Page 146 of Falling for the Grumpiest Protector

"Aunt Maddy, have you seen my other shoe?"

I stare at him. "You're asking me?"

"You find things."

"Since when?"

"Always."

Mom points toward the living room. "Under the couch."

Noah disappears. I look at her. "How did you know that?"

"I'm a mother."

"That isn't an explanation."

"It explains most things."

Noah returns with the missing sneaker. "Found it!"

Mom gives me a look. I close my laptop. Apparently the universe has decided I've thought enough for one morning. I'm grateful.

By the time Monday afternoon rolls around, the farm has acquired scarecrows. I don't know who made them. I don't ask. One of them has a mustache. Another is wearing sunglasses. The third looks suspiciously like Jack.

I stand in front of it. Emma joins me. "Tell me that's not supposed to be your husband."

"I cannot tell a lie."

"It has his shirt."

"He donated it without knowing."

I turn to her. "Does he know now?"

"No."

I smile. "Please make sure I'm here when he finds out."

"Wouldn't miss it."

A truck door closes behind us. I know the footsteps before Javier reaches me. That's probably something I should examine. I don't.

His hand finds my waist. "Hey."

"Hey." He kisses my cheek.

Emma watches us. I look at her. She turns toward the scarecrow with exaggerated interest. "Nice weather we're having."

Javier follows my gaze. He stares at the scarecrow. "Is that Jack?"

"Yes."

"Does he know?"

"No."

Javier smiles. "This festival gets better every day."