She took one last look before she locked up and set the alarm. Cullen knew the code if he needed to get in for any reason. Ellie was the backup. Confident she was ready for this new adventure, she harnessed Wiley in the back seat of her SUV and put her weekender bag in the back. She checked her tote bag for a sketch pad, tape measure, and fabric samples. Then it dawned on her that she didn’t have a gift! You never go to anyone’s house without bringing something! With all the excitement of shopping and preparing, she had forgotten a house gift. The thought of a candle crossed her mind, but she felt that would be too girlie. She hit the button on the console. “Call the Flakey Tart.” The electronic voice repeated “Calling the Flakey Tart.” After two rings, Heidi answered with her usual greeting. “What sweetness can we bring into your life today?”

“Hey, Heidi! It’s Luna.”

“Hey, Luna. I thought you were going out of town this weekend.”

“I am, but I’m such a knucklehead I forgot to pick up something for the host.”

Heidi laughed. “I have just the thing. I made a beautiful apple strudel that came out of the oven about an hour ago.”

“Sounds scrumptious. I hope I don’t eat it on the way!”

“I’ll throw in a scone for your trip.” Heidi chuckled.

“Thanks. Come to think of it, how about a couple of them. Do you have any brioche?”

“Yep, I do. Want me to put a box together? Three of each?”

“Fantastic! But make sure you put an extra scone in a bag for me!”

“No problem.”

“I’m on my way over now. Uncle Cullen is doggie-sitting for Wiley.”

“Great. See you in a few.”

Luna was relieved. She would have brought something for the house but she didn’t know what he needed. The first time he visited the center, she had given him a tour, and he bought dinnerware and glassware. If she had more time, she would have looked for something appropriate. But a good apple strudel wasn’t terrible. Plus the breakfast goodies. She was satisfied with the pastry party she was going to offer.

* * *

Chi-Chi unlocked the safe and was beginning to put the jewelry on display when her phone rang. It was her brother. “Hello, sister. I am an hour away.” His cheerful voice was loud and clear.

“Abeo! I thought you were coming day after tomorrow.” Chi-Chi’s voice was nervous.

“Do you not want to see your older brother?” he kidded. “I have those stones you asked Father to send from Nigeria.”

“Of course I want to see you. And yes, I need the stones.”

“What is the problem, then?”

“I wasn’t expecting you until Monday, and I made plans for the weekend.” Chi-Chi wasn’t sure what might unfold and she didn’t want her brother to interfere.