Page 51 of Tiffanie

Tiffanie scanned the beautiful array of cookies that Sara had prepared and leaned forward to inhale deeply. “That aroma is enough for me to gain five pounds, Sara.”

“Good. Take another sniff. I promised Phineas that I’d work on fattening you up,” Sara said.

When Tiffanie and Essie looked at her with shocked expressions, Sara continued, “You didn’t figure out that he’d come talk to me?”

“I thought you’d be sneakier,” Tiffanie confessed.

“No need. I’ll always tell you the truth, unless the unvarnished facts would hurt you. Then I’ll lie until my nose grows four feet.” Sara touched the tip of her nose and extended her hand out as far as her arm could reach.

“Um, Sara?” Essie asked.

“Yes?”

“Only this one is pure chocolate,” Essie said. “If the retiree loves that flavor, shouldn’t we have at least half with chocolate?”

“Try that one for me,” Sara said, pointing to a treat that resembled a snickerdoodle with a cinnamon-sugar topping.

Curious, Tiffanie picked up that treat and almost dropped it, revealing the chocolate-dipped bottom. “Oh, chocolate and spice. I bet this is amazing. Here.” She bent the cookie, dividing the large treat in half and handing a side to Essie.

“Mmm,” Tiffanie said, groaning with delight. “That’s sinful. I’d quit working to get those cookies.”

“You’re not allowed to retire,” Essie said before taking a bite. “I’d eat those all day long. Yes, to this selection. Tiffanie, let’s try the filled cookie.”

When Essie tore that one apart, chocolate oozed out of the middle. “Ohhh! That’s going to be popular.” She handed a section to Tiffanie, and they tapped the two together like crystal wine glasses. Essie wiggled happily in her chair as she devoured it.

“I will never doubt you again, Sara,” she promised.

“Oh, you will. I’ll beat your expectations the next time as well,” Sara answered cheerfully.

By the end, the regular double chocolate chip cookie was the least spectacular delicacy on the tray—good, yummy, but not way over the top like the others. Tiffanie and Essie slumped in their chairs with empty glasses and full tummies.

“I take it back. I’m never retiring if I get to come taste test,” Tiffanie said.

“Deal! I’m holding you to it.” Essie’s eyes gleamed with happiness.

“Okay, I’m stealing the rest of these for dessert later. I bet your Daddies would enjoy them too.”

Sara was gone before the women dared to look at each other. “She said Daddies, Essie. Does she know everything?”

“Sara’s aware of things that haven’t happened yet. Don’t worry. She’ll never tell a soul,” Essie assured her. “What should we work on now?”

“I’m so full. I’m not sure I can think clearly.”

“Want to see my nursery? We can play there if you like. For a break.”

“Really? I’d love to visit your special room.” Tiffanie jumped to her feet before steadying herself with a hand on the chairback.

“Only if you promise to take it easy. We can ride the elevator upstairs.”

A few minutes later, Tiffanie covered her eyes in Zander and Essie’s bedroom while Essie fit the key into the hidden slot. She didn’t peek. Essie deserved to have her secrets.

“This was Esther’s nursery first?” Tiffanie asked, stepping through the now-open panel into the gorgeous room.

“Yes. She didn’t get to use the area much because Edmund died young. I like spending time here. The room gets happier every time I’m inside. I’m sure that’s my imagination, but this space seems lighter.”

The glow through the window brightened a scant bit, and the two Littles glanced at each other. “I don’t think that’s your imagination, Essie.”

“Me neither,” Essie whispered. “Would you like to play dress-up? Esther left some amazing dresses, hats, and costume jewelry in the wardrobe.”