“I agree.” Shelby waved at Bea. “She has to watch you grow up and wear your first bee suit.”
Bea giggled.
“How about the other thing?” Nicole asked, sipping her cup of coffee. “You know, being head over heels in love with Mr. Neighbor.”
Astrid was in fact head over heels in love with her neighbor. “They’re going back home soon.”
“How are you doing with that?” Nicole pushed.
“Are you trying to make me cry this morning?” She shook her head. “I’m joking.”
“No, you’re not.” Nicole sat on the floor beside her. “You weren’t supposed to actually fall in love with him, Astrid.”
“I didn’t realize love was a choice?” Shelby carried Bea’s bib and dish to the sink. “That’s the problem with it.”
Astrid shook one of Bea’s rattles—and Jammie the cat came running over. “It’s not for you, silly. It’s Bea’s.” The baby giggled when the cat swatted the toy. “He is funny, isn’t he, Bea?”
“There’s no chance they’ll stay?” Nicole asked.
“I don’t know. I don’t think so.” Charlie had never mentioned considering staying in Honey. He had mentioned he didn’t like change and he did like plans.
“It’s a shame.” Shelby joined them on the floor, stacking up Bea’s blocks. “He was so...so sharp when he got here. Honey seems to have smoothed off those rough edges.”
Shelby and Nicole gave her the same look.
“Oh, stop.” Astrid shook her head.
Charlie came around the corner and stopped. “You’re all on the floor.”
“It’s where the cool kids hangout.” Nicole held up one of Bea’s teddy bears and squeezed it. The toy squeaked—and all six dogs came running.
Bea was delighted.
“Do you want a ride into town?” Charlie asked.
Astrid pushed up off the floor. “Yes, please. It’s almost eleven, and the appointment is at Mr. Delaney’s office at eleven fifteen.”
“He’s still practicing law?” Nicole’s eyes widened. “I know his sisters are still going strong and running the café but I thought he was dead.”
“Nicole.” But Astrid laughed. “He did have a hip replacement and has had all sorts of physical therapy—that’s why this meeting was delayed for so long.”
“Still no idea what to expect from Rebecca’s will?” Shelby asked.
Astrid shrugged. “No idea.” She glanced at Charlie.
“No.” He sighed. “I have a feeling it will be an interesting morning. Thank you, again, for keeping an eye on the girls.”
“I’m planning on feeding them nothing but sugar. Other than that, we’ll be fine.” Nicole smiled sweetly.
“She’s teasing.” Astrid shot her a look.
“Or am I?” She stood and scooped up Bea. “Come on, Bea, let’s go watch some dinosaurs attack,” she said, carrying Bea from the room.
“Good luck.” Shelby hugged her.
“I have my phone. Keep me posted on Aunt Camellia, please.” Astrid hugged her back.
“Of course.” Shelby nodded.
