Charmed by the Wolf by Kristal Hollis

Author:Kristal Hollis
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2017-10-18T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 21

“Happy birthday, Brenna!”

The little girl’s strawberry blond curls bounced in pigtails as she nodded her head. “I this many.” She stuck her index finger toward Nel’s face.

Cassie put the child down. “Go tell Daddy that Nel is here.”

Her cherub face grinning, Brenna toddled off as instructed.

Cassie looked a little tired. “Her grandfather gave her too much sugar this morning. We keep expecting her to run out of steam and crash for a nap. Oh, no. She’s too stubborn for that—just like her father.”

“I hope I’m not late...” Nel began.

“Not at all.” Cassie’s brow creased. “Where’s Tristan?”

“He started back to work, but he’ll stop in later.” Nel hadn’t seen him for a few days, but he had texted. “Several deputies are on vacation, so he won’t stay long.”

“Bren will be disappointed. He’s one of her favorite people. But so are you, and we’re glad you came.”

“This is for Brenna.” She gave Cassie a brightly colored present. “And...” Nel picked up a large package wrapped in brown paper. “This is for you. My way of saying thanks for the opportunity at the resort and your kindness.”

“Thank you.” Cassie smiled, accepting the gift. “Come in.”

She followed Cassie into a spacious living area that opened out to a gorgeous wood-and-tile patio.

Brice, leaning against the bar between the large kitchen and living room, lifted his glass of iced tea. “Want something to drink?”

Nel nodded and he headed to the cooler. Gavin Walker sat in the leather recliner, his shoes kicked off. He looked more casual than Nel had ever seen him. Abigail Walker, his wife, sat in a rocker holding one of Grace’s twins—Reina—considering the bright pink bow fastened in a gelled blond curl on top of her head.

Grace dozed quietly, leaning against the shoulder of her husband, Rafe, who held Ryan—the other twin—whose hair was as red as Rafe’s own.

Brenna had climbed onto the couch beside Rafe and was rubbing the baby’s back.

Cassie set Brenna’s present on the coffee table, which held only a few other gifts. Even though the child’s parents and grandparents seemed well-off, it was heartwarming to see that they weren’t extravagant or overly indulgent with Brenna.

“Look what Nel gave me.” Cassie waggled the package at Brice.

Nel sat on the love seat and smiled her thanks as Brice handed her a drink.

“What is it?” he asked.

“A token.” Nel shrugged. “Something on Cassie’s desk inspired me and I thought this was something she might like to have.”

Nel hoped they liked it. Really, really hoped they liked it.

She gulped her drink but it seemed to lodge in her throat because her heart was in the way.

Cassie carefully removed the paper. She and Brice simply stared. Nel’s mind raced and her heart dived into her stomach.

Wordlessly, Brice showed the others the painting of Cassie in a white linen shift, with her red curls spilling over her shoulder, sitting in a moonlit forest with a black wolf beside her gazing into her face.

Abigail Walker gasped; her hand flew to her mouth. Gavin Walker got up from his chair and walked over to inspect the painting.

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