The next morning, Aspen got up bright and early. Sunlight teased small patterns across her bedding, and she stretched her slim arms high above her head. The headboard knocked against her knuckles. It was odd to have a headboard. She was used to the feel of the cold wall before, and she’d never had bright sunlight in her room. It would take some getting used to, but she loved it.
Leeman had told her to stay at home. He didn’t want her going to school until he had a chance to speak to a lawyer he knew. Stephan wouldn’t bother them again once his friend was done.
The air in her room was warm, and she hopped out of bed and freshened up in the bathroom. Thirty minutes later she’d washed, brushed her teeth, and wore a pair of jeans and a sleeveless blue top. The silver watch looked dainty on her pale skin, and she tilted the ring that Dylan had given her in the light and smiled as it glittered back at her. She brushed her pale hair until it shone, and twisted it into a ponytail before going downstairs.
Norma looked refreshed and calmer than she was yesterday. She’d added a touch of makeup to her face and wore a pretty yellow summer dress.
“You’re looking good, Mom,” Aspen said as she entered the kitchen.
“Thank you. I had a good night’s sleep and feel so much better. Is your room okay?”
“Yes, thanks, it couldn’t be better. I’m so much happier here.”
“We made the right move, didn’t we, honey?” Norma placed a bowl of cereal on the table and poured milk into it.
“Of course we did.”
She handed Aspen a spoon. “Eat up.”
“Thanks, Mom. What do you want to do today?”
“I want to bake a cake. I haven’t made one in ages, and I’m in the right mood. What do you think?”
“Great idea, I’ll help. What can I do?” Aspen scraped the last of the cereal from the bowl and headed for the sink.
“Get the eggs from the fridge and the flour in the cabinet. I’m defrosting meat for dinner tonight. Leeman’s fridge is so full that I don’t need to go shopping for another few days at least.”
Norma opened a drawer and retrieved utensils for baking.
The front door opened and voices hummed in the entrance hall. After washing the bowl, Aspen dried her hands on a towel and went to investigate.
Her heart pounded instantly as she caught sight of Dylan talking to Leeman. He looked incredible in a pair of jeans and a tight black T-shirt. The material hugged his upper arms, showing off his biceps to perfection, and his dark hair gleamed. He stopped talking and stared at her intently.
Leeman turned around and noticed Aspen standing behind him. “Princess, Dylan came to see how you were doing.”
“Hey, Dylan, come on in.” With a breathy voice, she motioned for him to join her. “My mom’s in the kitchen. We’re about to bake a cake.”
“Perfect timing.” He grinned and walked toward her.
The faintest trace of soap enveloped her and he neared, and she breathed in his clean smell. His hand touched the small of her back as they walked and electricity danced along her spine. She was conscious of every step he took behind her, but she managed to lead him to where her mother stood, sifting flour over a bowl on the table.
“Mom, Dylan’s here.”
Norma looked up.
“By the way,” Aspen added, “he’s a Dream Walker as well.”
Her mother’s eyes flickered in surprise, but she recovered quickly. “Hey there, come on in. Honey, get him something to drink. I’m making a chocolate cake.” She pointed to a chair at the table, and Dylan eased into it as Aspen opened the fridge door.
“Thank you, ma’am,” he said politely.
Aspen poured a glass of juice and placed it in front of Dylan. His eyes followed her as she returned the juice bottle to the fridge, then grabbed the baking pan to grease it with butter for the cake mixture.
“Mom, Dylan and some of our friends have been helping fix up the house that Dad built for us in Lanta.”
“Oh, really? Well, thank you so much, Dylan. How much longer will it take?” Norma placed the dirty utensils in the sink and walked back to the counter. She cracked two eggs on the side of the bowl of cake mixture, and stirred.
“We’ve been working on it for a while, so hopefully it’ll be finished soon. I’ve asked Demothi if you’ll be able to see it, and he said he’d let me know soon,” Dylan told her.
“That would be incredible, thank you.” She dribbled liquid from a small bottle into the bowl, releasing the scent of vanilla into the kitchen.
“Mom, would you mind if I leave and go to work on the house for a bit?” Aspen threw the buttered paper in the trash can and placed the cake pan next to her mom.
Norma smiled. “Of course not, honey. Just make sure you’re back for supper at six tonight. I’m making beef casserole, and there’ll be chocolate cake for dessert.”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
Leeman walked into the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge. “If you’re late, then I’ll have to eat your share.”
“No way. I’ll be here, Uncle Leeman. See you all later.” She placed her hand on Dylan’s shoulder and zapped the dream catcher. Within seconds, the two stood in her father’s house.