It was true. Viola had been blessed with smooth, blemish-free skin. It was lighter than her father’s, a warm, tawny color, and she had Milly’s eye color but Dex’s eye shape. With her complexion those light hazel eyes were extraordinarily striking, huge, feline, and long lashed. She had a cute button of a nose and ample lips with an exaggerated cupid’s bow. Like mine, Viola’s dark hair was highlighted with a caramel ombré effect. There were masses of it falling to the base of her back in fluffy waves.

In shorts, cute sneakers with gold glitter on them, and a cropped belly top, Viola gave the appearance of a confident twenty-year-old. And with her tiny waist, rounded ass, and slender legs, she had every reason to be. I imagined she had many admirers at college. Not just because she was beautiful, but because of the way she smiled. Even if I hadn’t heard what a great, kind girl she was, I’d be able to tell by the warmth that radiated from her.

“I love your accent.” Viola grinned at me and then turned to Caro. “You ready, chickie?” Caro gave a tremulous smile and her friend laughed, throwing an arm around her shoulder. “Don’t worry, it’ll be great.”

“When did you get back from college?” I asked.

“Last night. It’s nice to be home. Mam says you’re staying for another three months, which is awesome. We’ll get to hang out.”

I smiled and gave Roane an amused look he returned. Why a twenty-year-old would want to hang out with me, I had no idea, but I wouldn’t shoot her down.

“Looks like everyone’s ready.” Roane nodded toward the other stalls. We had people from outside the village who had asked to set up their stalls, selling everything from tea towels and jewelry to fresh produce. He looked at me as he brushed his knuckles down my arm. “You ready?”

Since my little breakdown at the beginning of the week, Roane had been even more attentive. The man was killing me.

I shivered at his touch, and his dark eyes glimmered with heat at the reaction. Trying not to blush, I took a step back from him. “Yeah, let’s do this.”

“I’ve got to work, but I’ll be back later to check in.” He strode over to Caro, took her by the shoulders, and pressed a sweet kiss to her forehead. I was not jealous of her forehead. No sirree. “Good luck, treasure. Call if you need me.”

All three of us watched him stride across the street, nodding hello to Annie and Liz as he passed.

“I know he’s your cousin, Caro, but that man is sex on a stick.” Viola sighed, fanning herself dramatically.

Did she have a crush on Roane? My gaze cut to her in concern and found her smirking at me. Almost assessing. Huh?