For a brief moment, Kat wished she could say the same about her and Jack. But while there hadn’t been a kiss, she had felt closer to Jack after sharing more about her past. Their connection seemed to be growing all the time. But to what end? He couldn’t leave Poppy Creek and his thriving business. And she could never leave Fern and Hope Hideaway. They were doomed to part from the very beginning.
“You and Colt seem really happy together,” she said wistfully.
“We are. Although, don’t get me wrong, things aren’t always easy. We have our share of squabbles and obstacles. But when you find that person who makes it all worth it…” Her features settled in a blissful smile before she added wryly, “Now, if we could only figure out the wedding.”
“What are your plans so far?”
“None, really. We can’t decide when or where we want it. Or what style, what colors—anything.” She threw up her hands in exasperation.
“There’s nothing you like?”
“The opposite, actually. I have too many ideas and I can’t decide. While poor Colt doesn’t care about all the details. He just wants to get married as soon as possible.”
“That’s sweet.” Kat smiled. “Well, I’m sure, in time, everything will come together perfectly.”
“Thank you. I’m sure you’re right. And I hope, whenever we wind up getting married, that you’ll be there.”
“I wouldn’t miss it.”
“Excellent.” Penny grinned, although her eyes glistened with emotion. Providing some levity, she asked, “Are you ready for the next clue? It’s a doozy.”
“Ready.” Kat joined her at the old-fashioned checkout counter as Penny retrieved the slip of paper from the pocket of her 1930s-style tweed suit.
“‘North, south, east, west, they stretch from sea to sea. But which direction is the best? It’s always number three.’” Penny glanced up. “I thought maybe it could be referring to the globe in my dad’s room. Or his collection of old nautical charts. Or perhaps the map of the world hanging in the living room. I briefly checked all three, but couldn’t find anything. I’m hoping you’ll have more luck.”
“Me, too,” Kat agreed, though the words tasted bittersweet.
Once she found the brooch, she’d have to leave a whole lot more behind.
Chapter 20
Standing shoulder to shoulder with Luke, Vick, and Reed, Jack scrutinized the Windsor house and the enormity of the project that lay before him.
Vick whistled. “It’s in worse shape than I thought.” As soon as the words left his lips, a hinge creaked in the wind. Coming loose, the decrepit shutter flopped to the side, dangling by the one hinge it had left.
Jack winced.
“The property isn’t much better,” Reed noted, surveying the barren landscape. Weeds appeared to be the only thriving foliage.
“I think it’s great.” Luke placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “I wish I’d thought of buying Cassie an inn last Christmas when I was trying to convince her to stay in Poppy Creek.”
“I think it worked out okay, even without the inn,” Reed said with a grin.
“True.” Luke chuckled. “And the coffee shop is more her style, anyway.”
Fitz trotted over from the neighboring trees and dropped a stick at Jack’s feet. Kneeling down, Jack rubbed the dog’s head. Being back in the spot where they’d found the pup stirred Jack’s sentimental side.
“How does he get along with Grant’s dog?” Reed bent down to run a hand over his soft fur.
“They actually haven’t met yet. Vinny stays at Eliza’s place. But we hope to get them together soon.” Secretly, the idea of a double date with the dogs thrilled Jack. And he fantasized about life with Kat more often than he should.
While he hoped the inn would entice her to stay, it wasn’t his only reason for renovating the house. Being around Kat had made him realize how selfish and shortsighted he’d been letting the property go to waste. And whether or not she stayed, she’d inspired him to do more with his money and possessions.
Rising to his feet, stick in hand, Jack threw it into the tree line, smiling as Fitz bounded after it.
At the sound of tires crunching over gravel, all four men turned toward the approaching vehicle.
A large diesel pickup truck with Camden Construction emblazoned on the side rolled to a stop. A trim man in his early sixties climbed out of the driver’s seat, his sun-worn skin and fit frame hinting at his line of work.
