Now I’m finally here, and she isn’t. I suspect there’s a life lesson in there somewhere. But I’m not here for sentiment or a trip down memory lane.
I’m here to close Aunt Clara’s flower shop.
Chapter Four
Ruby
I push open the door,bringing with me a blast of cold air and the faint scent of roses clinging to my coat. Sweet Peak Café is the place to escape the cold. It’s cozy, whimsically decorated, and serves the best pancakes this side of the Continental Divide.
I’ve been up since dawn and caffeine is no longer a want. It’s a medical necessity.
Desiree spots me from behind the counter. “Morning, Ruby. You look like you wrestled a bouquet and lost.”
“I did,” I say cheerfully. “Pansies are feisty this time of year.”
She laughs, sliding my usual caramel latte across the counter before I even order. That’s the kind of small-town service I live for.
“Going to the cotillion?” I ask.
“Wouldn’t miss it. I’m excited to see how the inn came out. The renovations look substantial. How about you?”
I grin, trying to match her upbeat energy. “I’m providing the flowers for the inn and single roses for sale. It is Valentine’s Day, after all.”
“Very industrious.”
I’ve been called lots of things—flighty, quirky, someone who dances to the beat of her own drum—but never industrious. I give her a look that saysyou’re not serious, and we both share a good laugh.
There was one other person who could make me laugh until I cried but she’s gone, and now I’m running her shop. Clara’s been gone for a couple of months.
Desiree must see it on my face. “I miss her too.”
If only she were still here. None of the changes coming our way would be happening.
I tap the top of the glass display, pointing to a Boston cream donut. Wordlessly, Desiree pulls it out and hands it to me in wax paper. “On the house.” She lifts her coffee mug. “To Clara.”
“To Clara,” I echo, smiling despite myself.
I set the donut down and glance around the café. It’s the same delightful place Mae ran for years. Now part-owned by Desiree, Mae only stops by occasionally to help out. Even with the changes, it still feels the same. I can only hope the changes coming my way will go just as smoothly.
Chapter Five
Griffin
I passSweet Peak Café and the Silver Quill Bookshop. For a moment, it all feels unreal, like a Hollywood movie set.
I crawl at the ridiculously slow speed limit, tires crunching on slush, passing beneath a banner stretched across Main Street:
VALENTINE’S COTILLION
TIMBERLINE INN – FEB 14
I groan. Of course. What’s a small town without a holiday dance?
The GPS cheerfully announces, “You have arrived.”
I pull up next to Oopsie Daisies and take a slow breath. When the lawyer read the will, I was surprisedAunt Clara left me the property. I’ve never even been up here. Not once. Whatever awaits me won’t be pleasant. Time to gird myself.
My eyes land on the perfect first stop. I cut the engine and step out into the frigid street, heading straight for the café across the way.
