Feeling as though she were sleepwalking, Cinn wandered the aisles. She stopped briefly beside Eva, her miniature rosebush. Eva was finally blooming. Cinn touched one tiny bloom. This was her newest strain of sexual energy plants. She wasn’t sure yet exactly how powerful Eva would be, but right now she didn’t really care.

Edge had waited outside the greenhouse, and when she finally emerged he was just putting his cell phone away. “Everything okay in there?”

She just nodded.

“Sparkle is spreading the word. She’s sending someone down to guard the greenhouse when you aren’t here. As soon as he arrives, we can start searching.” His expression hinted that he didn’t hold out much hope, though. “What exactly makes this Vince so important to you?” He left unsaid that it was just a plant, after all.

“I put a little of myself into every plant.” More than she’d ever admit to anyone. That was her secret. “It’s like giving birth. They’re my babies.”

She could tell he didn’t believe her. Probably thought she was just nuts. But before he could come up with a reply, the new guard showed up.

Tall, with brown hair and eyes, along with a wide grin, he was a welcome touch of normalcy. He pulled off a cap that had some kind of fish on it. “Hi there. I’m Wade.” He stuck out his hand and engulfed hers in a hearty shake. “Sorry to hear about your loss. Just go on and do what you have to do. I’ll make sure no one gets to your other plants.”

“You don’t have any idea how much I appreciate this.” Cinn thanked God for the kindness of ordinary people.

“Don’t you worry, little lady. Everything will be fine. I was down this way for a big boat show and thought I’d stop by for some R & R. Stayed here before when I was doing a fishing tournament. Nice homey place.”

Cinn didn’t think she’d go that far.

“So when Sparkle asked me to do this, I didn’t have to even think about it. I’ve got lots of free time.”

Edge handed Wade the key to the greenhouse. “No one not connected to the castle gets in here.”

“Got it.” Wade stepped inside and pulled up a folding chair. He pulled out a copy of Texas Fish and Game Magazine. “You just go on now. Sparkle knows your plants will be safe with me.”

Cinn couldn’t help it; she reached out and clasped his hand in both of hers. “I owe you, Wade.”

For just a moment, something strange seemed to move in Wade’s eyes. He shook his head. “Felt a little funny there for a moment.” He grinned. “But I’ll be fine.”