I froze mid-step. “How—”
She tapped her temple. “I have a gift.”
A gift called Abby from the coffee shop, Wanda from the diner, and Millie from the Sunshine Breakfast Club.
“Riiight,” I said slowly, pretending not to panic.
“Lovely boy, that new guide,” she added without looking up, as if commenting on the weather.
I dropped a ceramic mug I’d been inspecting. I caught it midair and pretended it was intentional.
“What?”
“Carson, isn’t it? Tall. Handsome. Quiet like a man who has deeper thoughts but doesn’t share them until chapter ten.”
“He’s fine,” I said too quickly.
She smiled like a wolf circling her prey. “Mm-hmm.”
I tried to redirect. “So, uh—pillows?”
She nodded toward the back. “Boho section’s over there. New arrivals this morning.”
I wandered deeper into the shop, weaving between aisles overloaded with carved wooden bowls, wicker baskets, embroidered tapestries, and lamps shaped like everything from pinecones to flamingos. The air smelled like old cedar and lavender sachets.
I found a rack of handwoven throw pillows in warm mustard, sunset pink, and ocean teal. Exactly my vibe. I hugged one to my chest before I could stop myself.
It already made the cottage feel closer to mine.
I was still holding it when footsteps clicked behind me.
Grace’s voice floated over. “The Sunshine Breakfast Club was having a lively discussion this morning.”
Oh no.
“About spring book releases?” I tried hopefully.
“No, dear. About you.”
I swallowed. “Fantastic.”
“And,” she continued casually, “your handsome coworker.”
I pressed the pillow to my face. “No. Stop. I’m not emotionally prepared.”
She leaned on the cart like someone settling into a story. “Well, you know how fast news moves in this town—”
“Slower. It moves slower, right?”
“No, dear. Faster than light. Wanda said she heard from her cousin’s daughter, who heard from the Butterfields online, that you and Carson were thedreamiest husband-and-wife guide teamin the Great Lakes.”
I groaned into the pillow. “That is an exaggeration.”
“Millie said it reminded her of the Appalachian Trail romance she read last week.”
“I hate everything.” I couldn’t hide my smile.
“And my cousin in Oregon would like to know if the lodge is offering couples’ hikes now, given your… chemistry.” She eyed me.
