Teddy’s eye twitched. “It’s called recuperating. Relaxing. Sitting on the beach with a good book.”
“Moping. Aren’t you lucky I’m here?” She tossed her long curls over her shoulder.
“Brat,” he mumbled as he turned around to get dressed.
“Bitch,” she called right back.
This time, his mouth twitched. She always managed to wrangle a smile, even when she was driving him crazy.
No, he hadn’t explored the town much. He knew the beach, the health center, and the grocery store. The cute little mom-and-pop shops with village charm hadn’t been a priority.
Erina made quick work of that, googling “bakery,” selecting one with the highest star rating, which happened to be closest, and bringing them straight there. Not having to drive was a treat, and since Teddy hadn’t had his coffee yet, he elected to forego contacts and wore his glasses.
Small Miracles Bakery was situated among several other shops along a quaint street. There was a bustle of bodies inside, but even so, a handsome man with blond hair and blue eyes took the time to shout a greeting from the front of the store.
“Good morning! Be right with you.”
Teddy and Erina got in line, leaning around the crowd of Saturday morning pastry shoppers to see what was offered. The array of baked goods and the smell of toasted items, including something savory—egg, bacon, and cheese for sure—stirred Teddy’s stomach to hunger. They hadn’t eaten much last night,merely snacked and talked until Erina gave him leave to go to bed.
“Welcome to Small Miracles Bakery,” the man said when it was their turn.
“Love the name,” Erina gushed.
“My uncle used to say there are no coincidences, only small miracles you’re meant to take advantage of. What can I get for you two?”
“That one is mine!” A familiar voice rang out before Teddy could answer, drawing his attention to a doorway into the kitchen just as Rose came out of it.
Followed by Finn.
How?
“Teddy!” Finn exclaimed through a mouthful of pastry, having been trying to steal a second one from Rose.
“What are you doing here?” Teddy asked, more accusingly than intended.
“Blaise is my brother-in-law.” Finn gestured to the man behind the counter. “Perks of nepotism means I get to taste the new creations. Want a wild berry and cream cheese pocket?” He held out Rose’s pastry, but she reclaimed it with a smack to his arm.
“Who’s this?” Erina asked, casting a smile between them like she’d stumbled upon some great secret—which she had.
“Oh, sorry! I’m Finn,” Finn said, looking effortless and adorable at any hour, which was horrific enough when Teddy was wearing glasses and whatever else he’d thrown on that morning without Erina getting involved, “and this is my sister, Rose, and her husband, Blaise.”
“You’re Teddy? I heard all about you—”
“Blaise,” Finn said hurriedly.
“I mean… uhh….”
“This is my sister, Erina,” Teddy saved them.
“Pleasure,” she said, extending a hand to shake Finn’s, then Rose’s, then flicking a little wave at Blaise. “I got in last night.”
“Are you staying long?” Rose asked.
“Only as long as I’m able. I have a ballet to get back to in the city.”
“You’re a dancer too?” Finn chirped.
“Prima ballerina. You know a lot about Teddy. How do you two—?”
