After a brief game with the cherry stems and an unexpected display of affection in the park, Ethan and I had a light lunch at a place he recommended. Now, we found ourselves at a dessert shop in the shopping district.

It was the same dessert shop I’d visited a few years ago with Isabel and Katarina. We’d shared a slice of strawberry shortcake there.

I thought this would be a good opportunity to bring him here. Since Ethan spends over half the year at the academy, he doesn’t get many chances to explore the Blackwood estate. Especially not places …