“That’s… undecided.”
The newlyweds exchanged a confused glance as Kat sipped her coffee.
“She’s on a treasure hunt,” Trudy announced with a grand, mysterious air as she placed a basket of warm poppyseed muffins in the center of the table.
Kat sputtered, wiping the dribbles of coffee off her chin with the back of her hand. “How did you know that?”
“It’s a small town, dear,” Trudy said as though it explained everything.
“A treasure hunt? How fun.” Elle sounded intrigued.
“With a map?” Graham asked.
Kat shook her head. “Riddles, actually.”
“I love riddles.” An older man with thinning silvery hair and tanned sun-wrinkled skin burst from the kitchen carrying a tray of sizzling sausage and bacon. Although they hadn’t officially met, Kat recognized him as Trudy’s husband, George. “Can you share one of the clues with us?” He sat at the head of the table, while Trudy took the chair to his right.
“Sure.” Kat wouldn’t turn down extra help. And luckily, this one had been easier to memorize. “The most recent one is ‘A tale as old as time, a love beyond refrain, a story penned in rhyme, a rose by any name.’”
“Romeo and Juliet?” Graham guessed almost immediately. “It’s a classic love story, an eternal romance in which Shakespeare utilizes rhyming couplets. And in the second act, Juliet says, ‘What’s in a name? That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet.’”
“Graham always aced our high school English exams.” Elle gifted her husband with a proud, doting smile.
“That’s what my sister, Penny, guessed as well. But when we checked her copy ofRomeo and Juliet, we couldn’t find anything.”
Everyone’s brow furrowed in thought, their breakfast forgotten.
“What about an adaptation?” Graham asked.
“Yes!” Elle snapped her fingers. “LikeWest Side Story.” She grinned sheepishly as she added, “I watched the movie in high school instead of reading the play.”
“That’s an interesting idea,” Kat said slowly. “I did notice a shelf of old DVDs. It’s worth a look.”
“Will you let us know if you find it?” Elle asked.
“Absolutely,” Kat told her as they all resumed eating.
She caught the newlyweds exchange another loving glance and her stomach twisted.
Until meeting Jack, she’d resigned herself to remaining single forever, like Fern.
But now, she wasn’t sure what she wanted anymore.
* * *
“Come on, Luce. Pick up,” Jack muttered before the call went to voice mail. He’d been trying to reach her all morning, but she was either avoiding him or busy. He hoped it was the latter.
“Knock, knock.” Vick ducked his head into the office. “Someone’s here to see you.”
“Thanks. I’ll be right there.” Jack stood, his heart pounding. He hadn’t seen Kat since last night when she’d remained glued to Penny’s side. Come to think of it, she’d acted strange ever since Ashley showed up. Hopefully, she hadn’t read too much into it. And if so, he’d gladly set the record straight while they worked on the display this afternoon.
Passing through the busy kitchen, Jack stepped into the main dining area, already wearing a grin in anticipation of seeing Kat again.
“My, aren’t you in a good mood today.”
His blood chilled at the sight of his ex. “You’re still in town?”
She ignored his comment. “Rumor has it you want to turn the Windsor house into an inn. Is that true?”
