Through a haze of sleep, Heather sensed the scrutiny and struggled to push aside the dulling effects of slumber. But it wasn’t easy. It had taken her hours to drift off last night after all the excitement. Particularly those moments in J.C.’s arms…and that brush of his lips across her forehead. Throw in a foot that throbbed every time she moved, and she doubted she’d gotten more than four hours of restless sleep. Forcing her eyes open at last, she blinked against the bright sunshine peeking in through the lace curtains. Edith stood in the doorway, Brian hovering behind her. “You’re awake.” The older woman came into the room and planted herself beside the bed. Brian was right behind her. “I am now.” She stifled a yawn. “What are you doing here?” “She came to the back door when I went down to get a muffin, so I let her in,” Brian offered. “J.C. called early this morning.” Edith picked up the narrative. “Chester and I were at that benefit for the Atheneum last night and didn’t even know about all your excitement until he called and woke us up.
