.”

“It’s just that they made me think of you,” Nell began as Mia set the throw aside to open the little box. Inside were earrings, a dangle of silver stars twinkling against tiny globes of moonstone.

“They’re wonderful.” Mia held them up to the light before she kissed Nell. “And perfect, particularly today,” she added, holding out her arms.

She was wearing black again, but the sleek sweep of the dress was picked out in tiny silver stars and moons. “I couldn’t resist it for Halloween, and now these . . .” She made quick work of slipping off the earrings she’d put on that morning and replacing them with Nell’s. “Just top it off.”

“Okay, then.” Lulu raised her glass. “To hitting the big three-oh.”

“Oh, Lulu, don’t spoil it.” But Mia laughed as she clicked glasses. “I want cake.” She lifted her little silver watch that dangled from one of her chains. “We’re going to open just a few minutes late today.”

It wasn’t difficult to find the yellow cottage. Evan drove past it, slowing his car to study the small house tucked among the trees. Little better than a shack, was his opinion, and the insult of it nearly choked him.

She would live in that hovel rather than in the beautiful homes he’d provided for her.

He had to fight the urge to go to the café, to drag her out and into the street. Public scenes, he reminded himself, were not the way to deal with a deceitful wife.

Such things required privacy.

He drove back to the village, parked his car, then went back on foot. His blood was already bubbling. Careful study showed him that none of the neighboring houses were close enough to worry him. Still, he strolled into the trees first, circled around. Stood in their shadows watching the house.

When nothing moved, nothing stirred, he crossed to the back door.

There was a wave of something—something strong and fretful. It seemed to push against him, as if to bar him from the door. For a moment it laid what might have been fear over his skin, and he actually found himself stepping back, off the stoop.

Fury bubbled, burned away that fear. While the stars hanging from the eaves chimed madly in a sudden gust of wind, he shoved through what seemed like a wall of solid air and gripped the doorknob.

She didn’t even lock the house, he thought in disgust as he let himself in. See how careless she was, how foolish?

He saw the cat and nearly snarled. He detested animals. Filthy creatures. They stared at each other for one long moment, then Diego streaked away.