“Yes, I remember.”
Felicity frowned. “So, you’re making all this for you?”
She turned to face Felicity, hands on hips. “If you must know, I’m making dinner for Mark. He helped out with a few repairs around here, and I thought this was the least I could do to repay him.”
Her granddaughter made a weak attempt at hiding her smile. “Ah, yes. The least you can do. Well, you two lovebirds have fun.”
“Felicity,” she warned.
Felicity laughed out loud. “Just teasing. No, really. I hope you have a nice evening. I’ll be home late. Don’t wait up.”
“Have fun.” Darlene turned back to the final preparations for dinner. At five before six, she looked at the table. She’d set the table in the kitchen instead of out in the dining room where another guest might disturb them. Placemats and a vase of flowers from her garden made the table look fancier. She’d pulled out some of her china she rarely used, along with two nice crystal wineglasses.
Suddenly, she worried that she’d gone overboard.
The door to the kitchen opened and Mark stepped in. Too late to change anything now.
“Wow, it smells wonderful in here.”
“Oh, just stuffed chicken breasts, some pasta, and a side salad,” she said like she hadn’t toiled tirelessly this afternoon getting it all ready. “Oh, and I made a pie. Peach.”
“Love peach pie. And I don’t remember the last time I had a home-cooked meal like this.” He grinned at her. “Well, except for your delicious breakfasts. Thank you for doing this for me.”
“Thanks for all the help with repairs.” She motioned to the table. “Sit down and I’ll dish everything up.”
She anxiously watched Mark’s expression as he took his first bite of the stuffed chicken breast. His eyes widened, and a smile spread across his face.
“Darlene, this is absolutely delicious,” he said, reaching for his wineglass. “You’ve outdone yourself.”
She felt a flush of pride at his compliment. “Thank you. I’m glad you’re enjoying it.”
As they ate their meal, they chatted about the upcoming storm that was predicted to come in the next few days as well as the play they’d enjoyed so much at the theater. She enjoyed just sitting and chatting with him. It was easy and fun and… she really liked it. Likedhim.
She sat back for a moment, letting that thought sink in. Admitting the truth to herself.
He interrupted her thoughts and asked, “So, tell me, what’s it like running the B&B? It seems like a lot of work for one person.”
She brought her thoughts back to his question, ignoring the truth she’d just admitted to herself. “It can be challenging at times, but I love it. It’s been my life for so long now, I can’t imagine doing anything else.”
“Do you ever take a break? A vacation?”
She paused, her fork hovering over her plate. When was the last time she had taken a real vacation? She couldn’t remember. “I… I guess it’s been a while. Years, maybe.” Or maybe she couldn’t ever remember taking one since she bought the B&B.
Mark’s eyes filled with concern. “That’s a long time to go without a break. Don’t you ever feel like you need some time for yourself?”
She shrugged, pushing a cherry tomato around her salad plate. “Sometimes, but the B&B is my life. It’s hard to step away from it, even for a little while.”
As the words left her mouth, a realization struck her. Had she really let the B&B consume her entire life? She thought about all the invitations from friends she had declined, the vacations she had put off, and even the quiet moments alone she had sacrificed.
He seemed to sense her thoughts. “It’s important to take care of yourself sometimes too. You deserve a break now and then.”
She appreciated his concern. “You’re right. Maybe it’s time I start thinking about taking some time for myself.” Although she had no idea how to make that happen.
They continued their meal, the conversation flowing easily between them while she steadfastly ignored the truth she’d discovered. She liked Mark Donovan. Liked him a lot.
After they finished their dinner, she cleared the plates and brought out the peach pie. His eyes lit up at the sight of the golden crust and the aroma of cinnamon and ripe peaches.
“This looks amazing,” he said, accepting a slice from Darlene.
