The evening had fallen softly, with the kind of light that clung to the horizon a little longer than usual. I had just finished rearranging a few bolts of fabric in the boutique when Julian came in. He moved more slowly than usual, his shoulders carrying a weight I could sense before he even spoke.

“You’re late,” I said lightly, trying to read his expression.

He managed a small smile. “The day ran longer than I thought.”

I locked the last drawer behind the counter and turned toward ...