I chuckled, a little of the tension leaving my muscles. “They’re curious because of my family.”

“Because they died?” she asked hesitantly.

“Yeah, mostly because of that.”

Mia snuggled into my chest. “I’m sorry you lost your family. But you’re in our family now. That’s what the rainbow bracelet means.”

I swallowed hard as I met Caelyn’s gaze over Mia’s head. Tears gathered in the corners of her eyes, but she smiled. “She’s right. I’m afraid you’ve been claimed.”

I didn’t mind one bit.

31

Caelyn

“Hey, Caelyn.”

I looked up at the sound of Shay’s voice. “Hey, you. I feel like I haven’t seen you in forever.”

She flushed and looked over her shoulder as if expecting someone to be lurking nearby. “Sorry I haven’t been by to pick up my order. Things have been busy.”

“No apologies necessary. Things have been crazy around here, too.” Unfortunately, the photographer at the farmhouse had managed to snap a photo of Griffin, Mia, and me. It had taken a couple of weeks, but they finally figured out my name, and reporters started making a habit of coming by the store. But after Mr. Walters put up a large sign stating: No reporters allowed on-premises, violators will be tased, things had calmed way down.

“I heard. How are you holding up?”

The worry in Shay’s expression had me forcing my smile wider. “I really am fine. I think all the reporters are finally gone.” That didn’t stop Griffin from being a very grumpy goose. He might have come to terms with his name being splashed across the papers, but mine was another story. He had his lawyer pursuing every legal action in the book.

Shay twisted her fingers together. “I heard about the brick, too. You’re being extra cautious, right?”

I fought the shiver that wanted to surface. “I am. But there hasn’t been anything else. I’m hoping it was just kids and a prank that got out of hand.” Even as I said the words, I knew they weren’t true. I hated to admit that it looked like the culprit might be my mother. Why else would it all stop the day I went to see her?

Shay nodded. “I’m really glad to hear that. Now, I’ll get all of the stuff you’ve been holding for me out of your way.”

I laughed. “It’s not that much, and you know I’m happy to do it. Here.” I pulled out the ledger from under the counter. “Just sign this.”

Shay scrawled her name across the line I pointed to. “Did you have any luck with those violin strings?”

“I did. It took me a few calls, but I got you two packets. Those puppies were not cheap.”

She winced. “I know. But they’re the best. Thanks for taking the time to find them.”