Chloe laughed. “I’ll keep that in mind. Bye.”
As she guided her son toward the doors, Oscar looked back and waved enthusiastically. “Bye, Liam. Bye, Trixie. See you later!”
“Bye, Oscar. Take care.” Liam smiled. Oscar was a bundle of curiosity, energy, and affection—just like his nephew back home.
After they’d left, Liam returned to his laptop. With the research he’d done so far, the book was slowly taking shape. The people he’d interviewed had been generous with their time and open about their family’s involvement in the history of Flathead Lake. He just hoped he could relay the excitement and sense of adventure that had brought their ancestors to this part of Montana.
But, as he typed, a small shadow of doubt crept in. There was still so much to do, so many stories to uncover and write about. He looked at his growing list of interviews and locations to visit. “We have our work cut out for us, Trixie,” he said softly. “All I have to do is focus on writing one story at a time.”
CHAPTER 3
Chloe wipedher hands on her apron and stepped out from behind the counter of The Lakeview Café. The smell of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods wafted through the air, mingling with the scent of sizzling bacon and eggs. It was a typical morning at the café, and Chloe was in her element.
Working here was more than just a job; it was a step toward her independence and building a new life. Even though she wasn’t creating exhibitions that drew thousands of people to Washington, D.C., she enjoyed serving customers and working alongside her friend Kathleen, the café’s new owner.
“Table five’s ready!” Kathleen called from the kitchen, her cheerful voice cutting through the clatter of pots and pans.
“Thanks,” Chloe replied, as she picked up the plates and took them across to the couple who were busy on their cell phones.
After she’d placed their meals on the table, she refilled their coffee cups and made her way to another table.
“Good morning,” she said to an elderly couple who were studying their menus. “What can I get for you today?”
After taking their order and delivering it to the kitchen, Chloe moved efficiently between tables, refilling more coffee cups and chatting with their regular customers. She loved the sense ofcommunity in Sapphire Bay, where everyone knew each other and everyone was friendly.
Around noon, the bell above the door jingled, and she looked up to see Liam walk in.
He scanned the café, smiling at her as he walked across the room. “Hi, Chloe. I’ve tied Trixie to a lamppost. Would you mind if I sit at an outside table?”
“Of course not. There should be a spare table you can use,” she replied, her smile warm. “I’ll be right with you.”
Liam chose a table by the window. Chloe brought him a menu and a bowl of water for Trixie. “There you go. Can I get you something to drink?”
“I’ll have a glass of orange juice, thanks,” Liam said, stroking Trixie on the head. “The café has a great atmosphere.”
Chloe nodded. It was one of the reasons she enjoyed coming into work each day. “We have a lot of repeat customers. I think their enthusiasm rubs off on everyone. I haven’t seen you around town.”
“I arrived a couple of weeks ago. I’m surprised at how many people are here.”
Chloe smiled as another couple walked into the café. “In the summer, tourists stop for something to eat and drink on their way around the lake. In the winter months, it’s mostly skiers. Sapphire Bay is a great town.”
Liam looked through the window at the people inside the café, then back at her. “I’m glad I came here.”
The warmth in his gaze made Chloe sigh. There was something about him that made her heart race, and she didn’t know what it was. He seemed like a nice person, but then so were a lot of people. With deep blue eyes, short brown hair, and a tall, lean body, he was handsome in an understated, down-to-earth kind of way.She didn’t know why he was staying in Sapphire Bay, and it didn’t matter. She didn’t have time to be interested inanyone, let alone a man who’d only arrived in town a short time ago.
“I should get back to the other customers. I’ll be back with your juice in a few minutes.”
She headed inside, took four lunch orders, and poured Liam a drink. With the glass of orange juice in one hand and the coffeepot in the other, she made her way across the café.
By the time she returned to Liam’s table, she had her heart firmly under control. “A local orchard supplies the orange juice. I hope you like it.”
Liam took the glass and smiled. “I’m sure I will. How’s your son?”
“Oscar’s doing great. He said you’re writing a book. Do you mind if I ask what it’s about?”
“Not at all,” Liam replied, leaning back in his chair. “I’m writing about the unique stories of small towns across America. Sapphire Bay is my last stop.”
“How did you choose where to go?”
