“I enjoy what I do.” Katie glanced at the clock on the wall. “And talking about work, I need to prepare tonight’s dinner. Otherwise, we’ll have a lot of hungry guests wondering where their meals are.”
Peter looked at the time. “I need to get back to work, too. Thanks for the coffee.”
“You’re welcome. I hope you’re able to fund the next part of your project.”
“So do I. The prosthetics are making a huge difference in people’s lives.” He picked up their coffee cups and took them across to the counter. “Remember to send me the self-publishing links you’ve found.”
Katie bit her bottom lip. “Are you sure you have the time to help me?”
“I’ll make the time.” His softly spoken words brought another blush to Katie’s cheeks. A warm protectiveness spread through his chest. The more he knew about her, the more special she seemed.
Katie opened a kitchen drawer and took out a pen and notebook. She scribbled something on a sheet of paper and handed it to him. “If you have any questions about what I send you, give me a call,” she said quickly. “I organize breakfast for our guests in the morning and then write. But I’m available most afternoons.”
Peter smiled. “Thanks. I’ll remember.” With a final farewell, he left the inn. He had no idea what was happening, but in some strange, unexpected way, Katie intrigued him. She was intelligent, sweet, and beautiful. And beneath her outgoing personality was a woman who was unsure of her future as he was.
* * *
As her daddrove into the parking lot of The Kalispell Theatrical Company, Katie could hardly contain her excitement. Ever since Diana had told them she was having a Christmas-themed wedding, she’d dreamed about what their dresses would look like.
“Would you stop fidgeting,” Penny said from beside her. “You’re knocking my laptop.”
Katie looked at the report her sister was reading. “I can’t believe you’re working. Aren’t you excited about seeing the dresses?”
“I will be after I’ve worked out what the county wants me to do with the cottages on Anchor Lane,” she muttered.
Mabel looked over her shoulder at Penny. “I thought they were happy for you to start renovating them.”
“They are, but there’s still a lot of red tape to go through. The Heritage Protection Society have some questions about the plans.”
Allan frowned. “That doesn’t sound great. Can they object to what’s already been approved?”
“I don’t think so. They looked at the plans a few weeks ago and didn’t say anything.”
“Don’t let them worry you,” their dad said. “I know the chairperson of the group. Percy Adams is a decent person. He wouldn’t hold up the project if it’s already gone through the planning and building departments.”
Katie threw off her seatbelt and turned around. Diana and Barbara were pulling into the parking lot behind them.
Penny sighed and closed her laptop. “Anyone would think you’re ten years old.”
“I forgive your grumpiness, but you might want to plaster a fake smile on your face. Diana looks worried.”
With an exaggerated smile, Penny glared at Katie. “Better?”
“Slightly.”
Their mom picked up her bag. “Katie’s right. Diana was a little pale this morning. Even if you don’t like all the costumes, choose the one you like the best. We don’t have time to look for anything else.”
Katie jumped out of the truck and shivered. For someone born and raised in Montana, she was still getting used to the crisp winter mornings. With a wave to Diana and Barbara, she quickly pulled up the zipper on her jacket and rushed to their vehicle.
As soon as Diana stepped out of the truck, Katie held her hands. “This is so exciting. I can’t wait to see the costumes.”
“I hope they’re as good as we think they’ll be.”
“They will be.” As soon as the rest of their family joined them, Katie asked, “Is everyone ready?”
Mabel grinned from beneath a fur-lined hat. “I’ve been ready for the last week. I can’t wait to see what we look like.”
A bubble of excitement made Katie grin. Neither could she.
