Liam smiled. “Quirky historical facts have always fascinated me. While I was a reporter in Buffalo, I went through lots of old news stories and picked the ones I thought people would enjoy reading about. As well as those stories, I found at least a dozen more in each town I visited. Over the last six months, I’ve met some incredible people.”
Chloe grinned. She had more in common with Liam than he knew. “I love history, too. My dad used to say that every artifact has a story, and it’s up to us to tell it.” Bringing people’s stories to life had made each day she’d worked at the Smithsonian special. Especially when family members brought treasured heirlooms to them for safekeeping.
She looked over her shoulder to make sure no one needed her. “How far through the book are you?”
“After I’ve finished the chapter about Sapphire Bay, all I have to do is edit the manuscript and send it to my agent,” Liam told her. “One of the major publishing houses wants to see it.”
“They’d be crazy not to print it,” Chloe told him. “Without books like yours, we lose information about how previous generations lived and what was important to them.” She bit her bottom lip and sighed. Sometimes, she got carried away and forgot she’d left her old life behind.
Instead of taking up more of Liam’s time, she picked up the dishes on the table behind him. “Can I get you anything to eat?”
When she was ready, he handed her the menu. “I’ll have a turkey club sandwich and a slice of the apple pie, please.”
“Good choice.” The sound of a bell drew Chloe’s attention inside. “Enjoy the sunshine. I’ll be back as soon as your lunch is ready.”
After she’d served a few more customers, Chloe took Liam’s lunch to him and returned to the café. As the midday rush wound down, she checked on him again. “How was everything?”
“Delicious,” he replied, wiping his mouth with a napkin. “Pastor John recommended the café. Usually, I grab something from the supermarket and eat between interviews.”
“I’m glad you liked your lunch,” Chloe told him as she picked up his dishes. “Trixie has been wonderful.”
Liam patted Trixie’s head. “She’s always been very patient.” As Liam paid his bill and stood to leave, Trixie wagged her tail happily from beside him. “Thanks for the great lunch, Chloe. It was good to see you again.”
“I enjoyed seeing you, too. Enjoy the rest of your day.” As she returned to the café, Chloe thought about Liam. Although she found him attractive, something about him made her cautious. She didn’t know what he’d do after he’d written his book, but moving from town to town must be unsettling. She’dexperienced enough instability in her life and wasn’t sure she’d ever get close to someone who might pack up and leave.
Kathleen walked out of the kitchen holding two lunch dishes. “I’ll take those to the table for you,” Chloe said quickly.
“Don’t be silly. You need to pick up Oscar from school.”
Chloe’s eyes widened when she glanced at the clock. “I didn’t realize it was so late. Are you sure you’ll be all right on your own?”
“Of course I will. Have a great afternoon with Oscar.”
“Thanks, you too.” Chloe hurried into the kitchen and grabbed her bag. She’d promised Oscar they’d visit the library on their way home from school. And if they had a few dinosaur books he could borrow, he’d be the happiest six-year-old in town.
Liam parkedhis truck in front of The Lakeside Inn and rolled down the windows for Trixie. The boutique bed-and-breakfast was full of character and charm. Of all the homes he’d seen in Montana, this was by far the most interesting. With a wide wraparound veranda, a steep gabled roof, and large windows on both levels, the two-story home was the perfect place to enjoy the stunning view of Flathead Lake.
He glanced at Trixie. She was wagging her tail enthusiastically in the passenger seat. “Stay here, girl. I won’t be long,” he said, giving her a quick pat before stepping out of the truck.
As he walked up the cobblestone path to the entrance, the sweet scent of roses tickled his nose. But it wasn’t the house or the garden that had brought him here. It was the letter Penny and her sisters had discovered inside an old dresser.
Finding the last known copy of the Gettysburg Address in a letter Abraham Lincoln had sent to his son had caught the attention of historians and enthusiasts from around the world. It was the reason Liam had written his book, and the reason he’d put his career on hold.
The bell above the door chimed softly as he waited for Penny. He’d met her mom, Mabel, a few days after he’d arrived in town. Mabel was full of information about the history of Sapphire Bay, the people who lived here, and the stories he wanted to include in his book. It was thanks to her that he’d met her daughter and organized today’s meeting.
Penny, a woman in her thirties with deep brown hair and striking green eyes, greeted him with a smile. “It’s good to see you again, Liam.”
“It’s good to see you too, Penny. Thanks for taking the time to meet with me.”
“You’re welcome. I love sharing stories about the inn,” Penny said. “Why don’t we sit in the living room? It’s a bit more comfortable.”
Liam followed her into a room filled with vintage furniture, an enormous fireplace, and beautiful paintings hanging on the walls.
Penny gestured for him to sit on a floral-patterned sofa while she took a seat in an armchair across from him.
“Your timing couldn’t have been better. Our guests are all sightseeing, so we’ve got the house to ourselves.”
Liam took out his notebook. “How many guests can stay here at a time?”
