Losing Jared was the worst thing she’d ever been through. It wasn’t only the suddenness of his death from a brain aneurysm, although that was part of it, perhaps. But the pain went deeper. She’d lost people she loved before. Her parents in a plane crash. Nana had passed away two years ago, quietly in her sleep. Their deaths had shaken her. Left her grieving.
But Jared’s death had broken her heart. Unlike her parents and Nana, who had been in her life from the time she was born, Jared was someone she invited in. Sara had chosen to love him, and somehow, that made the loss sharper and more painful.
So deciding to love someone new? Sara didn’t think it was in her.
“Have you seen April recently?” Marie asked, cutting into Sara’s thoughts. “I haven’t spoken to her in ages, and she’s missed one month of the quilting group meetings.”
Sara’s hand paused on the book scanner. A niggle of worry crept over her, still, she plastered a smile on her face. “Grant mentioned his mom has been redecorating her home. And I’m sure having him back in town has been keeping her busy too.”
Sara wouldn’t mention her concerns to Marie, otherwise they’d be all over town. But she did make a mental note to ask Grant again if his mom was okay. Something didn’t seem right.
Marie tapped her fingers against the counter. “I do think you and Grant make a lovely couple, Sara. He’s perfect for you. And so good with kids.”
“He is good with kids.” She finished scanning the books and handed them back to Marie. “All set. Have a nice afternoon, Mrs. Jenkins.”
“You too, dear.” She smiled broadly. “It’s so nice to see young people falling in love. Call me when you start to plan the wedding. I know the best place to get your dress.”
She laughed and shook her head. “We’re a long way from that.”
A very long way. Like this side of never. But at least Mrs. Jenkins hadn’t come in armed with a list of single men. That was progress.
Sara sat back down in the chair and picked up her pencil. She forced herself to focus and spent the next twenty minutes making a to-do list and finalizing plans for the party on Saturday. They still needed a few more volunteers to help break things down once the event was over, but otherwise things were shaping up beautifully. Mayor Stewart was over-the-moon about The Dixie Kings performing. She’d promised to convince the rest of the city council to get on board with funding the library.
But it wasn’t in the bag yet. Sara needed to keep her eye on the ball and make sure the Celebration of Reading went off without a hitch.
The phone on the counter rang, and Sara absently picked up the receiver. “Hidden Hollows Library. How may I help you?”
“Oh, um, could I please speak to Grant Edwards?”
Sara frowned. The woman’s voice was familiar, but it sounded rough, as if it was rarely used. “Mrs. Edwards? Is that you? This is Sara Wilson.”
“Hello, Sara.” She cleared her throat. “Yes, this is Grant’s mom. Could I speak to him, please?”
“I’m sorry, Mrs. Edwards, but he’s not here. Have you tried his cell?”
“I did, but he’s not answering. And Suzie isn’t home…” She sniffed. “Grant mentioned the other day he works at the library sometimes. I was hoping to find him.”
“He’s assisting with the after-school program, but that’s later in the week.” Sara twirled the phone cord around her finger. Where could Grant be? Maybe he’d gone into the city for some car parts. He’d spent a large part of the weekend working on the classic truck. “Is there something I can help you with?”
“No.”
Her voice was edged with panic. Then April sniffed again. Was the woman crying?
Sara’s concern ratcheted up another notch. “Mrs. Edwards, truly, I don’t mind. What’s the matter?”
“It’s nothing. I fell, but I’m fine. I’ll try Grant again. Forget I called, and I’m sorry to have bothered you.”
April hung up before Sara could say anything more. She immediately dialed Grant’s number. It went straight to voice mail.
Sara chewed on the inside of her cheek as she used the town directory to locate Suzie Grayson’s number. Grant’s aunt lived across the street from his mother. Sara dialed her number, but it only rang and rang. April had mentioned Suzie wasn’t home. The directory didn’t provide a cell number.
Sara set the phone receiver down, concern mingling with indecision. April had said she’d fallen. What if she was seriously hurt? But then, why wouldn’t she call 911 or ask Sara to come over?
Embarrassment, maybe? Sara didn’t know April well, but she’d been careful about her appearance. Her hair was always styled, her clothes arranged just right. It mattered to her.
Grant had flipped his lid when Sara showed up at the house unexpectedly. Marie Jenkins mentioned she hadn’t seen April in a month. Perhaps the home repairs and redecorating were more extensive than anyone knew.
But if April had fallen and was hurt, she might need help. Sara couldn’t sit at the library and simply hope the woman was all right. She had to make sure.
Decision made, she rose from the chair and quickly grabbed her purse before ensuring Jennie would cover the front desk. Sara climbed into her Honda and tried Grant one more time using her cell. Still no answer.
She turned the ignition, and the engine rumbled to life and then purred like a kitten. Grant had worked magic on it. Sara ignored the speed limits as she raced to the Edwards’ home. Luckily, Sheriff St. Clair wasn’t out and about. Having Millie in his life had made him less grumpy, but it hadn’t made a difference when it came to his love for handing out speeding tickets.
Minutes later, she pulled into the driveway. The garage was shut tight. Grant’s SUV wasn’t parked at his aunt’s. In
