Free The Mill River Redemption by Darcie Chan Page A

across the street and visit with my niece and her family.”
    “Did Alex come?” Rowen asked. “The boy who was at Mrs. DiSanti’s house?”
    “Yep, he did,” Ivy told her. “Looks like he’s going to be here with his mom for the summer.”
    “Can we go say hello, too?” The little girl looked up at Kyle. “Please, Dad? I’ll bet he doesn’t know anybody his age but he probably wishes he did.”
    “Sure, that’d be a nice thing to do,” Kyle said. “We don’t have anything else going on, anyway.” He raised his eyebrows at Ivy and said in a whisper, “Told you. Ten going on thirty.”
    Ivy led the way toward the moving truck. Rose came out of the house and saw them just as they reached the sidewalk.
    “Hi, Aunt Ivy,” she said. Rose wore skinny jeans and a black tank top. She pushed her dark sunglasses up onto her head and wiped the sweat from her nose as she approached. “I was going to knock on your door once we got everything inside. Sheldon has to get back to New York tonight.”
    “That’s okay, honey. I had a little break and thought I’d come over.” Ivy kissed Rose on the cheek and squeezed her in a tight hug.“You doing all right? I’m glad you decided to come. Your mom would be happy.”
    “Yeah,” Rose said in an irritated tone. She lowered her voice. “Trust me, this isn’t something I’m too happy about.”
    Ivy fought the urge to laugh. “I know. It’s probably selfish of me, but I’m glad you’ll be so close by for a while. Alex, too. Hey, you remember Kyle Hansen, one of our police officers, and his daughter? And his friend, Claudia Simon? They were over at The Bookstop when you pulled up. Rowen wanted to say hello to Alex.”
    “And we wanted to welcome you, too,” Claudia said, extending her hand to Rose. “I’ve lived in Mill River for only a short time myself, but it’s a wonderful place.”
    Ivy watched Rose’s smile falter for a moment before it quickly reappeared even wider than before. “I actually grew up here,” Rose told her, “and it really hasn’t changed much.”
    “Well, Claudia lives just over on Main Street, next to St. John’s, and Rowen and I live in an apartment above the bakery,” Kyle said. “We’re all close by, if you need anything.”
    “That’s very nice of you,” Rose said with the same fake smile. “My son is inside getting his room set up, but I’ll tell him you asked about him. I’m sure he’ll be happy about that.” She gave a cursory glance to the books in Rowen’s hands. “Alex loves to read, too, so you’ve got something in common.”
    “You know, I couldn’t help but notice your car up there is parked alongside a fire hydrant,” Kyle said. “I’m not sure who’s on patrol right now, but Fitz is pretty strict about people parking near hydrants and in handicapped spaces. I’d hate for you to get a ticket on your first day here. You could swing around and park across the street, at least until the truck’s out of here.”
    Rose stared at Kyle, blinking, for a moment before she answered. “Fitz’s wife was my mom’s best friend. I highly doubt he would let anyone ticket
me
, especially when I’m trying to get thingsmoved inside. Which reminds me, I’ve got to get some stuff unpacked before my husband leaves. Would you excuse me?”
    “Of course, honey, go on,” Ivy said.
    “Nice seeing you again,” Claudia added.
    “Likewise,” Rose said. She squeezed Ivy’s hand and smiled before she walked back to her house.
    No sooner had the front door closed behind Rose than another car pulled up along the curb and beeped its horn. Ivy turned around to see Emily smiling from behind the wheel of her old hatchback.
    “Right on time,” Ivy said. “Well, you all might as well stay for a few more minutes and say hello to my other niece.”
    Emily’s old Subaru stood in contrast to the BMW parked further up the street. The Impreza’s faded silver finish was scuffed and had several dents in various places. The