The back door opened and their mom walked into the kitchen.“Thank goodness you’re all here.A man came into the general store looking for Theo.No one told me he works forThe New York Times.”
Barbara’s eyes widened.“You didn’t tell the person where he lives, did you?”
“Of course, I didn’t.Why didn’t you tell me about Theo?”
“He didn’t want anyone knowing who he was.”
“You could have told me.”
Katie placed her hand on Barbara’s arm.“Theo left New York to keep himself and everyone around him safe.If he’d told anyone who he was apart from Barbara, the former mayor could have found him.”
Barbara hoped her mom understood why she hadn’t said anything.“Have you read the article inThe New York Times?”
Mabel nodded.“I read it after I told the other man I didn’t know who he was talking about.I can only imagine the trouble Theo got into after writing it.”
“It wasn’t only Theo who was targeted by the former mayor.”Barbara thought about Anne and Theo’s parents, and everyone else connected with Steve’s shady business dealings.
Mabel still didn’t look happy.“He shouldn’t be embarrassed about being a journalist.I know better than most how controversial it can be when you’re reporting on community news.”
Katie nudged Barbara’s leg under the table.
Barbara didn’t dare look at anyone in case she smiled.As the administrator of the Sapphire Bay Community Facebook page, their mom had often become the center of controversy by posting news she shouldn’t share.Thankfully, she was getting better at working out what was important and what wasn’t.
Penny walked to the kitchen counter and poured their mom a cup of coffee.“Theo wouldn’t have meant to mislead anyone.”
“I hope not.”Mabel sighed as she sat beside Barbara.“What are you doing?”
“Discussing Thanksgiving decorations for the inn.”She showed her mom the pictures of the table setting and decorations they’d found.“We’re buying one of the decorative turkeys you have in your store.”
Mabel seemed pleased.“I knew they’d look wonderful in the inn.”
Katie leaned forward to speak to Barbara.“On a totally different topic, did the rental center tell us if they can supply the balloon arches and lights for Penny’s wedding?”
“They’ll be here by next Tuesday.”Barbara opened the wedding spreadsheet on her laptop.Decorating the house for Thanksgiving wasn’t high on their list of priorities, but Penny’s wedding was.In seven days, Penny and Wyatt would be walking down the aisle, pledging their love to each other.
Diana refilled everyone’s coffee cups.“I spoke to Pastor John yesterday.The tables and chairs will be ready for us to decorate two days before the wedding.”
Barbara adjusted the spreadsheet.“That’s a day earlier than he thought.”
“They must have had a cancellation.”
Penny looked longingly at the chocolate cake Katie had baked.“I can’t wait to marry Wyatt.If nothing else, I’ll be able to eat whatever I want.”
Mabel frowned.“You’re not on a diet, are you?”
“Not a diet, but I’m trying to eat healthy food.”She checked the clock on the wall.“Have we finished discussing the Thanksgiving decorations?I need to meet Wyatt at the church for another meeting with Pastor John.”
Barbara glanced at Katie and Diana.“Are we finished?”
“We are,” Katie said with a smile.“And since I’m not focused on healthy eating, I’m going to have another slice of cake.Would you like one, too, Mom?”
“I shouldn’t, but I will.Your cakes are as delicious as Grandma used to bake.”
Mabel couldn’t have said anything that would make Katie look prouder.
“Because you gave me such a lovely compliment, I’ll give you an extra-large serving.”
Penny picked up her empty coffee cup.“I’m leaving before I change my mind about the cake.Don’t keep any dinner for me.I’m eating with Wyatt tonight.”
