been soaking the bread in a vanilla, cinnamon, and egg mixture with a touch of cream, and it’s ready for the frying pan. We used to call it railroad French toast when you were little, do you remember?”
“I think I do.”
“Your grandpa and I took you and your mother on the Coast Starlight train all the way to Oregon for a vacation. All you could talk about after the trip was the choo choo French toast.”
Shelby sipped her coffee. "How old was I?"
Alice placed the gooey bread in the buttered frying pan, letting it sizzle as it cooked. "You were about five. Your dad had passed away the year before, and your mom was grieving. Grandpa and I decided to take you both up to Oregon and try and get everybody's mind off things. Your mom spent the whole time looking out the window and sleeping, but we took you to the wonderful Portland zoo.”
"I remember. Didn't you buy me a hat with a face on it and long braids hanging down?"
"That's right!" Alice dished up the French toast and topped it with a splash of powdered sugar. "There you go. Enjoy.”
This is the life, Shelby thought. She took a bite out of the buttery breakfast and moaned. "No one can make it like you, Grandma."
"Well, thanks. I know it’s a bit heavy for summer, but I’m happy to make it anytime."
"Where's your breakfast?" asked Shelby.
"I ate an hour ago. I've been up fussing, getting the first batch of cookies... Oh, the cookies! I ought to go check on them."
Alice was deftly creating magic in her kitchen, just like the old days. Change was possible under the right circumstances, Shelby thought. She was beginning to feel like a new person herself. She thought about Logan. He was so... She hated to use the word dreamy, but that summed it up pretty well.
"The cookies are done," Alice said. "I'll let them cool and we'll give them a try."
"So, what are you baking this morning?" Shelby said, finishing off her French toast.
"I thought we'd try some of the ginger cookie sandwiches that your Aunt Judy used to make. Do you remember them? They’re very simple but delicious. Spicy, soft on the inside."
"What's the occasion?"
"Oh, nothing. I might just drop some over to Theo, kind of a good morning treat along with a piece of strawberry pie from last night. I baked some more dog cookies as well in hopes that they'll tempt poor Wally."
"I'm a little worried about him, too,” Shelby said. “I know he's old, but hounds usually live to eat.”
"I agree," Alice said. "Theo's afraid to find out what's wrong. I don't think he can deal with any more loss."
Shelby placed her fork down beside her almost-empty plate. "That would be awful. I don't even want to think about it." She looked down to see Scarlett sitting at her feet, waiting for any a morsel to drop. Shelby snuck her a tiny bite of French toast and Scarlett scarfed it up.
In the kitchen, Alice packaged up the sweets and treats. Her grandmother had barely ever used a computer and had been very excited when Shelby had shown her how to use Google to find a healthy pet recipe online. She’d been a willing student and learned fast.
Shelby rinsed off her plate in the sink. “If you wait for me to take a quick shower, I’ll walk you to Theo’s house,” Shelby said. “It’s on my way and I can cut through Misty Meadow Lane to get to Mindy’s.”
Alice had decided to leave Scarlett home, just in case Theo invited her in for awhile. Scarlett had so much energy and might disturb Wally. They walked a few blocks down the tree-lined path toward the lake, the morning sun driving the temperature up quickly. Soon Theo's house came into view through the trees. Shelby stood at the edge of the yard and watched Alice, packages in hand, walk up the steps and knock on the door. There was no barking that Shelby could hear, and a thread of worry gnawed at her stomach. If she didn’t leave now, she was going to be late, so she turned to go. Alice would fill her in later when she got home.
Chapter 24
Theo peered out the window. Alice stood on the porch, packages in her hand. He wished he could turn around and ignore the knock. He’d come back from his walk and put his pajamas back on. He didn't feel like seeing anyone looking