Those Sweet Words (Misfit Inn 2)

“If he has any sense, he probably hid so we couldn’t put him to more work. Now come on, you need to go, and I need to get started turning every room in the place. The laundry alone is going to take hours.”

“Seriously, Pru, we can at least spring for some help while Kennedy’s gone,” Maggie insisted.

“If I need someone, I’m sure I can find someone. Now, I love you both, and I’m kicking you out.” To solve the matter, Pru hugged each sister in turn and opened the door.

“We’re going. We’re going. Go have a nap,” Athena suggested. “You’ll feel better.”

“I’ll do that. Text me when you get back tonight.”

They promised they would. Pru stood on the porch until they got the rental car loaded up and waved when they pulled out of the drive. As their taillights disappeared down the street, she shut the door, leaned back against it, and closed her eyes.

“Are they gone, then?” Flynn’s voice came from the general direction of the stairs.

Pru exhaled a long breath. “They are. Thank you, baby Jesus.”

She should really get started on those rooms, strip the beds, gather the towels… Even the thought of the remaining work made her want to curl up into a ball. But, of course, she shoved away from the door and started for the stairs.

Her phone vibrated with a text. Pru pulled it out to find a picture of Ari and Kacy strapped into…was that some kind of space shuttle simulator? The two of them were grinning and mugging for the camera.

Flynn peered over her shoulder. “Looks like she’s having a good time.”

“They’re at the Discovery Center, I think. It’s a science museum in Nashville.” Pru blinked back sudden tears.

“Here now, what’s wrong?” Flynn’s arm came around her shoulders.

“I’m sorry. It’s just, this is the first time she’s asked to do anything away from us overnight since Mom died.”

“I’m sure it doesn’t mean she loves you any less.”

“No, no. These are happy tears. It means she’s feeling comfortable and safe. This is huge.”

“You did that,” he told her. “You and your sisters.”

She turned into him, wrapping her arms around his waist and burrowing in because she needed to share this with someone. “That little girl means everything to me.” Beyond being the last link to her mother, Ari was simply a joy.

“You’re doing an amazing job with her.” He ran a hand down her hair. “You’re doing an amazing job with everything. Is there anything else you need to do right now?”

“I can think of at least a dozen things I should be doing.”

“Things are all sorted with the wedding clean up. Give yourself some time.”

Her heart began to pound as she realized that the house was, at last, empty and likely to stay that way for more than twenty-four hours. Nerves tumbled over themselves in her belly. It was one thing to proposition a man under the influence of alcohol and temper. But it was broad day and she was stone cold sober.

If Flynn noticed her nerves, he gave no indication. “Come on. I want to show you something.” Tucking her hand in his, he led her up the stairs to his room on the third floor.

“Now that the inn has cleared out, we can move you to one of the bigger rooms.”

“This one’s fine.” He opened the door and Pru went speechless.

There were candles—dozens of them—flickering from every corner. He’d rounded up some of the flowers from the wedding and scattered those around the room as well. Little pops of color and scent. She recognized the iPhone dock from the kitc

hen sitting on the dresser.

“Well,” she managed. “Someone’s been busy.”

“I got into your stash of candles in the treatment room. I hope you don’t mind. I wanted to set the stage.”

Last night she’d thought to have some fun, get a quick release, and do something entirely out of character. But this was something else. Something more. And that was terrifying.