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Her face goes ashen. The smile that is almost always present on her lips dips into a deep frown just as a single tear trails down her cheek.

I reach for her hand to hold it. “What is it? What’s wrong?”

She’s offered me endless comfort over the years, and I can see that she needs exactly that from me now, so I cling to her as her gaze slowly drifts back to Percy.

“You’re Louie’s grandson, aren’t you?” Her voice is quiet, and the tremble in her tone is evident. “Louie Howells is your grandfather.”

Percy’s face takes on the same sallow tone as Hildy’s. He nods softly, his gaze volleying between Hildy and me. “Yes.”

His answer is so succinct and almost silent that I feel the need to ask him to repeat it even though I have no clue who Louie Howells is. Before I can say anything, Hildy drops my hand to reach for his.

She looks into his eyes. “Is Louie gone? Did you come to tell us he’s passed?”

Percy takes her small hand and sighs deeply. “He’s alive. He’s here.”

Hildy leans to the right so she can see the entrance to the coffee shop. “Louie is here? Where?”

Percy looks at me briefly before he tugs on Hildy’s hand. “No. I meant that he’s in New York. He moved back to the city last year. He doesn’t get out much, but I can take you to him.”

“Now?” Excitement edges her tone. “Can we go now?”

Percy’s gaze drops to the floor. “I don’t know if he’ll remember you, Ms. Wallner.”

Stunned that Percy knows my great aunt’s name, I open my mouth to ask him what the hell is going on. I need to know if he knew I was related to Hildy when he approached me weeks ago. I don’t get a word out, though, because Hildy makes a soft sound. It’s more than a whimper but less than a cry. There’s pain in it. It’s the same pain that has been in her eyes since she first spotted Percy.

“Louie will remember me,” she whispers. “I know he will.”

54

William

After droppingoff the pink roses at Scout’s workplace, I got back in the rideshare I’d ordered and had him head straight to Turquoise Crown. My plan is to surprise Opal and then confess my sins to her.

She deserves to know my truth.

My only hope is that after she hears it, she’ll want to give us a fighting chance. I’ve been a front row witness to many couples falling in love. In most of those cases, I played a part in bringing them together, but that spark that’s ignited when two destined souls find one another is out of my control.

What happens next between Opal and me is out of my control, too. I know she said that a casual relationship is all she wants, but there’s potential for more between us.

I feel it. I believe she feels it, too, and that’s why I’ll bare my soul to her.

I have to. It’s the first step toward a future with her.

I exit the rideshare carrying the two dozen violet roses Lola tracked down for me. They’re fragrant and perfect in every way. I can’t wait to place them in Opal’s arms.

I tug on the door handle of the bar, but there’s no give to it. I can’t say I’m surprised, so I knock gently, hoping Opal will appear behind the glass door.

I see movement inside, and instantly, my heart thunders in my chest. I want her so desperately that I’m feeling things I’ve never felt before. Fear is paired with a nervous energy that is coursing through me at lightning speed.

I suddenly wish I had ditched the suit for jeans and a T-shirt today because all of this clothing is making me feel like I’m overheating.

I curse silently when I see a black-haired woman peeking through the glass. It’s Myra.

She opens the door with a flourish, her gaze trailing over the roses. “Oh, wow. They’re for Opal, aren’t they?”

“They are,” I say, looking over her head so I can search the interior of Turquoise Crown for the woman I need to talk to.

“Come in, William.” She motions me in before she locks the door behind me.