that I’m really glad Rory managed to convince you to go out with him.”
Ruby beat Zara to a reply by grunting and filling her diaper in a very impressive way. They all laughed as Cassie hurried over to take her into a back bedroom for a diaper change.
At last, Zara said to Lola, “That’s nice of you to say, even if I’m not sure exactly why you feel that way.”
“Well, first of all, your glasses are killer. I design textiles, and I hope you don’t mind if I steal the look for a new line of girls-with-glasses fabrics.”
Zara’s frames were oversized tortoiseshell today. She’d worn them for an extra confidence boost. “I’d be honored.”
“Great,” Lola said. And then, “Second, you’re clearly one of Ruby’s favorite people—and that kid has some serious BS radar. I was babysitting her this week, and when my smarmy studio landlord bent down to pretend he was interested in playing with her, she nearly walloped his head off with her stuffed elephant.”
“I would have liked to see that,” Zara said, grinning at the picture of Warrior Ruby protecting her aunt from one of the many guys who likely wanted only one thing from her.
“And the biggest reason,” Lola said, “is because I’ve never seen Rory look like this before—like he’s found the missing piece of his heart. I’m not sure I even thought he was capable of it.”
“It’s true,” Cassie agreed as she and Ruby returned to the kitchen. Rory’s sister was clearly a master of diaper changes to have done it that quickly. “Now that he’s with you, Rory is glowing so brightly with happiness he’s practically neon.”
Ashley, whom Zara noticed was quieter than her sisters, nodded. “Not that we’re saying any of this to put pressure on you not to dump him—”
“Speak for yourself,” Lola interjected. She looked totally serious as she said to Zara, “As much as I enjoy seeing Rory knocked off his pedestal from time to time, I really hope you’re going to stick around.”
At last, Beth stepped in. “Ashley, Lola, Cassie—since I’ll be opening up the café early tomorrow morning, and your brothers did the cooking last Friday night, I’m going to bow out now and let the three of you finish dinner.” Beth handed Zara a Dublin Irish Cocktail, which was a mixture of whiskey, sour apple schnapps, and cranberry juice, then led her to a couch on the patio just outside the kitchen door.
“I’m sorry about that.” Beth’s Irish accent made her voice seem especially gentle. At the same time, there was undeniable strength to her. “I’m afraid we’re all terribly excited about spending time with the woman who has stolen Rory’s heart.”
“Please, don’t apologize. I love the way everyone feels comfortable saying whatever’s on their mind. As I’m sure Rory will confirm for you, if he hasn’t already, that’s my usual MO too.”
“I’m glad to hear it. I’ve always known it would take a very strong woman to capture his heart.” Beth took a sip of her drink. “I understand that you make eyeglasses frames. It’s such a clever way to combine art and design with a practical purpose. Are the lovely pair you’re wearing one of your creations?”
“They are.” Zara was warmed by Beth’s compliment. It was exactly the way she would have wanted her own mother to feel about the work she poured her heart into. “I’ve been making frames for nearly eight years. The business has been a slow build—until just this week, when Rory volunteered to model frames for a new set of ads. Now I can’t keep them in stock.” She looked out into the backyard at the same moment he turned to look for her. She couldn’t keep from smiling as their eyes met. “As you can imagine, he’s quite pleased with himself.”
“That sounds like my son,” Beth said, laughing. “I also understand that you’re a recent transplant to Bar Harbor?”
“Yes, I moved here a year ago from Camden, but I grew up in Kennebunkport.”
“Both lovely towns,” his mother remarked. “The breakwater beside Colony Beach is one of my favorite spots in Maine.”
It had been Zara and her mom’s special place. Though it was sheer coincidence for Beth to mention it, it wasn’t easy for Zara to respond in a normal voice. “Mine too.”
Just then, Lola stuck her head out of the kitchen door. “Mom, Ashley’s going to ruin the colcannon. She’s putting too many scallions in it.”
Ashley popped her head out next. “I’m the one who’s in the café every