My lips twitched at the way she talked. Seriously, how old was she? “I don’t think you’re a goose at all. I’m a dog person. I get it. They’re family.”

Some of her embarrassment faded, and she nodded. “They are.”

Intrigued by Roane’s cousin, I leaned against the counter. “So, do you live in Alnster?”

“On the outskirts, yes. I live with my aunt. Do you know the road that cuts into the woodlands? We live up there.”

I remembered there being woodlands on the road that led into Alnster, but that was about it. Surmising that’s where she meant, I nodded. “So is your aunt Roane’s aunt?”

“No. We’re cousins on our paternal side, and Aunt Helena was my mother’s sister.”

“So you’re a Robson.”

Her lips pinched together. “Technically yes. But Aunt Helena had my name changed when I came to live with her.”

There was something unhappy in Caroline’s eyes. That and her indeterminate age intrigued me. I wanted to ask more questions, but she started backing away toward the door. “Well, I better get home. Thank you again.”

“It was no problem, really. Thanks for the cupcakes. Maybe I’ll see you at The Anchor sometime?”

Instead of answering, Caroline gave me a weak smile and hurried out of the door and back into the drizzly day.

“Well, that was weird,” I mumbled.

Looking at the cupcakes, I decided to take that break after all.

A few minutes later I was in the apartment, preparing a sandwich, and eyeing the delicious cupcakes the whole time. Arranging them on a platter, I snapped a photo and posted it on my Instagram. My friends were enjoying my shots of England. I captioned this one with “A gift from a friendly neighbor.”

Then, like an impatient kid, I took a bite out of one instead of waiting until I’d eaten my sandwich.

The sponge cake melted in my mouth, sharp, flavorful strawberry jam oozing onto my tongue from the center. The buttercream frosting was perfect. Not too sweet, light and creamy.

It was the best freaking cupcake I’d ever had in my life!

I wondered if Caroline worked at the bakery in town.

Finishing the cupcake, forcing myself not to eat another, I put them back into the Tupperware box to keep them fresh. “Note to self,” I murmured just as I was about to sit down to my sandwich, “ask Roane about his cousin.”

It was as if I’d conjured him.

A loud banging had me rushing to the window. Peering down onto the street below, I saw a familiar figure at the front door. Shadow stood at his side.

Heart rate increasing, I hurried out of the apartment and down to the bookstore, regretting the faster pace almost immediately. Light-headed, I gripped the store door for balance and yanked it open.