The background chatter and clinking of silverware on plates stopped as everyone in the place not so subtly turned to watch.
Ma tapped the table with her knuckle. “Now, you must be the niece Walt was always bragging about.”
Kara lifted her head meekly. “That’s me.”
Ma’s face softened, just a little. “Well, I’ll be damned. You’ve got his eyes.”
Kara smiled softly. “I’ve heard that before.”
“Of course you have,” Ma said. “Walt never shut up about you, you know? Man bragged about you all the time. Usually all he bragged about was the fish he claimed to catch. No one ever saw those giant fish, of course.”
My chest tightened at that, but Ma bulldozed right over the moment.
“So,” she continued, lowering her voice even though everyone in the diner could clearly hear her, “Walt managed to get the two of you together, even if he had to die to get it done.”
“He…what?” Kara said. “There’s just been some confusion with the will and—”
Ma waved a hand. “Oh, please. Walt did that on purpose.”
I blinked. “What?” My heart beat harder in my chest. Whatever Ma was on about, I wasn’t sure I wanted to hear it.
This was why I stayed up in the mountains.
She leaned in. “Before he was too sick to come to town, he used to sit right up at the counter with his black coffee and tell me,that boy Grant needs to find a good woman. I don’t want to see him turn into a hermit.”
“I’m not a hermit,” I muttered, tossing back the rest of my coffee in one gulp like it was a shot of whiskey.
Ma snorted. “Honey, you talk to trees more than people.”
Kara bit her lip, smiling.
“And you,” Ma said, pointing at Kara, “Walt always said you had a good brain and a stubborn streak the size of the Rockies. He’d be thrilled you’re back in town. Thrilled.”
“I’m glad to be back,” Kara said, sounding genuine.
I liked to see a smile on her face. Then again, for her to be back in town for good meant I’d lose my home. The idea had my stomach churning all over again.
Ma straightened. “So yeah. Leaving the cabin to both of you? Definitely on purpose. Man died, but he’s still meddling. I respect the commitment.”
Kara blinked. “You think he did it to—to what? Set us up?”
Ma shrugged, tucking her hands into the pocket in the front of her apron. “I think he knew two lonely people when he saw them. And I think he figured shoving you in a cabin together was faster than waiting on fate.”
Hank sighed. I’d forgotten he was even standing there. “Ma, maybe don’t start trouble before lunch?”
“Oh hush. I’m helping,” Ma said. Then she winked at Kara. “If he gives you any trouble, you just let me know.”
Hank tipped his hat. “Sheriff’s office is neutral on matchmaking, but unofficially? I’m rooting for you two.”
“Leave it alone, Hank,” I said, needing to be alone more than ever.
He laughed and finally walked away. Slowly the noise in the diner started up again, no doubt Kara and I were the topic of conversation.
Chapter Fifteen
Kara
Itook a desperate sip of my coffee without really tasting it. I had been starving when we arrived and I’d walked through the door to the smell of maple syrup. Now, as the waitress dropped our plates in front of us, my stomach revolted. I glanced up to see Grant holding his fork, but not actually eating.
