Even though his brother was trying to reassure him, Cody knew there wasn’t a lot he could do other than keep an eye out for the guy. Travis hadn’t broken any laws. He was just angry and talking shit.
“I just wanted to keep you aware of the situation. I’ll talk to you later.”
Cody ran his fingers through his hair and turned toward the counter. He met Harper’s gaze as she remained on the phone across the room and winked at her, receiving a small smile and a reddening of her cheeks in return.
Damn, she was beautiful.
“Cody, honey, sorry I was busy when you and Harper arrived,” Mrs. Sandler said, stopping in front of him. “It’s been a crazy day. What can I get you?”
“Just a black coffee for me and an iced coffee for Harper.”
“Any cupcakes or cookies?”
“Yeah, that would be great. Surprise us.” He held out his card. “How are you doing?” The woman looked tired.
She sighed. “I’m missing Sadie. I have a couple of young girls who work here, but nothing’s the same as having my granddaughter by my side.”
“How is she?”
“She’s set to marry Scott in a month.”
There was the smallest hint of distaste in the woman’s expression. She didn’t like him. But then, not many people did. Word around town was that the guy was boring as shit and had almost no personality. “Are you going to the wedding?”
“I am. It’ll be nice to see her again.”
“Well, shout out if you ever need a hand here.”
She handed back his card. “Thank you, honey. You’ve always been so helpful. All you boys have.”
He dipped his head before moving back to the table just as Harper sat down with him. His hand immediately went to her back. “Everything okay?”
“It was my old boss, Ivy, who told my mom where I am.” She lifted a shoulder. “I never let her in on what went on with my family, and even though she shouldn’t have shared that information, I can’t really be angry at her. She thought she was helping.”
Regret tinged her words… She was blaming herself for her father finding her and showing up like he had. “Hey. He could have chosen to stay away. You ran. You blocked your brother’s number. They knew you wanted nothing to do with them, yet still he came here. That’s on him.”
She swallowed, then nodded. “Yeah.”
“You know what will turn this day around?”
“What?”
“Copious amounts of sugar.”
The corners of her lips tugged up. “Really? That’s all it takes?”
“Well, that and some Cody time.”
This time she threw her head back and laughed. “You know what, I think you’re right.”
Mrs. Sandler came to their table and set down a donut and a double chocolate chip cookie. “Good surprise?”
Cody grinned at her. “Great surprise.” Then he looked at Harper. “I’ve had a few of them lately.”
CHAPTER 20
“So, this is the Misty Peak Sunday Market,” Harper said as she took in all the stalls. Some were set up with fruits and vegetables. Others sold hot food. There were even some pre-loved clothing canopies and a couple that sold homemade craft items, like bee and bird houses.
Cody’s fingers tightened around her hand. “It is. It’s very much loved by the locals, exactly why you see so many people here on a Sunday morning. Mrs. Sandler even comes and sells some baked goods that aren’t on her usual menu.”
