Autumn Kiss by Stacey Joy Netzel

Author:Stacey Joy Netzel
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Romance
Publisher: Stacey Joy Netzel
Published: 2017-04-06T00:00:00+00:00

After a fitful couple hours of sleep, Josie woke Monday morning to her alarm and left for the bakery without waking her sister and nephews. Dawn had yet to break, but when she parked behind the building, first thing she noticed was the absence of Nash’s car.

Her heart sank as she made her way inside and started her morning routine. Tessa showed up unexpectedly again, claiming she loved flex-Ed, which allowed her to watch lectures online after the fact. Remembering how hectic the week before Thanksgiving had been the previous year, Josie didn’t turn her help away.

Her sister was setting up out front when Shea’s usual weekday morning knock sounded on the back door. Swinging it open, Josie’s heart skipped as the young girl offered a subdued smile. “Morning, Josie.”

“Hi, Shea. How are you doing?” The girl shrugged, and Josie’s gaze automatically dropped toward her waist. When she lifted her attention, Shea’s green eyes widened in dismay.

“Oh, my God—he told you, didn’t he?”

Josie quickly stepped forward, hands raised to calm her fears. “Yes, but—”

Tears welled in the girl’s eyes. “Please don’t say anything to anyone. Please. I haven’t even told my parents yet.”

She knew Shea was in her twenties at least, but right now, she looked like a lost, frightened little kid. Swallowing past the lump in her throat, Josie reached forward and pulled her into a hug.

“I won’t say a word,” she promised quietly. Heart thumping in her chest, she forced the next words out in a low voice. “And I…ah…know a little of what you’re going through, so if you feel like talking later, I’m right across the hall.” Setting her back at arm’s length, she met her gaze. “Okay?”

Questions swam in the girl’s eyes, but she nodded without asking them. Thank God. Josie handed Shea the large white pastry boxes that made up Whispering Pines’ daily order, then held the door open for her.

At the last minute, she did her best to sound casual as she commented, “I noticed your brother’s car isn’t here this morning.”

Shea paused halfway into the driver’s seat of her little SUV, a frown marring her smooth forehead. “Didn’t he tell you last night?”

Josie’s stomach rolled in dread. “What?”

“He went back to Georgia this morning.”

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