Page 18 of Drop Dead Gorgeous

The church doors stand open.

Inside, tomorrow's flowers already frame the altar, filling the sanctuary with soft color and the faint perfume of fresh greenery.

Near the front pew, I spot Grim.

Beside him stands a little boy I assume must be Kilian's grandson.

The child chatters happily while pointing at one of the bouquets, and Grim gives him his complete attention, listening with a patience that would put most adults to shame. The little boy slips his hand into Grim's without the slightest hesitation, continuing his very serious explanation of something involving butterflies.

Grim nods solemnly, as though every word matters.

The child beams.

Something inside my chest quietly melts.

Children have always been excellent judges of character.

I linger only a moment before Grim looks up.

Our eyes meet across the sanctuary.

He doesn't wave.

He simply offers the faintest smile.

It feels strangely like being included in a secret.

Not wanting to interrupt, I slip back outside.

Belladonna Blooms is dark by the time I return to lock up.

I flip the sign to Closed, gather my keys, and glance through the front window.

Across the street, beneath the glow of a streetlamp, stands Grim.

He isn't watching the shop.

He's watching the intersection.

Curiosity gets the better of me.

I step outside.

"Should I be worried you're following me?"

"No."

His answer comes so matter-of-factly that I almost laugh.

"Then what are you doing?"

He nods toward the crosswalk.

Only then do I notice the elderly woman making her careful way across the street, grocery bags hanging heavily from both arms.

She pauses halfway across.

For just a heartbeat.