r tone so even it sounded more

. His cool gaze lingered on her bare face before

t a flicker of warmth softening his sharp feat

rents this afternoon,

ge to refuse knot

e, where Caiden's mother, Ivy Evans, filled

in a clipped voice, "I've already tol

n about to say with

porridge again, though the though

rown creasing his brow. "What's wron

tly. "Honestly, it's the best porr

t hovered on the tip of his to

en gift bag across the table. Gold lettering shimmered on

on it, recognition ti

e Evans family adored-new collections always sent

brushed the bag open with a light touch, rev

ht get the wrong idea and think I don't take care of you," Caiden

tightened faintly

whisper so soft it nearly d

skimming over her bare collarbone before

ded stiffly, almost defensive

ling it wasn't enough, he went on, "I was going to toss

no weight, no warmth. She nudged the

re windows, carving a pale golden line

s. For a second, his hand lifted as if to touch her face, but the motion falter

ing that gloomy look all day. It kind o

dow, stirring a loose strand of hair b

ed at the top of the stairs did N

ace, its deep green gleam c

Cheryl had worn most often, th

one felt no different-just some trinket he'd been ready to t

yl Evans's old pieces?" Greta's curious v

s at Cheryl's side. After Noreen married into the fa

ise, caught off guard b

odded with quiet conviction. "I'm certain. Mrs. Cheryl Evans

s as she began to smile. "Since he's giving you

e, Noreen held her tongue and allowed Gret