Secrets on Cedar Key Read Free Page B

holding her six-month-old daughter, Solange.
    Chloe ran over to scoop the baby out of her sister’s arms. “And how’s my favorite niece?” she cooed, holding the baby up in the air, which produced giggles and a trail of drool on Solange’s chin.
    â€œOh, sorry,” Berkley said. “I closed the shop to run down here and drop off some yarn.”
    Grace waved a hand in the air. “Not a problem. Just thought I’d pop in to replenish my chocolate supply.”
    â€œThat baby gets prettier every day,” I told her, and it was the truth. Grace, who was extremely attractive, and Lucas, with his French good looks, had produced a gorgeous daughter with olive skin and dark curly hair who was a combination of both her parents.
    Grace laughed. “Thanks. We happen to think so. She tends to be a bit fussy lately, though. She’s teething.”
    â€œWell, you just let Aunt Chloe take her when she’s fussy.” She placed a kiss on the baby’s cheek. “That’s right. Aunt Chloe doesn’t mind and will have her laughing in no time.”
    As if to prove her aunt correct, Solange broke out in another round of giggles, causing all of us to laugh. Chloe was besotted with her niece, but I also felt that part of it was that she was grateful to be reunited with her sister. After ten years of a rocky relationship, their aunt Maude had paved the way for the sisters to put their differences aside, and I knew Chloe treasured the love they now shared.
    â€œTime for me to reopen the shop,” Berkley said. “And thanks for the coffee.”
    â€œI just want to pick up some yarn to make a sweater for Solange and I’ll be down to get my chocolate.”
    â€œ Another sweater?” I kidded her. “That child is going to have more sweaters than anybody in Levy County.”
    Grace laughed. “Actually, I’m going to make this one in a size two. She has plenty to get her through this winter, so I may as well start working ahead.”
    â€œOh, look at this great mint green linen that came in the other day,” Chloe said. “Perfect for Florida, even in the winter.”
    I returned to unpacking the new shipments while Chloe tended to Grace.
    Shortly after four-thirty, I rang up another sale while Chloe worked away on a gorgeous teal cable sweater done with baby alpaca yarn that would be displayed in the shop.
    â€œWell, if you don’t mind, I think I’ll scoot along. I want to make the chocolate shop before Berkley closes.”
    â€œNo, not at all. I’m going to finish up this row and then I’ll be closing. I don’t think we’ll get any last-minute customers today.”
    â€œOkay, then I’ll see you tomorrow. You have a good evening,” I said, gathering up my sweater and handbag.
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    I walked into the living room to be greeted by my mother’s dog, Oliver. A black standard poodle, Oliver had been rescued by my mother a few years before and was one of the great joys in her life.
    â€œOh, no, sorry,” I told him as he sniffed my bag of chocolate. “No chocolate for you, I’m afraid.” A pat on his head and a stroke beneath his chin made him happy as he followed me to the back of the house.
    My mother was in the kitchen putting the finishing touches on a bowl of salad.
    â€œAh, you’re home. Lasagna’s in the oven. We’ll be eating in about an hour,” she said as my cell phone rang.
    I answered to hear a male voice inquire, “Could I speak with Andrew Kane, please?”
    Surprised by the request, I mumbled, “Who’s calling?”
    â€œThis is Rick at Mail Boxes in Gainesville.”
    â€œOh . . . well . . . Andrew was my husband. But he passed away in March.”
    I heard the surprise in the caller’s voice. “I’m terribly sorry, Mrs. Kane. Please accept my condolences.”
    â€œThank you. What’s this in relation to?”
    â€œWell .