The Last Piece of His Heart (Lost Boys 3)

“How long will it take once you have them?”

“A few days.”

A few days and he’s done.

“They’re due to arrive tomorrow morning.”

“Then I’ll come back tomorrow.”

“Sure,” I said just as stiffly. “Whatever.”

A crash sounded from inside. Ronan whirled around and we glanced at each other, wide-eyed. He tossed the rake to the ground and the supplies fell out of my hand as we both rushed into the house.

“Bibi?” I cried, my heart in my throat.

“Here, dear. Darn my butterfingers.”

Bibi was holding hard to the kitchen counter. At her feet, the ceramic tea pot lay in shards.

I rushed to her. “Are you okay? What happened?”

“I’m fine,” she said, smiling weakly. “It’s silly. Just got a little dizzy.”

“Come sit down.” I gently put my arms around her, shooting Ronan a panicked look. His mouth was a grim line of worry.

“It’s nothing, I promise,” Bibi said as I led her to the couch. “When you’re my age, things break down, dear. My eyes aren’t what they used to be. I misjudged the distance to the counter and the teapot fell.” She shook her head. “A shame. I loved that teapot.”

“You said you were dizzy.”

“I’m eighty years old! It happens.”

I exchanged another glance with Ronan.

“Where’s the broom?” he asked, the solidity of his presence helping to calm me.

“Back of the kitchen door.”

Bibi frowned. “Ronan is here? Oh my, I’m afraid I’m even more embarrassed. I didn’t see you there, darling.”

“It’s fine,” Ronan said and went to fetch the broom.

Bibi leaned into me. “He’s a good boy, isn’t he?”

He’s stubborn and frustrating…

“Yes,” I said. “He’s a good guy.”

He returned a few minutes later. “You’re set. Do you need anything else?”

“Not a thing.”

“Then I’ll go. I was telling Shiloh there’s no work for me to do until the supplies get here.”

“Understandable,” Bibi said. “But I made a fresh batch of cookies and this time, I insist that you take a few.”

“Ms. Barrera—”

“I insist.”