Hollywood Ever After (Red Carpet 1)

“She mentioned taking the children with her.” He paused. “And if they did go, I wondered if you’d come with me to Stratford. Visit the cottage? It’s rather sad, sitting empty when you and I might use it. Stratford is a lovely village, too.”

I stared up at him, warming from the inside. “I’m not sure. Not about going with you, but what Mom’s plans are.”

He smiled. “Let’s find out.”

By the time we reached our room, Will was sleeping soundly in Josh’s arms. We tucked him in, laughing softly when he didn’t stir.

Since Helen and Nathan had bid us goodnight at the bus stop, Natalie decided she would read for a bit and keep Grams company.

My mother smiled up at me from the settee, her knitting basket at her feet. “You two go out, Claire. We’ll be fine.”

“Yeah, Mom. You and Josh should have some couple time.” Natalie smiled at us before settling onto the settee by her grandmother and opening her book.

Then I saw them. A huge bouquet of white roses sat on the table, tied up with a bow. There was also a box of fruit pastilles, too.

A candy Will had discovered here in England. You couldn’t get them in the States.

I couldn’t breathe.

I couldn’t think.

“Those were here when we got home. I guess the front desk delivered them?” My mother glanced at me then hesitated.

How did Daniel know?

I knew Mom was watching me, trying to figure out what was wrong with me. So I tried to smooth my face, tried not to look like I was going to fall apart.

Josh glanced at the flowers then stared at me. He touched my cheek before he moved toward the table, his jaw rigid.

“Natalie, I left my other needles in the bag in the bottom of my closet,” my mother said.

Natalie dropped her book on the settee. “I’ll get them, Grams.” She slipped, blissfully unaware, from the room.

Josh pulled the note from the bouquet. “He’s been sending these to you, hasn’t he?”

“Who?” My mother looked at the flowers, confused. “I thought you said the others were a mistake.”

I fought to maintain control, biting my lip to keep it from quivering. Apparently I didn’t do a very good job.

My mother’s eyes widened as she stared at me. She stiffened, turning red as she gripped her knitting. “Oh, Claire.”

Josh looked at the card. “May I?” I nodded, unable to pull air into my lungs.

How could Daniel know about the candy? How could he know? I hugged myself as fear started flooding my limbs.

He opened the card and read it. “It’s from the hotel. Apparently Will made quite an impression on the manager this morning?”

Air filled my lungs. “Really?” My heart was beating again, throbbing as it tried to settle into a regular rhythm again.

Josh smiled, his forehead wrinkling in concern. He held the card out to me and nodded.

“Well, that was a little too stressful for my liking. I need a drink.” My mother sat down on the settee as Natalie appeared.

“I couldn’t find them anywhere, Grams…” She paused and looked at the knitting bag on the floor by the settee. “Aren’t those your other set?”

My mother leaned forward. “Oh, sweetie, I’m sorry. They were right there all along.”

Josh’s eyes hadn’t left my face. I knew my fear was evident, I could feel it. I was completely embarrassed by my own over-the-top reaction. To flowers from the front desk for Will, no less. I was feeling more than a little ridiculous.