Chapter 1
Enjoy More Books By Leeanna Morgan
About This Book
Fans of Pamela Kelley and Robyn Carr will love this later-in-life, small-town romance!
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It’s never too late to find your forever person!
After organizing a reunion that brought her friends back to Sapphire Bay, Kathleen Armstrong thought she’d found her perfect new beginning. At sixty-five, she’s living in her charming but unfinished Victorian home overlooking Flathead Lake, surrounded by the friends who matter the most.
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Patrick, a skilled foreman working on the tiny home project, became Kathleen’s friend soon after she moved to Sapphire Bay. With his twinkling eyes and hands that can build anything, he’s become a special person in her life.
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When an unexpected expense blows out Kathleen’s remodeling budget, Patrick offers to help her complete the renovations on her dream house. Their friendship grows over paint samples, morning coffee, and evening walks along the lake.
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But when the foundation repairs reveal a hidden room in Kathleen’s basement, their bond deepens as they work together to protect the secrets of the past.
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Both carry the wisdom—and wariness—that comes with decades of life experience. When Patrick’s family obligations threaten to pull him away from Montana, and Kathleen’s own fears about opening her heart again create distance between them, they must decide if this unexpected love is worth fighting for.
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Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Flathead Lake, Kathleen and Patrick’s tender romance proves that it’s never too late to find your forever person.
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Café on the Bay is the third book in Leeanna’s A New Beginning series and can easily be read as a standalone. All of Leeanna’s series are linked. If you find a character you like, they could be in another novel!
Chapter 1
Kathleen Armstrong stood behind the polished counter of The Lakeview Café, watching the morning mist rise from Flathead Lake. It reminded her of delicate fingers, reaching toward a never-ending Montana sky.
At sixty-five, she’d learned to appreciate these quiet moments before the day truly began. Especially when the coffee was brewing, filling the air with its rich aroma, and golden sunlight streamed through the windows.
“The cinnamon rolls are almost ready, Kathleen,” Chloe called from the kitchen, her voice bright with enthusiasm. “The blueberry muffins are in the oven, too.”
“That’s perfect timing,” Kathleen replied, smoothing her apron and checking that everything was in place. The daisies on each table still looked cheerful in their mason jars, and her daughter’s artwork looked incredible against the recently painted walls.
In many ways, the café felt like an extension of her home. It was warm and welcoming, a place where neighbors became friends over shared meals and gentle conversation.
She flipped the sign to “Open” just as Bob Henderson approached the front door, right on schedule. For the past year, Bob had been her first customer, arriving at seven-thirty sharp for his black coffee and whatever pastry caught his eye.
“Morning, Bob,” Kathleen said, already reaching for his usual mug. “How’s Margaret feeling today?”
“Much better. Thanks for asking.” Bob settled onto his favorite stool at the counter. “The soup you sent over yesterday worked wonders. She said it was almost as good as her mother’s, which is high praise indeed.”
Kathleen smiled as she poured his coffee. “I’m so glad. Give her my love, and tell her I’ll bring some cheesecake with me tomorrow.” It wasn’t that long ago that Margaret had been busy working at her family’s bookstore.
Retirement was supposed to give her and Bob a chance to travel and spend more time with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. But after excitedly planning a vacation, Margaret had slipped on the dock and broken her hip. Thankfully, her recovery had been steady, but difficult for someone who wasn’t used to sitting still.
