From This Moment On - By Debbi Rawlins Page 0,32

I ask you something?” she said before Lucy opened the door.

“I’m listening.”

“Why stick around? After Catherine died, it was only Wallace. And you continued to clean up after him, cook, bring groceries. I don’t get it.”

“No reason you should.” Her gaze narrowed and her mouth tightened. “My family has owed the Gundersons for a long spell. And that’s all I’ll say on the subject.” Then she went through the door to Wallace’s room, closing it behind her.

Much as Nikki was relieved to be off the hook, now she was curious. Matt would’ve told her if he knew anything about Lucy’s family owing the Gundersons. He’d chalked up her loyalty to his mother’s talent for convincing people to make difficult promises.

Cinnamon-laced Columbian brew scented the air from the foyer into the kitchen. Lucy always added a heaping spoonful of the spice to the dry grounds, and Nikki was totally hooked. A plate of poppy seed muffins sat near the coffeepot. Homemade, naturally, and after sampling one last week, she was a fan. It was way too early to eat, but she grabbed one anyway, and carried it with her mug of coffee to the front windows.

She was hoping to spot Matt working outside. She hadn’t expected to see him in Wallace’s office, looking grim and sitting at the massive old desk. Ledgers and stacks of paper sat on the rawhide couch to his right. Since the door was open she didn’t hesitate to poke her head inside.

“Hey.”

Matt lifted his gaze. “You’re up early.”

“I’m a country girl now.”

“Right.” Despite his smile, he looked tired. “I’m glad you’re here. I wanted to talk to you.”

Something was wrong. She thought of her room with longing, then braced herself and entered the office. “What’s up?”

“First, no need to panic. This isn’t a request, strictly information.” He slowly exhaled. “Wallace is refusing liquids. If you wanna say goodbye, now might be the time.”

“Thanks for letting me know,” she said calmly, tamping down the sudden denial swelling inside her and making her chest ache. She managed to keep her expression blank. “Anything else?”

Matt shook his head. His eyes searched her face, probably looking for a sign she was human, before lowering to her hand.

She’d squeezed the muffin into a misshapen lump.

8

NIKKI KNEW BETTER. Nothing good came of waking up before noon. She should’ve stayed in bed. But it was too late for that, now that she was already at the Sundance.

“Hey.” She found Rachel and Hilda making lunch in the big modern kitchen with its stainless-steel appliances and gleaming pearl-gray granite countertops. “I came by to see if you needed help today.”

“Oh.” Rachel seemed surprised, which she would since Nikki never dropped by without being asked or calling first. “That’s nice of you. But I think we’re okay. Most of the guests are out kayaking.”

“With Trace?” God, Nikki hoped she didn’t sound as desperate and panicked as she did to herself. They were still supposed to meet since she hadn’t heard otherwise. And she wanted to see him. Needed to see him. She didn’t know why. She just did.

“No, he had them yesterday. It was Josh’s turn. Grab something to drink and sit down.”

“Have you eaten yet?” Hilda asked, studying Nikki from head to toe. The housekeeper’s round face darkened. “You’ve lost weight, chica.”

Odd remark considering Nikki wore tight jeans and an old tank top that had shrunk from too many washings. In fact, had she been thinking, she would’ve changed before leaving the house.

“I’ve eaten,” she lied, and slapped the side of her thigh. “This baby fat hasn’t gone anywhere, I’m afraid.”

Rachel opened the fridge to return a jar of mayo, but stopped to give her the stink eye. “Don’t think I won’t hurt you because you’re Matt’s sister.”

Nikki managed a smile. “Have you talked to him today?”

“Early this morning. Why?”

“He say anything about Wallace?”

“It’s sort of a given.” Rachel’s eyes narrowed. “He normally ends up part of the conversation. Tell me what’s going on.”

Taking a deep breath, Nikki pulled a chair out from the table and sat down. “Matt said if I want to say goodbye, I should do it today.” She glanced at Hilda, who was making the sign of the cross. The woman had been with the McAllisters forever. She knew Wallace was worthless, but she still acted human. Why couldn’t Nikki find that kind of compassion?

Rachel sat at the table with her. “So, did you?”

“See Wallace?” Nikki frowned. “No. I came here to cover for you in case you want to be