Ask Me Why(3)

That stops me short. Devon was the one who encouraged me to fulfill my fantasies. With him gone, most of those hopes were dashed. Except this one. Thicket is what’s left for me.

The morning bleeds into afternoon as it always does. A steady stream of customers keeps me busy without pause so the haunting memories fade into the background. I’m about to start unpacking a new shipment of mugs when a twinge in my chest stops me.

When I blink, a blur of movement outside the window catches my eye. All I see is a patch of red dashing by in a hurry. I furrow my brow and concentrate on the task at hand. After a quick beat, the welcome chime sounds and a little boy darts inside. I’m guessing he’s around four or five, hints of baby fat showing off his youth. His light eyes are blown wide open as he scans the shop from wall to wall. Something grabs his attention and he skips forward. I follow his stare, trying to figure out what he’s focusing on.

He dashes down the far aisle in a flurry I can barely track. His tiny feet pound on the floor as he searches the shelves. He zips this way and that, a super-charged pinball darting around the confining alley. His delight is infectious and impossible to ignore. I feel my spirits lifting, just like that.

As I continue watching him hunt, his excitement bounces in every direction. I gladly absorb it all, the layer of ice under my skin thawing ever so slightly. He’s bubbling with pure happiness and carefree bliss. I lift my lips in the most genuine smile I can muster. He makes it easier. This kid radiates everything that’s good in the world.

Eventually he circles back and screeches to a halt in front of me, slightly out of breath. “Where is it?”

I move from behind the counter. “What’re you looking for?”

“Candy! I saw a lollypop on your sign.” His chubby cheeks are dented with glee and I feel my smile stretching in return. A mop of brown hair flops over his forehead and he sweeps it away with stubby fingers.

Gosh, he’s adorable.

This cutie pie is stealing all my attention so I don’t notice the woman standing by the entrance. Until she clears her throat, very loudly.

Our gazes whip in her direction.

“Oliver John, what did we just discuss?” Her mouth is set in a firm line, showing off deep wrinkles.

Oliver’s dimples melt away, and he stares at the ground. “I’m not supposed to run off.”

“And what did you do?”

“But—”

She holds up a palm. “No buts.”

I watch their exchange, the need to intervene compelling me to speak up. “At least he ended up somewhere safe. It’s quite all right if he does laps for hours. I don’t mind.”

The older woman studies me with a wary squint. “You might not, but his father will.”

“And that makes you his…” I let my words trail off, hoping she’ll fill in the blank.

“Nanny, yes. Although I prefer honorary grandmother. Lord knows the poor child doesn’t have any biological ones to rely on. But that’s a tale for a different day. I’m Mary, and that little rascal”—she points to the boy beside me—“is Oliver.”

“But you can call me Ollie.” He grins up at me, the joy reappearing in his expression.

“Nice to meet you both. My name is Braelyn, and you’re in Thicket.” I motion around the space with a limp flourish.

Mary takes a cursory glance around. “It’s charming. There’s much to see.”

I dip my chin under her watchful eye. “Thank you. I appreciate that.”

“Have you been here long?”

“About two years.”

Mary nods. “We’ve never ventured along this street before. But I’m sure Ollie will never forget now that we’ve found this place.”

I feel a tug on my shirt and look down. Ollie’s smile hasn’t dimmed since being rejuvenated. I find myself grinning back.

“Will you show me where the candy is now?” he asks.

I point behind me, to the row of tubs under the window. “Do you like taffy?”

Ollie’s expression morphs into sheer wonder. “The super-chewy stuff?”

“Yes, I have a bunch of different flavors.”

He dashes toward the bins. “What’s your favorite?”

“The rainbow swirl,” I whisper.

Ollie lowers his face closer to the sugary treats. “What do they taste like?”

I swallow the lump in my throat. “Happiness.”

His button nose wrinkles. “That’s a weird flavor.”

I pluck one from the bunch and pass it over. “Try it and see.”

He unwraps the colorful roll and pops it into his mouth. Ollie chews loudly, his eyes sparkling bright. “Urm me gesh, whish ish so gerd.”

I laugh at his jargon. “You like it?”

“So good,” he mumbles.

I tug a paper sack out of the slot and scoop in a hefty amount. This should keep him occupied for at least ten minutes. I grin at that, picturing him gladly munching away. I want to bottle a sip of his energy and drink it later when the blues return.

I glance at him, finding him watching my every move. “This loot is for you. On the house.”

Ollie’s lips twist in a ridiculous way. “What’s that mean?”

“I’m giving it to you,” I explain. “For free.”