“Better than I’d hoped. She liked the sage green paint for the main gallery and approved the warm cream for the workshop spaces.” Patrick settled onto his favorite stool, watching Kathleen pour his coffee with practiced ease. “Sometimes I forget how easy it is to work with someone who trusts your judgment without questioning every decision.”
“That’s because you know what you’re doing.” Kathleen set the steaming mug in front of him. “Chloe took some blueberry muffins out of the oven twenty minutes ago. They’re still warm.”
“You know I can’t resist your muffins.” Patrick took a sip of coffee, savoring the rich flavor and the comfortable familiarity of this routine. “How’s the morning been treating you?”
“It’s been busy, but not enough to run us off our feet.” Kathleen leaned against the counter, her blue eyes twinkling with amusement. “Mrs. Peterson’s sister is still visiting from Billings, and she’s been asking everyone about the best hiking trails. I think I’ve given her the same recommendations three times now.”
Patrick chuckled. “Some people need to hear things multiple times before they stick.”
Kathleen grinned. “Tell me if I start doing the same thing. Are you still hoping to remove the scaffolding on the arts and crafts building by next Wednesday?”
Patrick nodded. “We’re slightly ahead of schedule. If nothing unexpected happens, we should have the exterior work wrapped up by Tuesday.”
“That’s wonderful news. I’ll be back in a minute.” Kathleen refilled the coffee cup of an older man at a corner table, then returned to Patrick with a blueberry muffin from the kitchen. “Here you go. Chloe says hello.”
Patrick smiled. “I saw her yesterday at the supermarket. Oscar gets taller each time I see him.”
“I keep warning her that she’ll be the shortie in her family,” Kathleen said with a chuckle.
While everyone was happy at their tables, Patrick told Kathleen where they were up to with the arts and crafts center. She was interested in everything, from the installation of the new electrical systems to the arrival of the handcrafted display cases that would showcase local artisans’ work. As Kathleen told him how much the building would mean to the community, her eyes lit up, and a gentle smile touched her face.
After a natural lull in their conversation, Kathleen’s expression grew more thoughtful. “Can I ask you something, Patrick?”
“Of course.”
“I was talking to Noah the other day. He said he’s asked you to return to the board of Wilson Enterprises.”
Patrick sighed. He’d retired from the board too many years ago to go back. “You’d think my grandson would have more to do than spend time trying to convince me to do anything. I had enough trouble last time without having to re-explain the basic principles of business to people who are stuck in the dark ages.”
Kathleen’s eyebrows rose. “I take it that means you’re staying in Sapphire Bay.”
“Unless something unforeseeable happens, I’m not going anywhere,” Patrick said. “I always thought that spending twenty years in the construction industry would pay off. I’d much rather be looking after the church’s building projects than reviewing Wilson Enterprises’ latest capital investment strategy.”
The doorbell jingled, and Kathleen smiled at her newest customers. “I have no idea what you’re talking about, Patrick, but it sounds complicated. All I’m saying is that Sapphire Bay must feel too quiet after everything you’ve accomplished.”
Patrick set down his coffee mug. He’d always been honest with Kathleen about his past. She knew how challenging it had been, giving up a busy career to spend more time with his grandsons and their families. “It sounds as though you want me to leave.”
Kathleen’s mouth dropped open. “No, that’s not what I mean. I enjoy spending time with you. It’s just that Noah sounded desperate. Is he okay?”
“He will be in a few days. He’s negotiating a big contract and can’t see the forest for the trees.”
Kathleen picked up three menus. “I hope it works out for him. I’ll be back soon.”
While she chatted to her latest customers, he thought about his decision to leave New York City. There was something addictive about being on the board of a successful organization, especially after selling his construction company.
But his grandson’s business had grown so much that Patrick had spent more time overseas than with his family. He’d missed seeing Noah and Jack each day. Missed the way they’d kept his feet firmly planted in reality after being treated like royalty when he was in Europe.
But, most of all, he missed making a difference in other people’s lives. The work he was doing with Pastor John had renewed his faith in the human spirit and given him a reason to get out of bed each morning.
With another round of hot coffee filling her customers’ mugs to the brim, Kathleen returned to the front counter. “I’m glad you aren’t leaving Sapphire Bay,” she told Patrick. “Who would show me how to plaster a wall if you weren’t here?”
“There’s a whole building full of construction workers who’d be only too happy to help you,” Patrick replied.
Kathleen grinned. “But none of them have your sense of humor or twinkling eyes.”
Patrick cleared his throat. Kathleen was teasing him, but even so, he couldn’t help the rush of heat to his face. “I bet you say that to all the builders in town.”
Kathleen leaned forward and whispered, “Only the best-looking one.”
