Nellie gasped. “Oh, I’d love to see that! And I might take you up on that offer, Evie.” She thought for a moment, then got a little bit closer. “You know, I have a better idea.”
“You do? I’m open.”
“Well, wait until you hear it.” Nellie searched her face as if trying to decide what to say next. “I used to talk about this with your grandmother, but we never did it. But maybe it’s time.”
Intrigued, Evie nodded encouragingly.
“How would you feel about opening up Gloriana House for a ‘living museum’ over Founder’s Day weekend? Just the downstairs,” she said quickly. “We could rope off rooms so any visitors would be limited to the living area and the dining room and museum room. If your grandfather’s not up for it, he can stay clear of any people, but I think it would be so wonderful to show off some of that magnificent history you have in the house. Perfect for Founder’s Day, and we’ve been looking for ideas to kick this year’s up a notch.”
Tipping her head, Evie considered that. “I kind of like that idea. There’s so much beauty in the house that no one ever sees.”
“I couldn’t agree more. The whole history of Bitter Bark is woven into the fabric of that place.”
The words reached down and twisted something in Evie’s very soul. “Aww, Nellie. That’s so true. I’d love to open up the house for people to appreciate it like you do.”
“Really?” Nellie’s whole face lit up. “I could help you stage and prepare the rooms so you don’t have a ton of work.”
“It really wouldn’t be that hard since some of the front rooms haven’t been redecorated in eons.”
“How awesome is that?” she exclaimed. “And throughout the rooms, you could place items from the past, family pictures, that letter from Amelia.” She pressed her hands to her chest. “Your grandmother let me hold it once.”
“How sweet you are.” Touched by the reverence in her voice and expression, Evie reached out to put a hand on her arm. “And I really think this is a fantastic idea.”
“I’ve always loved that house. I’m so terrified that someday an out-of-towner will nab the hilltop lot, tear down the house, and build some McMansion in its place.”
Evie sucked in a soft breath. Was that what James Bell had in mind? No. He had too much respect for the property. She hoped. “I’d hate that,” she agreed.
“You know what else we can do?” Nellie asked. “Maybe we could have a private catered event on Friday night. Then an open house the next day, for the official Founder’s Day celebration that Saturday? Oh, the entire Historical Society would simply explode with happiness.”
Evie’s eyes widened, swept up with the idea and Nellie’s infectious enthusiasm. “Grandmama Penelope used to have costume parties when I was little. We have so many dresses and suits in storage.”
“A costume party?” Nellie looked like she might burst with excitement.
“Yes!” Evie gave a little clap as the whole thing started to take shape in her mind. Not only would it be a wonderful way to honor the house and its history, Granddaddy might enjoy something like that. “I’m happy to lend some of the clothes, as long as everything gets returned. I have gowns from Evangeline and Gloriana, and my grandmother’s, too.”
“Evie, this is the best news! I’ll tell the society at our next meeting, and we’ll start putting together a guest list. It’ll be a night to remember! In fact, that should be our theme.”
“I love that,” Evie exclaimed. “Then we better start planning, since there’s not much time.”
They exchanged numbers and hugs and a few more ideas, long enough that Evie had to rush across the square to get to her appointment on time. But she was still on a Bitter Bark high when she made her way into a crowded vet office across the square.
“Oh, Dr. Hewitt.” The receptionist beamed as soon as she walked in. “Dr. Bancroft is so excited to have you here today.”
“You bet I am!” Molly called from an open doorway. “Grab a jacket, Evie. And don’t kill me. I have four more patients coming in to see you.”
Kill her? A zing of excitement Evie hadn’t felt in a long time whipped through her as the woman behind the desk held out a turquoise lab coat.
“Here. You’ll be covered in fur if you don’t wear one,” the young woman said.
“Oh, a little pet hair never hurt anyone.” Evie took the jacket and slid it on like a comfortable pair of old shoes. “I’m coming, Molly.”
She really couldn’t wipe the smile from her face now.
She was needed in this town. She was wanted in this town. She was at home in this town. What exactly had kept her away all these years?
Or maybe the question should be: Who had kept her away?
* * *
“I’m used to you working past your shift, Big D, but now you’re cleaning out the storage garage?” Connor came deeper into the fire station sweatbox, as they called the outdoor unit, where Declan was up to his elbows in cardboard boxes. “What are you doing in here?”
Declan lifted a paper. “Just looking at some old files.”
Connor took a folder from an open box and blinked when he realized what it was. “What the hell, Dec?”
“I never read the investigation reports on the Gloriana House fire,” he said, looking up at his brother. “Have you?”
“Skimmed,” he admitted with a shrug. “Doesn’t change anything.”
Except it could change Declan. Maybe if he could finally understand exactly what happened that night, he could close and lock the door to that wretched emotional basement, never to be entered again. And that could mean…he and Evie might have a real chance.
“Did you know that fire was out so fast only one volunteer crew got called?” Declan asked.
“You know that sometimes the worst things happen at fires that don’t seem that bad.” Connor lifted his brows. “It’s one of the
