James and Carney took little Nina to the newly opened children’s amusement park in the old town.
Back at home, Gwendolyn White was helping Briony bake a cake.
Every year, Briony made Nina’s birthday cake herself.
She was remarkably talented with her hands–no matter what she tried, se picked it up instantly and always did it to perfection.
Gwendolyn, on the other hand, wasn’t much of a baker, but she was happy to lend a hand.
As the two of them worked in the kitchen, Gwendolyn glanced over and asked, “So, what are you planning to do next?”
“I went back to Northborough yesterday,” Briony replied.
Gwendolyn paused, looking at her. “Did you see your brother?”
Briony nodded.
She kept her head down, focused on the cake in front of her. From where Gwendolyn stood, Briony’s profile looked calm, her gaze steady. But Gwendolyn knew the truth–Briony had never truly been able to let go of that child’s death.
“On my way out, I ran into Stewart,” Briony added quietly.
Gwendolyn’s eyes widened in surprise. “What did he do?”
“He didn’t seem all that shocked to see me,” Briony said, her voice even. “Back when I faked my death and left with Nina, Mr. Chadwick warned me that Stewart might not believe it completely. He’s been keeping tabs on the antiquities world these past two years–I guess he’d already figured out that Leilani was actually me.”
Gwendolyn let out a heavy sigh. “I never expected you and Nina could hide from him forever, but I hoped you’d get more than four years before he caught on.”
“He probably only started to suspect two years ago, but he hasn’t been in a rush to find us. That’s just how he is–ruthless, willing to do anything to get what he wants. If he truly wanted to track us down, Nina and I wouldn’t have made it this far.”
Gwendolyn frowned. “Is he holding back because he’s afraid you’ll ask for a divorce? Did you bring it up yesterday?”
“I did. And he said if I insisted on divorcing him, he’d fight me for custody of Nina.”
Gwendolyn’s temper flared. “Unbelievable! What’s he playing at? Isn’t Irwin nine years old now–doesn’t he have a mother? The nerve! After everything, he still has the audacity to threaten you about Nina–let him try! I’d like to see him try!”
Briony tried to soothe her. “Godmother, don’t get worked up. I know what I’m doing–he’s not taking Nina from me.”
“I know he can’t, but I can’t stand how shameless he is! He cheated, his own son died because of him, and he still won’t let you go–now he wants to take your daughter too…”
Gwendolyn was so angry she crushed the eggshell in her hand without realizing it.
Briony patted her on the shoulder. “Careful, or Nina’s getting eggshell in her cake tonight.”
Gwendolyn blinked, then managed a sheepish smile.
Old Town, Children’s Amusement Park.
1/2
19:53
James held little Nina in his arms and asked, “Sweetheart, what do you want to try first?”
“The carousel!” Nina pointed eagerly. “I want to ride the flying horse with wings!”
“Alright, whatever you want.” James carried her over to the carousel.
He helped her up onto the winged horse and made sure she was holding on tight.
Nina clutched the handle obediently. “Godfather, you have to take lots of pretty pictures of me, okay?”
Standing at the edge of the carousel, James raised his phone and snapped a flurry of candid photos as Nina beamed with excitement.
