“Are you hungry?”
“I am now.”
“Then let’s get something to eat.” He smiled. “We can talk about wedding venues. Don’t we have an appointment at the club next week?”
She nodded. “I guess it’s more than a backup plan now.”
A thought that made her sad, but Kip’s points had been valid. If her mom couldn’t afford the house, there was nothing to be done.
“I wish it was different,” she said as they walked out of the bedroom. “I really did want to get married in her backyard.”
“I know you did, but the wedding is just one day. Our marriage is forever.”
“I know.”
“I was talking to my mom a couple of days ago and mentioned the appointment at the club.”
Harlow glanced at him. “What did she say?”
“She’s excited and wondered if she could come along to our first appointment.” He grimaced. “I know it’s not ideal, but she wants to be a part of things.”
His mother wanted to join them? But it was their wedding, not hers. It wasn’t like she was paying for it.
But Harlow knew her behavior that night had been pretty bad, so she forced herself to smile and say, “Sure. She can come along. I’ll ask my mom to join us, too. They can get to know each other better, and maybe they’ll have some great suggestions.”
He paused by the front door and smiled at her. “I know you don’t believe that, but thank you for saying it.”
She grinned. “And agreeing to let you bring your mom.”
“That, too.”
* * *
Robyn switched from the 405 freeway to the 101. Normally she would have flown to LAX and then taken a commuter plane directly to Santa Barbara. But she’d booked her flight at the last minute with miles, which had limited her options. Rather than pay for flying the last leg, she’d opted to drive. Yes, it would take longer, but she was fine with that. She would be through the San Fernando Valley well before late-afternoon traffic.
She’d needed less than a day to get ready to leave. After clearing her trip with Mindy and arranging for her house-sitting service to collect the mail and check on things, she’d let Austin know she would be out of town, reserved her flight and packed. She’d thought about telling Harlow, but had decided against it. If, or when, her daughter got in touch with her, she would let her know. Until then, she was going to enjoy a few drama-free days.
She glanced at the temperature gauge and saw it was a balmy seventy-eight degrees. After rolling down the windows, she breathed in the humidity-free air and laughed. Southern California might have some issues, but humidity wasn’t one of them. Even better, the bugs were small and reasonable—unlike Florida, where they were practically big enough to drive and join a gang.
With each mile, she felt herself relaxing. She loved spending time with Lillian. They would hang out and talk. She could explore the house—always a favorite pastime. When her head cleared, she could think about her future.
She passed through Carpentaria, then Summerland, before entering the outskirts of Santa Barbara. As she got closer to her exit, she felt almost giddy with anticipation. Everything about being here was right.
Ten minutes later, she pulled into the familiar driveway and drove back to the garage. After climbing out of her car, she took a moment to stand there, breathing in the hint of salt in the air.
The back door opened, and Salvia hurried toward her, arms outstretched.
“Miss Robyn, you’re here! I’m so glad to see you. When Miss Lillian told me you were coming, I was happy, happy.”
Robyn hugged the other woman. “Me, too,” she said with a laugh. “How are you?”
“Always good. Miss Lillian is well.” Her smile widened. “Never cranky, that one, always a kind word.”
Robyn left her bags and walked inside with Salvia. The kitchen was exactly as she remembered, updated, but still appropriate for the house, and filled with cats.
“How many are there now?” she asked, pointing to a light gray cat sunning on a wide windowsill.
Salvia sighed. “Fifteen. They’ve all been fixed, so we shouldn’t have more, but they just appear. I think they tell each other about the crazy house on the hill.”
“If I was a cat, I’d want to live here,” Robyn said with a grin and hugged Salvia again. “I’m so glad to be here.”
“She’s excited to see you. Go on up. I’ll bring drinks and appetizers.” Salvia’s mouth twisted. “Try to get her to eat. She’s reached the age where she has no appetite, so she’s thinner, but still healthy.”
Robyn wanted to ask more but told herself she should get the answers from Lillian. She thanked Salvia and made her way through the house.
She took the hallway leading out of the kitchen, passing a dining room and a sitting room. The ceilings were high—nearly twelve feet, and each room was massive. She ignored a small staircase, knowing it ended on a landing that was walled in on three sides, and all the closed doors. Some were closets, some opened onto blank walls.
The house—inspired by the Winchester House in San Jose—was a marvel of architecture and whimsy. There were secret passages, beautiful views and rooms filled with priceless furniture and artwork. On her last visit, Robyn had discovered a painting she’d been sure was a Renoir. Lillian had promised to get in an expert.
She walked into the five-hundred-square-foot foyer and started up the curving, grand staircase. At the top she saw the chair that Lillian now used to gracefully ride up and down the stairs. Getting her great-aunt to admit she needed the stair lift had been a year-long undertaking, but certainly worth the fight. Robyn slept easier knowing Lillian wasn’t risking a fall.
She ran the last few feet to Lillian’s room, knocked once on the partially open door, then let herself in.
“I’m here,” she called, walking out onto the huge balcony with the perfect view of the ocean.
She ignored the expanse of water and the two cats grooming themselves in the sun, and went toward the chaise in the center. Her aunt stood and smiled.
“You made it. Come hug me so I know you’re really here.”
Robyn rushed forward and embraced her, noting how she seemed more fragile than she had before—not entirely unexpected, given her advancing years, but still troubling.
“I’ve missed you,” Robyn whispered fiercely. “So much.”
“As I’ve missed you, darling. Come, sit. Let me look at you.” Lillian stepped back. “Ah, to be young and beautiful again.”
“You’ll always be beautiful.”
“You’re sweet to lie.”
Robyn pulled a second chaise close and made sure her aunt was comfortable before taking a seat. Lillian squeezed her hand.
“Tell me you’re staying forever.”
Robyn laughed. “Almost a month.”
“Excellent. I look forward to every second.” Her gaze sharpened. “What convinced you to come see me?”
“Once again, I’m running away to you.” Robyn did her best to keep her tone light.
Lillian’s gaze sharpened. “That’s why I’m here. Now tell me what happened.”
Salvia appeared just then, carrying a tray. Robyn pulled a table between their chairs, then grinned when she saw the classic mai tais, each with a pineapple and cherry garnish. There was also a fruit and cheese plate.