“Sadly, I’m not in it,” Delphia said. “Which is unfortunate because I would be the most interesting character of all.”
Addie laughed. “The stories are about the time before we were born.” She looked over at her mother, a shy expression on her face. “It’s all the stories the others told us growing up—about when they were small and you and Papa first met. I tried to capture the point of view of each of them. They each get a chapter.”
“What about us? We have our own stories.” Delphia stuck out her bottom lip. “When will it be our turn? I hate being the youngest.”
“No, you don’t,” Addie said, rolling her eyes with obvious affection. “You love being everyone’s darling.”
“What do you think, James?” Delphia asked. “Will she be famous someday?”
“I don’t know about famous. That’s up to many things that none of us have much control over, but I can tell you in all honesty that it’s very good. Funny and heartwarming. You’ll all be very proud to read it.”
“Do you really think so?” Addie beamed at me from across the table.
My opinion matters too much to her,I thought.I’m nobody.I should never have agreed to read it and inserted myself into her world. She deserved so much better than me and my fumbling ways.
“I never fib when it comes to a writer and their work,” I said out loud. “You have something special. You’re special.” That last part slipped out of my mouth before I could stop myself. Our eyes met and stayed locked for a moment.
“I can’t wait to read it,” Quinn said. A worried glance over at her husband told me she understood too well what had happened between Addie and me last night, what seemed to be unfolding without my permission minute by minute.
Fiona swept in, drawing all of our attention away from the conversation. “Hello, everyone. I’m sorry to be late but I overslept. Late night.”
We all greeted her and waited for her to return to the table with a cup of coffee and a plate of eggs and fruit.
“Where are the boys today?” Quinn asked.
“I’ve left them with their father. I have several things to take care of today.” She darted a look at Addie. What was that about? “I can’t stay long, but I wanted to see how James was holding up. I’m sorry I’ve neglected my best friend.” She smiled over at me. “Are you having fun?”
“A little too much,” I said.
Fiona frowned. “Youarelooking peaked. I told my husband to protect you from Flynn and Phillip last night. He must not have done as I asked. They’re like wild animals when they get a night out.”
“Shannon doesn’t let Flynn out often,” Quinn said. “For obvious reasons.”
“Josephine doesn’t mind giving Phillip a night for a little debauchery,” Fiona said. “Or I Li, for that matter. But I do worry sometimes about what kind of trouble they could get into.”
“My only trouble is an aching head,” I said. And that I’d kissed an innocent and confessed my obsession with her.
Quinn smiled kindly over at me. “James, ask Bitty for some powder for your head. We have a jar of it in the girls’ bathroom.” She glanced down at the watch around her wrist. “Oh dear, look at the time. I’ve got to go. I’m supposed to be in town for a meeting at the library in a few minutes. Can anyone drive me?”
“I’ll take you in,” Alexander said. “I have some business myself.”
“I want to go too,” Delphia said. “Jo said there’s a new book on the American Revolution I want to read.”
“That seems like heavy reading for my little girl.” Alexander puffed out his chest and beamed.
“I have to be ready for college, Papa. So I can be the best one there.”
“I’ve no doubt, love.” Alexander stood and offered his hand to his wife. “Dearest, are you ready?”
“Yes, I am. Delphia, I’ll bring the book home if you’d like. Save you the trip.” Quinn put aside her napkin and rose up from her chair.
“Thanks, Mama, but I want to go with you.” Delphia reached for the strawberry preserves. “I’m going to have one more piece of toast, though. All this babysitting has me half-starved. Do you know how much trouble those two little girls of Cym’s are? They’ve run me ragged.”
“I have an inkling,” Quinn said, exchanging an amused look with Alexander.
Alexander chuckled. “Yes, we know all about little girls and their mischief.” He gestured toward his wife. “Are you ready, darling, or do you need a moment to freshen up? I can bring the car around.”
“Yes, I’ll put my hat on and be down in a moment.”