“I have to admit, I was surprised to get a text after last night.” Her eyes searched his, even as she guarded her body with her arms. “After everything you said.”
She deserved an explanation. The full story of all he’d realized at his grandfather’s grave last night. All the “whys.”
But they were on a time crunch.
Therewastime for an apology, though. He shifted his weight. “A lot has happened. But you need to know, I’m sorry for the way I responded last night. My father caught me off guard, and well—I fell into a pit. But that’s no excuse. You were trying to do the right thing, and I stifled you.”
“I was.” She visibly swallowed. “And I’m sorry I was so late.”
Speaking of—Noah pushed back the sleeve of his flannel shirt and checked his watch. 6:01 a.m. He grimaced.
Elisa still looked confused. “Did something else happen with Russell?”
“Yeah. Something big.” He appreciated how she didn’t refer to the man as his dad, but by his first name. Further regret over how he’d brushed her off washed over him. Elisa knew him—understood him.
And yet, even knowing that, he still couldn’t bring himself to wrap her in his arms. He wanted to leave the same legacy of love by which his grandfather had clearly loved his grandmother. He wanted the happily ever after. The whole story.
But just because he wanted all those things and they had both apologized, didn’t mean they were ready to trust each other on that level. And he couldn’t let any more passionate embraces or fiery kisses cloud the issue until they were. He didn’t want a repeat of their teenaged fling.
He wanted the real thing.
“I understand if you don’t want to tell me.” She picked at the dried icing on her jeans.
“That’s not it.” He shook his head as the coffee grinder behind them whirred into action. “I’ll explain everything, I promise. But first—I think I figured out the final clue.”
“Are you serious?” Her blue eyes flashed up at him with hope.
“It’s just a hunch, but…” He glanced at his watch again, then at the door behind her. “We don’t have much time.”
“Okay.” Elisa frowned. “Then why are we here?”
“Remember who said shealwaysgets coffee at six o’clock and two o’clock?” Except today, apparently. It was 6:03 now. He bit back a groan.
Recognition dawned on Elisa’s face. “You think the clue is at Second Story.”
He nodded.
She tilted her head. “But Magnolia retail stores don’t open until ten on weekdays.”
“Exactly why we’re here.” He peered out the window behind Elisa. No sign of Sadie. What if she didn’t come? The bank opened at nine, and he had to beat his dad there.
His hopes were ticking away with each second hand movement on the clock.
“Hey! Lumberjack!”
Noah spun at Miley’s bark from the counter. She gestured to the two cups of to-go coffee sitting at the pickup station before turning back to the milk frother.
“I’m assuming she means me.” Maybe it was time for a wardrobe upgrade. He headed for the drinks just as he heard the front door open. He picked up their coffees, then turned back, his heart leaping at the sight of the curly-haired woman strolling inside.
Elisa, however, actually lunged. “Sadie!”
Surprised, Sadie stepped back, eyes wide, as Elisa grabbed for her. Noah rushed toward them both. The strap of Sadie’s tote fell from her shoulder and the bag landed on the floor.
“Sorry.” Elisa grinned sheepishly as she picked it up. “We’ve been waiting for you.”
“How’d you know I was com—ahh. Every day at six, right?” Sadie darted her gaze between the two of them, then leaned forward. “Let me guess. Sunny weather report?”
“No, actually, cloudy.” Noah held up his cup in a salute. “But we have a favor to ask…and the coffee is on me if you say yes.”
