Where Shadows Meet(78)

“I was in the haymow, but not with Matt.”

“Too bad.” Angie’s grin was sly.

“You’re terrible.”

“Just honest. Has he kissed you yet?”

Hannah ducked her head and didn’t answer. She tugged on the blouse and tried to look down to see how it fit. At least it didn’t show any cleavage.

“He has kissed you, hasn’t he? I bet he’s a great kisser.”

“No, he hasn’t! He’s got more integrity than that. I’m still married.” Hannah laughed it off, but her cheeks and neck felt as if they would burn up any minute.

“Okay, okay. Sit down on the stool a minute and let me do something with this mop of yours. You’ve got hay and chaff all through it.”

Hannah sank onto the stool. In minutes, debris littered the floor around her. She reached up and touched her hair. “I should put it up.”

“No, you should not. I didn’t cut it so you could wind it all up and hide it. You look terrific. Let’s go eat.”

A model on display couldn’t be any more self-conscious. Hannah followed Angie down the stairs. “Smells like beef and noodles with brown butter,” she said.

“It is.” Sarah didn’t look at her. “The table is ready for you and the children in the sitting room.”

Matt had seen her. His gaze followed her, and she hoped he didn’t think she was trying to attract him. Oh, who was she kidding—of course he knew. The whole family had to know. The new outfit was as blatant as a neon sign flashing “LOOK.” She practically ran from the room.

The children had their hands in their laps. “Naomi, would you like to pray?” Hannah asked in her rusty German.

Naomi nodded, and both little girls clasped their hands and bowed their heads. Hannah listened to the silence and remembered her own family. Luca had asked her not to endear the children to her, but she found it impossible not to talk to them and interact. By the time the meal was over, they were chattering to her as though she was their best friend. They helped her carry the plates back to the kitchen.

Luca stopped at the sink and glanced at her. “It’s good you have come back, Hannah. If there’s anything that belonged to your parents here, feel free to take it.”

Hannah wondered if he might know what had happened to the ring. “Luca, would you happen to know—”

“Hannah, could you hand me those plates?” Sarah broke in with a desperate edge to her voice.

Hannah blinked but handed over the plates stacked on the table in front of her. Sarah was accepting a favor? As Sarah took the plates, Hannah saw the plea in her eyes.

“Thanks. Matt, I’ve got some scraps you can feed the dog.” Sarah gave the bag to Matt.

Sarah didn’t want her to talk to Luca about the ring. Hannah decided to hold her tongue, but only until tomorrow when she could talk to her friend alone. Maybe Sarah would finally tell her what was going on.

“I’m going to go out and feed the cats,” Hannah said. She grabbed the cat food from the back porch and carried it into the yard. Three of the cats came running, but Spooky was still missing. Matt followed her, but he didn’t say anything and walked off toward the woods.

Did he suspect someone was out there? She hurriedly finished feeding the cats and went back inside.

“Have you seen Spooky?” she asked Angie. Through the window, the trees drew shadows against the backdrop of night. Her family had already headed to bed.

“Not since this morning,” Angie said.

“Maybe Matt has him.” Hannah stepped to the back door and peered out to where he stood staring off into the woods. His stance conveyed loneliness. Had he been watching for intruders or just craving some alone time? Interacting with the big family could be an intense experience. She couldn’t read his expression in the darkness. The backyard swallowed up any hint of illumination from the stars, and there was no moon. She slipped out to join him.

“Something wrong?” he asked.

“Have you seen Spooky?”

“Like I’d be looking for a cat.”

She’d forgotten how much he hated cats. “Maybe he’s with Ajax. Where is he?”

“On the step.” He pointed out the dog, who had pricked his ears at the sound of his name. Ajax rose and stretched, then padded over to nuzzle her hand.

Hannah didn’t want to admit to her worry, but her mild misgiving ramped up to alarm. “He never stays away at mealtime. He loves his food.”

“Did you try calling him? Maybe he’s lost in the woods.”

Hannah didn’t want to admit something might have . . . eaten him. “I’ll go look.”

“Look, it’s a cat. He’ll be fine. Don’t tell me you’re one of those who think cats will climb a tree and then not be able to get down.”

“He’s a good climber. I’ll go find him.”

“Not without me. Reece could be out there. I’ll grab a flashlight.” Matt went past her into the house and returned moments later with a flashlight and a kerosene lantern. He gave her the lantern. “You take that since you know how to work it.” He called his dog to him. “You got anything of Spooky’s?”

“His bed.” She took the lantern, then ran to grab the pad from the back porch. “Here it is.” She handed it to Matt.