“Girls.” I held up a hand. It had been one of those mornings. The kind where everything was a struggle. The shirt that Mia wanted to wear was dirty. Ava had left the book she wanted to read at school. And Will was trying to rush us all out the door so we could drop him at Griffin’s for work. Mia had been pitching a fit since we left the farmhouse because she wanted to stay with the boys. I took a deep breath. “I need five minutes to talk to Bell. That’s it.”

They nodded and kept mostly silent for the rest of the walk to Second Chances, though I did catch them sticking out their tongues at each other. I ignored it. An antique bell tinkled as I pulled open the door to Bell’s shop. It had only been open a couple of months, but business was already booming. A local interior designer who worked on several high-end homes had discovered the unique pieces Bell restored and had fallen in love. Her business alone could’ve kept the shop afloat.

“My favorite people,” Bell called from the back of the store. “This certainly brightens my morning.”

“Sorry to drop by unannounced.”

“You know you’re welcome anytime.” Bell did a quick assessment of my face and turned to the girls. “Ford’s in the break room, and he has muffins from The Mad Baker. Why don’t you go get some?”

Mia and Ava both perked up immediately. They shot me a quick glance, and as soon as I nodded, they took off in search of the treats. I let out a breath.

“What’s going on? You look exhausted,” Bell asked.

“It’s just one of those mornings. Everyone’s unhappy.” What I needed was a solid week on a sunny beach. One of those resorts that had activities that kept kids busy all day long so you could lay by the pool and have someone bring you drinks and food.

“You’ve got a look on your face that I honestly can’t read.”

I grinned. “I’m picturing myself at one of those fancy resorts where handsome men bring you fruity drinks with little umbrellas in them.”

Bell chuckled. “It’s good to have a Zen zone.”

“I go there often.”

Bell pulled me into a quick hug. “I’m sorry it was a rough morning.”

“Life happens. Mad Baker muffins should improve their moods significantly.”

“They always work for me. Now, what brings you by?”

I suddenly felt nervous, like maybe the plan that had taken shape in my mind last night was a very bad idea. “Can’t I just come to visit my best friend?”

Bell eyed me suspiciously. “Sure…”