LOGINI can hardly believe it. Before my friends can say anything else, I squeal and throw my arms around them both, jumping up and down. Liam and Brian and the twins are the one major thing I’ve missed dearly since leaving Bo’Arrocan, and to find that they’re finally considering living in Ordan full time
“On schedule, believe it or not,” I reply. “The Bo’Arrocan branch is finally running smoothly, and the Ordan location just graduated its first class of seniors. Six of them got full scholarships to prestigious art schools.”“That’s amazing, Iris.” Alice squeezes my arm. “You’ve created something tru
IrisFive Years Later…“Fifty years of marriage, and they still make each other laugh like that,” Arthur says, appearing at my side with two glasses of champagne. He hands me one and clinks his against it, and we watch as my parents twirl on the lawn, my mom throwing her head back at something my fa
“Gee. Thanks,” I manage to laugh weakly. “I’ll see you all next week.”“You most certainly will not,” Arthur, Hunter, and Alice all say in unison, making me roll my eyes.Outside, Arthur’s car is waiting, parked haphazardly half on the curb. He must have driven like a maniac to get here so quickly f
IrisEight months later…“And that’s why the colors on this side of the color wheel are considered ‘cool’ colors,” I explain to the class of children sitting in a semicircle around me. “They remind us of water, ice, and the sky.”I’m demonstrating on a large color wheel chart when a sharp pain rips
And through it all, Augustine’s breathing grows slower, shallower.Then, quietly and calmly, she goes.Her hand turns limp in mine. The steady beeping of the heart monitor flatlines. The doctor steps forward, checks for a pulse, then shakes her head.“Time of death, 10:47 AM,” she says quietly.I br
He pulls me close, his hands warm on my lower back. “Anything for our family.”The word ‘family’ makes my chest ache. I rise on my tiptoes and kiss him. Arthur responds immediately, deepening the kiss as he walks me backward toward his bedroom. Our bedroom.I almost consider telling him again, but o
IrisWith a flourish, Arthur turns the handle and pushes the door open, flicking on the light.“Ta-da!” he announces, stepping aside so we can see.My breath catches as I take in the scene. The room that was once a simple guest bedroom has been completely transformed. Every inch of it screams ‘Miles
The question makes my stomach twist painfully. Do I trust Caleb? My long-lost brother? The man who is helping me understand who I really am?“I think he genuinely wants to help,” I say carefully. “We’re friends now.”Arthur stares at me for a moment. “Willfords don’t do anything without an agenda,”
IrisThe salty breeze whips through my hair as Arthur carries Miles on his shoulders down the boardwalk. Miles squeals with delight, one of his little hands gripping Arthur’s hair while the other points at anything and everything—seagulls, pretty clouds, someone walking by with cotton candy.The gui







