“Please, call me Donna. Your son is charming.”
Richard blinked. Paris wasn’t sure what he was thinking, but it was probably what most people thought before they got to know her mom. She could be incredibly polite, funny, and witty. Until something happened. And then she was someone you didn’t want to be around.
“Welcome to Sapphire Bay, Donna. Come inside before you get cold.”
While her mom said something about how different the temperature was in Montana, Paris patted Louie.
“We’ve got ice cream for dessert,” Jack whispered.
Paris showed him the box. “I bought some yummy treats, too.”
“It will be like a party.”
She wished she shared Jack’s enthusiasm. “I hope so. Let’s go inside.” With an impending sense of doom, she followed Richard and her mom into the house. Hopefully, Donna would be on her best behavior and everything would be fine. If not, Paris might be the one checking into The Lakeside Inn.
Richard walked into the living room with a cup of coffee for Donna. The barbecue had been a success and dessert was delicious. Apart from Paris being on edge the entire time, it could have been a normal family dinner.
Donna smiled as he placed the cup beside her. “Thank you. I enjoy a nice coffee at the end of a meal. Are you enjoying your ice cream sundae, Jack?”
“It’s yummy. There’s a candy store in town that sells amazing ice cream. Dad takes me there all the time.”
“You’re a lucky boy.”
“That’s what Grandma says. She’s coming to visit us soon.”
“That will be nice. Is she staying with you and your dad?”
Paris’s hand tightened around her coffee cup.
Jack nodded. “We made a bedroom for her. It has pink cushions and a fluffy blanket on the end of the bed. Louie likes to rub his whiskers on the blanket, but dad tells him not to.”
“That’s a very sensible thing to teach Louie. He’s a cute dog, but your grandma won’t want his hair everywhere. It’s nice she has her own bedroom. It must make her feel wanted.”
Paris’ gaze shot to her mom.
Before Paris said something she might regret, Richard jumped into the conversation. “When mom arrives, she’ll be surprised by the changes in Sapphire Bay. We have a lot of construction happening around town.”
“Paris told me you’re in charge of the people remodeling the cottages on Anchor Lane. That must be a rewarding job.”
“It is, especially when we’re employing local people. A few years ago, it was a different story. A lot of older people and families looking for an alternative lifestyle lived here. Now, young people are living and working here, and businesses are thinking of relocating to Sapphire Bay.”
“We have plenty of events, too,” Paris added. “There’s an amazing Christmas program, farmers’ markets, and fishing competitions. There’s something for everyone.”
Jack licked the last of his ice cream off his spoon. “My favorite things are the boat races and the strawberry festival. I like strawberries.”
Donna nodded. “They’re very good for you.” She looked at Richard and smiled. “Would you mind if I added some cold water to my coffee? It’s a little hot.”
He started to rise. “I can do it for you.”
“Don’t be silly. You’re enjoying your coffee. I know where the kitchen is.”
Paris left her cup on the table. “I’ll do it for you, Mom.”
“I can do it myself, but thank you for the offer.” Before Paris could reply, Donna left the room.
Richard frowned. “Is everything all right?”
Paris rubbed her forehead. “My head is pounding. I’ll see if mom’s ready to go home in a few minutes.”
