Tommy stood a little taller. He loved it when people asked for a recommendation, especially when they bought what he suggested. “The lake whitefish are my favorite. Grandpa bakes them in a pan covered in a paste he makes from mayonnaise, cheese, and green onions. They’re really yummy.”
Isabel smiled at Tommy. “It’s nice to know there are still people who enjoy baking as much as I do. Hopefully, your grandpa’s baking skills rub off on you. Do you enjoy any other fish dishes?”
For the next few minutes, Tommy told Isabel and Mabel about the recipes he liked while Frank served their customers. Isabel’s genuine interest in what Tommy was saying made something warm settle in Frank’s chest. Most people nodded politely at Tommy’s factual barrages, but Isabel asked questions, drawing him out with natural ease.
“You have a budding chef working with you,” she said as she handed Frank the money for the fish she’d bought.
Their fingers brushed. A small touch, barely noticeable, but Frank felt it like a current through his skin. He pulled his hand back, hoping Isabel hadn’t noticed. “Being a chef is better than a lot of other careers.” Including law, he thought.
While Tommy wrapped Isabel’s fish, Frank added more ice to another tray.
“I don’t know what I’ll do after I finish school,” Tommy said. “My mom was a teacher and dad was a mechanic. Grandpa says I can be anything I want to be.”
Isabel placed the wrapped fish in a bag she was carrying. “That sounds like good advice. I’ve done lots of different jobs and I’ve loved each one.”
Tommy tilted his head to the side. “Are you moving to Sapphire Bay?”
Frank’s eyes widened. Mabel was looking extremely interested in what they were saying. “You shouldn’t ask Isabel that, Tommy.”
Isabel smiled. “It’s all right. I’ve come here to spend time with some friends. After that, I’m not sure what I’ll do. Thank you for all the interesting recipes you told me about.”
Tommy grinned. “That’s okay.”
Isabel moved away from the counter to let their other customers closer. “It was nice meeting you both.”
“It was nice meeting you too, Mrs. Stewart,” Tommy said quickly.
Isabel slid her wallet into her pocket and smiled at Tommy. “You can call me Isabel. Mrs. Stewart makes me feel ancient, and sixty-five is far too young for that.” Her gaze shifted to Mabel and Frank. “Have a great day.”
As Isabel moved through the market, she stopped to chat with Kathleen Armstrong. Something about Isabel drew Frank’seye—not just her obvious beauty but a quiet confidence that reminded him of Theresa.
His wife had a way of centering the world around her. Somehow, the noise and bluster of the people around him disappeared when she was with him. After she died, he’d missed the peace she brought into his life. Missed everything about the happy years they’d had together.
“Isobel’s nice,” Tommy said, breaking into his thoughts. “She didn’t act like I was weird for knowing stuff.”
“No, she didn’t.” Frank rearranged the display, trying to ignore Mabel’s knowing look from where she was lingering by the produce stall.
“Mark my words,” Mabel called over, unable to resist, “that woman would be good for this town. We need more people who appreciate a child’s enthusiasm. And maybe some other things too,” she added with a meaningful glance at Frank.
His phone buzzed. Another Seattle number. He declined the call, pushing away the familiar surge of anxiety. This wasn’t the time to think about the past, about all the reasons he shouldn’t notice Isabel’s smile or the way she’d listened so carefully to Tommy.
“Do you think she’ll buy the bookstore?” Tommy asked hopefully.
Frank looked into his eyes. “Maybe, buddy. We’ll just have to wait and see.”
But something told him Sapphire Bay was about to change in ways he hadn’t expected. He just hoped those changes wouldn’t force him to choose between the life he’d found here and the safety he desperately needed.
For now, though, there were customers to serve and a market morning to enjoy. And if his eyes kept drifting to a certain blue sundress as it moved through the crowd, well, that was nobody’s business but his own.
“You know,” Mabel said, gathering her purchases with a satisfied smile, “Margaret Henderson’s holding an open house at the bookstore next Wednesday. Just in case anyone’s interested.” She winked at Frank before heading toward her store, no doubt ready to share her market observations with her morning customers.
Frank shook his head, smiling despite himself. In Sapphire Bay, some things never changed—like Mabel Terry’s uncanny ability to know everything about everyone. And some things, he thought as Isabel moved farther away from him, changed everything.
CHAPTER 5
The bell above Henderson’s Books chimed as Isabel pushed open the heavy oak door. Lynda followed her inside, stirring dust motes in the afternoon sunlight.
Isabel breathed in the familiar scent of new and old books. Two years had passed since she’d last been here, yet everything remained exactly the same.
