Catching Sparks (Cherry Peak Book 2)

Cynthia showsme around the Beckett household with animated movements and explanations of how and when each room was decorated. I learn she loves interior design but never wanted to make a career out of it. She could have, that much is made clearer with every room we step into. I don’t bother hiding my genuine awestruck reactions, and I think she loves that too.

Garrison quite literally grew up in a mansion. As soon as I think we’ve reached the last room, Cynthia pulls me into another. By the time we get back to the first of two sitting rooms and she ushers me into a burnt-orange, oversized chair, jet lag has hit me.

I can’t stop searching the space for little pieces of Garrison and their family. I’m not disappointed with what I find. This room is the coziest of them all. A dark-bricked electric fireplace is on my left, flanked with floor-to-ceiling built-in bookshelves that are cluttered with trinkets and photo frames. There are a few books scattered there, but it’s obvious the shelves were built for a more sentimental purpose.

“In the biggest frame is a photo we had taken for us at Garrison’s university graduation. Beside it is one of the most recent photos we’ve taken and my personal favourite. It was during my birthday last year. My son rented the entire zoo for me. Had it completely shut down for the day just so I could see the giraffes without interruption,” she explains, a dainty, wrinkled hand pressed over her heart.