Barbara stared at Katie.Compared to what she was normally like in the morning, she was a super-efficient android on steroids.“How much coffee have you had?”
“Not much.Let’s see…I had a coffee with Mom and Dad at the general store while they were restocking the shelves.Then Brooke offered me a cup of her heavenly brew.Oh, and Kylie poured me a cup while I was checking on the dried flowers.She was unloading her truck after coming back from the flower auction in Polson.The tulips were amazing and she had these dainty little flowers that I can’t remember the name of.And when I was driving through town, I bought another coffee.But I gave that to Theo so it doesn’t count.”
The piece of toast in Barbara’s hand fell to the counter.“Theo’s home?”
Katie took the homemade granola out of the cupboard.“He arrived home a few hours ago, He wasn’t too impressed when I got him out of bed, but I think the coffee helped.Have you ever noticed how sexy he looks in the morning?Even though he was a little grumpy, I can see why you fell in love with him.”
Barbara’s brain was still trying to work out why Theo was in Sapphire Bay.He wasn’t supposed to be here until lunchtime.“Did he say how the meeting in New York went?”
“No.”
For someone who was talking nonstop ten seconds ago, Katie’s sudden silence worried her.Especially when Barbara wanted to know what had happened.“Did he seem okay to you?”
“Apart from looking as though he’d been run over by a lawn mower, he was fine.”Katie added a dollop of yogurt to her cereal, then headed toward the living room.
“Where are you going?”
“I promised Aunt Roberta I’d sit with her while she fixes her zipper.Enjoy your toast.”
“But I wanted to ask you about Theo.”
“Go and see him at his house.You know where he lives.”
Barbara scowled.It was all right for Katie.She hadn’t made a fool of herself when the man she loved asked her to move to New York with him.
Most women would jump at the chance to live on the East Coast.But not Barbara.Not only had she told Theo she wasn’t going, but she’d left him with the impression that she didn’t love him.And if there was one thing she did know, it was that she loved him.
THEO STRAIGHTENEDhis tie before he walked into The Connect Church.Somewhere, beneath the lofty foyer and cavernous interior, Barbara was here, making sure everything was perfect for Penny and Wyatt’s wedding.
He checked the time, then followed the sound of people’s voices.When he walked into the kitchen, he smiled at Kathleen, one of the part-time staff who worked at Sweet Treats.“I didn’t realize you were working here today.”
“Penny asked if I’d look after the catering for her wedding.I haven’t seen you in the candy store for a while.I hope the radio station isn’t keeping you too busy.”
Theo moved out of the way as two men carried boxes of food into the room.“I’ve spent a lot of time over the last few weeks interviewing people.It’s taking a lot longer than I thought.”
“It’s all worth it.I heard your interview with the lady from Poland.What an amazing story.”
“I’m glad you enjoyed it.Have you seen Barbara?”
“I saw her a few minutes ago.She’s sorting out the flowers for the wedding.If you return to the main foyer, she should be in the room on your right-hand side.If she’s not there, she won’t be far away.”
“Thanks, Kathleen.I might see you next week.”
“Make sure you do.Brooke’s making your favorite fudge on Wednesday.”
With a smile, Theo left the kitchen.The chocolate fudge at Sweet Treats was the best he’d ever—
His heart pounded when he saw Barbara walk into the foyer.She smiled at someone going the other way, before placing the large basket of flowers she was holding on the floor.
She was even more beautiful than the last time he’d seen her.With her hair sitting in waves around her shoulders and her favorite blue T-shirt hugging her body, she looked as though she was here to enjoy one of the church’s programs and not get everything ready for her sister’s wedding.
As she turned toward the main doors, their eyes collided.“Theo?”She looked at his suit and frowned.“You’re too early.The wedding doesn’t start until two-thirty.”
“I know.I…” How did he tell her she was the most important person in the world to him?That he couldn’t imagine living so far away from her.“I came back early from New York.Wyatt said there was still a lot of work to do before the wedding.I offered to help…and here I am.”
“In a suit?”
“I wanted to look my best.Happy Thanksgiving.”
