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  “Just for a little while.”

  Amya nodded and then turned her attention to the little bear in her arms.

  “How is Boo feeling today?” Garland inquired.

  “Fine. Her not sick no more.”

  Whenever Amya was sick, her little bear Boo got sick, too—Amya believed so anyway.

  While her daughter watched television, Garland cleaned up the kitchen.

  She had to drive to Charleston the next morning for a meeting. For the fourth year in a row, Garland had volunteered to be the chair for a children’s festival. Tomorrow they would be discussing potential vendors for the upcoming event.

  After getting Amya settled in bed, she strode into her bedroom and walked straight to the closet. She wanted to find the perfect comfortable outfit to wear. Garland pulled out three options, tossed them on the bed and then grabbed two more.

  She chuckled at her actions. What did it matter what she wore? It was not as if she were meeting a man. Garland was just going to a meeting and then back to her shop to finish taking inventory.

  * * *

  Garland dropped off Amya at preschool on the island before heading straight to the French Quarter Restaurant located on Bay Street in the historic district of Charleston.

  An hour later, she parked her car and climbed out. Horse-drawn carriages and people alike roamed the charming cobblestone streets. The architecture, colorful gardens, historic alleys and courtyards dated back to the colonial era.

  She entered the restaurant and walked over to a table near the window, where three people were engaged in conversation. “Good morning,” Garland greeted as she pulled out a chair and sat down. “I brought the photographs from the last two festivals. I thought you’d like to see them.”

  Garland always enjoyed the planning of the annual French Quarter Children’s Festival. The other three lunch guests at her table were members of the planning committee, as well.

  Two hours later, the meeting concluded. As Garland walked out to her car, she noticed a new children’s shop on the next block. I wonder how long it has been here, she thought.

  Garland walked down to the store and went inside. She navigated slowly through the aisles of clothing for girls and boys. “Quaint,” she whispered. It’s a nice store.

  She found a couple of cute dresses for Amya and purchased them.

  Her next stop was the bookstore. Garland had not intended to spend this much time in Charleston, but she could never resist an opportunity to buy books.

  She walked out twenty minutes later with a bag of books and magazines.

  Garland slowed her pace, her eyes widening in surprise as she stared at the man walking toward her in a black suit with faint pinstripes running through the fabric, a classic pale blue shirt and a perfectly knotted black tie.

  Ryker DuGrandpre looked as if he’d walked straight out of a magazine. He was a gorgeous, smart but arrogant man who used to tap on her nerves every time she ran into him. He was her brother Parker’s best friend and had been his college roommate at the University of South Carolina. Before he had convinced some woman to marry him a few years back, he had had women fall at his feet.

  A year behind Parker and Ryker, Garland had managed to withstand the urge to hurl herself at him and had focused on her studies instead. Though it had not been an easy task, considering the huge crush she had had on Ryker.

  Then, eight months after graduating from college, her brother had died in a car accident. Ryker had been in law school at the time but had been sure to attend Parker’s funeral. That was the last time she had seen him.

  He did not seem to know who she was at first, but recognition dawned and he broke into a huge grin. He crossed the distance between them in quick strides.

  Ryker embraced her warmly. “Garland, how are you? It’s been a long time.”

  “I’m fine,” she responded, his presence giving her joy. “It has been a while. How are you?”

  “Life is good. I can’t complain.”

  She smiled. “That’s great.”

  Garland could tell that Ryker was tentative—she knew why and she felt the same way.

  “How’s your mom doing?” he inquired.

  “She’s doing the best she can, but I know that she misses Parker. We all do.”

  “So do I,” Ryker confessed. “I wish I had more time to talk to you, but I’m due back in court soon. I was just about to pick up something to eat.”

  “It’s okay,” Garland responded. “I need to get back to work, as well. It’s good seeing you again.” Out of the corner of her eye she could see his eyes tracing her silhouette.

  “Here’s my card,” Ryker said, his lips curling into a delicious smile. “Call me. I’d really like to catch up soon.”

  For some reason, her body reacted to Ryker. She nodded and reached for his card, but Garland did not intend to make contact with Ryker. Seeing him now brought back the pain of losing her brother. Almost frozen in place, she watched him as he walked in the opposite direction.

  She and Parker had been close, despite the fact that his mother and father were her foster parents. Although they initially talked of adopting her, her foster father’s untimely death had put an end to that discussion.

  Garland had not been disappointed because she knew that she was loved. Her biological mother had died when she was five and her father had been in no condition to raise a child, though she did have a relationship with him, albeit a distant one. He’d remarried when she was ten and his new wife had wanted nothing to do with Garland, leaving her feeling as if she had no real family.

  She unlocked her car and got inside. It had been nice seeing Ryker again after all this time. He still possessed those beautiful lips and handsome DuGrandpre features. He was married now, Garland reminded herself. And as far as she was concerned, that ship had sailed. Her one chance with Ryker had come and gone a long time ago.

  Chapter 2

  When Ryker had first spotted Garland, he’d experienced the weirdest sensation—a strange combination of calm and excitement roiling through his bloodstream like a virus on a mission. The chemistry between them from the first moment Parker had introduced them had blindsided him.

  Today, as they had walked toward one another, their gazes locked, Ryker noted a brief reaction of shock and pleasure in her hazel eyes before it faded away into a welcoming stare. Her short haircut was a tumble of soft, light brown curls, tempting him to run his fingers through its silkiness. She was beautiful and still possessed that same youthful glow she’d had in college.

  A shred of guilt snaked down his spine because he had not sought out the family after Parker’s death. The loss of his best friend had left such an empty hole in his own heart. Then losing his wife shortly after she had given birth to Kai had been almost too much to bear. Kai was all Ryker had left of Angela and he vowed to keep her close always.

  He was thankful for his family and the way they’d surrounded him with love and support during each tragedy.

  Ryker smiled as he pulled into his parking spot at the law firm and got out of his SUV. He checked his watch as he walked briskly across the lot and into the building.

  His mother was in with the office manager. She spotted him and gestured for him to wait for her.

  “How is my beautiful granddaughter?” his mother asked as she joined him on the walk to his office.

  Rochelle DuGrandpre, hailed as one of the top family law attorneys in the state, was passionate when it came to children. He knew that she often worried about him raising Kai alone.

  “She is great,” Ryker responded with a smile. “Kai recognizes most of the primary colors and some of her numbers.”

  “That’s wonderful,” Rochelle exclaimed. “I’m not surprised, though. She’s a DuGrandpre.”

  Ryker nodded. “That she is.”
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  Rochelle settled down in one of the visitor chairs in front of his desk and studied his face. “Son, how are you doing?”

  “I’m fine,” he responded in earnest. “I stay busy here at work and when I’m home, my focus is my daughter.”

  “Why don’t you and Kai move in with us?” Rochelle suggested. “It’s just your father and me in that huge house. We would love to have you both there.”

  He shook his head. “Mom, stop worrying about me. I would think you’d be enjoying your empty nest.”

  “It’s nice, but I have always felt that a house comes alive with children.”

  “Mom, Kai and I are doing fine.”

  “It’s not that I’m worried,” Rochelle confessed. “I really miss having young ones at home. With all of you gone, the house seems too quiet.”

  “Maybe you and Dad should try for a baby,” Ryker teased.

  “Don’t let your father hear you say that,” she warned with a chuckle. “He’d have a heart attack.”

  “You are always talking about how much foster care is needed. Maybe you should consider becoming a foster parent.”

  Rochelle seemed to consider the idea. “Maybe I’ll discuss it with your father, although I already know what he will say.”

  He laughed. “Dad just wants to enjoy his grandchild. He’s not looking to raise more kids.”

  “Maybe I can change his mind,” she said with a smile. “You think?”

  He shook his head again. “I seriously doubt it.”

  Rochelle rose to her feet. “I have a teleconference coming up. Don’t forget we’re going to the beach this weekend. We’re counting on you and Aubry to join us.”

  “Kai and I will be there,” he responded. “She’s so excited.”

  “I can’t wait to see my little darling. Maybe I can get her completely potty trained over the weekend. You were out of diapers by the time you turned two years old.”

  Ryker loved his mother dearly, but there were days when she frustrated him to no end. She did not seem to know when to let go when it came to him and Aubry.

  Although she had never said it, Ryker believed that his mother had little faith in his parenting abilities. It was in the way that she commented on certain things. For example, whenever Kai had an accident, his mother harped on the fact that he should have let her conduct the potty training.

  Ryker did not want to fail Kai, but his mother often made him feel inadequate as a single parent. He tried not to let her words get to him but failed. The truth was that Angela would have been a great mother. She would have done all the right things and would’ve known what to do in every situation. But Angela was no longer there. She was gone and he was left to carry on without her.

  He’d vowed to be the best father possible to their daughter. Ryker was determined that he would not let Angela down. He had made that promise to her before giving her a final kiss good-bye.

  Ryker had never broken any promise he had ever made to Angela. This would be no different.

  * * *

  After two sun-filled days on the beach at Edisto Island, Ryker was ready to return to Charleston. He enjoyed spending time with his family and especially with Kai, but the stacks of cases on his desk awaiting his return Monday morning occupied his mind.

  They had just finished having lunch two doors down with his family and were on their way to the car. “Look it...” Kai pointed at the dress in a boutique window. “Pretty.”

  He glanced up at the name: Fairy Kisses Boutique. “I guess you want to go shopping.”

  Bobbing her head, she responded, “Yessh.”

  “You are definitely your mother’s daughter,” he said with a grin. “She loved to shop.”

  Kai pulled his arm, leading him toward the door.

  “I’m coming, honey.”

  Once inside, Ryker felt like he had been transported to a land filled with fairies and princesses. The atmosphere was magical. Kai, her expression one of pure joy, immediately walked over to a bear on display dressed in a lavender dress with wings.

  His gaze landed on a young woman in a navy and white dress with matching flats.

  He approached her. “Hey, you...” No matter how subtle her scent was, Ryker was sure he could find her, even in a room filled with a bunch of over-perfumed women.

  She turned around to face him. “Ryker...what are you doing here?”

  “My little one saw the dresses in the window, so here we are.”

  Her eyes traveled to his side. “Your daughter is such a cutie.”

  “Thank you,” he responded proudly.

  “What brings you to Edisto Island, Ryker DuGrandpre?”

  Ryker looked down to see Kai steal another peek at the bear.

  “My family and I came here for the weekend,” he explained. “We had just had lunch and were heading to the car when Kai discovered this shop.” Ryker glanced around. “Are you the manager?”

  “I’m the owner, actually.”

  Ryker did not miss the subtle lifting of her chin as she spoke. “You really have a beautiful store.”

  She smiled. “Thank you. I’m very proud of it.”

  “I thought chain stores had taken over, but it’s good to see smaller boutiques are still holding strong in the area.”

  Garland smiled. “This neighborhood happens to be a haven of small and wonderful shops on the island. I love that they are all within walking distance from one another.”

  She glanced down at Kai again. “She looks like a little fairy princess. I believe I have the perfect outfit for her. It matches the dress that the bear is wearing and comes complete with wings.”

  “I can already tell that I’m not leaving the store without that bear, so I’ll take the outfit, too.” Just then, Kai raced from his side and grabbed the bear off the shelf. She quickly returned to his side and tugged at his hand.

  The sound of a tinkling bell caught his attention and he heard familiar voices.

  “Sorry, Mom, but not this time. I’m really not interested in being hooked up with the nephew of one of your friends.”

  “And why not?” The woman glanced over at them and said, “We’ll discuss this later.” She then made her way toward where he, Kai and Garland stood.

  “Honey, I thought that I saw you come in here,” she said, approaching them.

  “My mother,” he said by way of introductions.

  “Hello. I’m Garland Warner,” Garland said cheerfully.

  “This is Parker’s sister, Mom. She owns this boutique.”

  “Parker was a wonderful young man. We all miss him.” Rochelle’s eyes traveled the length of the store. “Your shop is lovely and very original. This is the perfect place for children to explore their fantasies.”

  “That’s exactly what I had in mind when I opened it,” Garland said.

  Rochelle took Kai by the hand and said to the group, “We’re going over here to look at some dresses.”

  Ryker met Garland’s gaze. “I can’t believe I’ve run into you twice in a week after all of these years. It must be fate.”

  Garland let out a small laugh.

  “It really is good to see you again,” he told her.

  “Ryker, it’s nice seeing you, too.”

  “I still go out to the cemetery to visit Parker.”

  Garland seemed surprised by his words. “Really?”

  He nodded. “He was...is still my best friend.”

  “I miss him terribly,” she admitted. “Losing both Dad and Parker has taken a toll on Mama. She has good days and bad days.” After a brief pause, she added, “She’s not the same woman you remember, Ryker.”

  “He took a part of all of us when he left,” Ryker stated.

  Garland nodded.

  “It’s good to see t
hat you’re doing so well. You have always been such a creative spirit.”

  “Business is great,” she told him. “In fact, I’m thinking of adding a second store in Charleston.”

  “I think it’s a good idea.”

  Then Garland gave Ryker a sneak peek at a new collection that was not yet on the sales floor. Ryker could feel the heat of his mother’s gaze on them as they moved around the store. Her eyes seemed to follow Garland’s every movement.

  Ryker settled on purchasing several items for Kai, which seemed to thrill Garland.

  As she assisted an employee with bagging up his purchases, Ryker peered at her intently.

  “Are you sure you don’t want to take another look at the Laurent Princess collection in the back?” Garland inquired.

  “No, thank you,” he said with a grin. “I think that I need to get my daughter out of here right now before she finds something else she wants.”

  Garland laughed. “I understand. I have to keep my own daughter out of the shop. She thinks she should personally own everything here.”

  “You have children?” he asked, his eyes straying to her left hand.

  “One,” she responded. “I have a daughter.”

  Ryker stepped closer to embrace Garland. “I meant what I said,” he told her. “Let’s get together soon.”

  “It was very nice meeting you, Miss Warner,” Rochelle interjected. “You have a lovely store.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Son, we’d better get Kai home. She’s sleepy and you know how she gets when she’s tired.”

  He glanced over at Garland and said, “I hope to hear from you soon.”

  Ryker gave her one final smile before quickly escorting his daughter out the door. Kai had just spotted another stuffed animal. He needed to get her out of the store before she begged him to buy it.

  * * *

  “Do you know that man?” her employee asked in a low whisper after Ryker and his family had exited the shop.

  “He’s a DuGrandpre, Robyn,” Garland responded with a tiny smile. “Ryker DuGrandpre.”

  “I knew he looked familiar. There was a huge feature about their law firm in one of the magazines I read recently.” Robyn broke into a grin before adding, “He’s handsome, don’t you think?”