The Memory Keeper of Kyiv by Erin Litteken

Author:Erin Litteken [Litteken, Erin]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Boldwood Books

After dinner was cleaned up and two books read, Nick rose to leave.

“Cassie, I’ll get Birdie ready for bed,” Anna suggested. She gave Cassie a knowing look and nodded her head toward Nick as she took the little girl’s hand. “Will you see Nick out?”

“Yes, please do,” Bobby agreed as she pulled herself up and began shuffling down the hall. “I’m going to bed, too. Thank you for coming over, Nick.”

Cassie raised her eyebrows at their transparency but complied. “Sure.”

“You don’t have to get up.” Nick waved a hand at her as he made his way to the door. “I’m capable of opening and closing a door myself.”

“It’s no problem.” She stood and walked with him. Here was her chance to ask about the journal. “Thanks for coming over. Bobby enjoys cooking for people.”

“Well, that works. I enjoy eating food people cook for me.” Nick grinned at her. His blue eyes locked on hers, those two dimples popped up on his cheeks, and all thoughts of the journal fled from her mind.

She smiled back involuntarily. She didn’t want to like him. Didn’t want to feel that draw toward him. But she did. No matter how much she denied it, it was there, and it terrified her.

Cassie took a deep breath and tried to focus. What was she supposed to ask him?

“Birdie’s a great kid.” Nick spoke first.

Cassie ran her hand through her hair and sighed. “Thanks. It’s been a rough year for her. For all of us. But ever since we came back home, she’s been improving.” She gave a small laugh. “Don’t tell her I said it, but my mom was right about moving here.”

“I’m glad she was able to convince you.” His face reddened, as if he’d said too much, and he cleared his throat. “So, anyway, there’s a carnival in town this weekend. I was wondering if you and Birdie wanted to go see it? With me?”

Cassie’s mind raced. Was this a date? Did he like her? Did she like him? Her mouth opened and closed enough times to make her feel like a goldfish, but she couldn’t form any words in reply.

He looked down at the floor and flipped his keys in his hand nervously. “You don’t have to,” he said, when her silence stretched on for too long. “It’s no big deal. I thought Birdie might like it. And I thought it would be fun to spend some time with you.”

“I’m a widow,” she blurted. Her hand flew to her mouth, horrified at her response to a question he hadn’t asked.

“I know,” he said softly.

“Right. Of course.” Cassie had no idea what to say or what she wanted. Confusion made her head ache, and sweat prickled the back of her neck.

He glanced at her left hand. “I’m sorry. I don’t want to pressure you at all if you’re not ready. And if you’re still wearing your ring, then maybe you’re not.”

Cassie clutched her hands to her chest and squeezed them together. The band pressed into her finger.

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