“That’s a great idea. I can’t bake, but I can donate money or premade goods.”
“Any help you want to give would be appreciated.” She paused, opened her mouth, then closed it again. “I don’t suppose you’d be willing to lend a hand setting up next week. We usually have an abundance of volunteers, but the high school scheduled a performance for the same day, and many of our helpers will be there.”
“Sure. Tell me what to do, and I’ll be there.” She could have asked him to run a dunking booth in high winter and he would have agreed. Anything to bring that smile to her face.
“Why don’t you join my family for dinner? We’ll be finalizing the plans afterward.”
He shook his head. “I couldn’t intrude.”
“You wouldn’t be. They’d love to meet Frank’s great-nephew.” That bittersweet smile crossed her mouth. “It would almost be like old times when he would come over.”
“I don’t know.” He raised a shoulder, hedging his answer. “They probably hate me for taking the building.”
She cast her eyes downward. “They don’t know.”
“You haven’t told them?” He furrowed his brows, surprised by her quietness on the matter.
“If I tell them, it will make it real. I’m not ready to face that yet.”
He tipped her chin, allowing his finger to linger ever so briefly. “I promised you I’d find a way to keep the store open. I won’t let that happen.”
“I appreciate that, but it’s not your problem.” A forced smile returned. “My family would agree. Even once they know, they wouldn’t hold anything against you. Please say you’ll come.”
The auburn-haired lady who’d sat next to Cora appeared, and Gabe noted she was heavily pregnant. “Mom and Dad are heading out. Travis’s battery died up on the mountain and they’re going to get him. They wanted me to tell you dinner’s pushed back an hour.”
“Thanks.” Cora looked at the lady then him. “Gabe, this is my twin sister Flora. Travis is our younger brother.”
He extended a hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“You too. My husband, Ryan, is running the sound booth, but I’ll have to introduce you to him. He was stationed in Kansas for several years before we met.” She hesitated, as though questioning herself. “That is where Pastor said you’re from, right?”
“Yes, ma’am. Right outside Salina.”
“Gabe’s joining us for dinner today.” Cora shot him a wink. “He’s going to help with the bake sale.”
“Thank goodness. We’ve never been so stressed about having volunteers.” Flora rested a hand on her protruding belly and grinned. “Ryan’s made it clear I’m not to lift or move anything heavy. Normally I wouldn’t let him boss me around, but I’ll make an exception for this little one’s safety.”
If all of Cora’s family were like her and Flora, he might make it through dinner after all.
Cora tugged his arm. “Guess what else, Flora. Gabe is Frank Dawson’s great-nephew
“No way.” Flora’s mouth gaped and she stepped back to appraise him. “You have his eyes, and his smile. We all miss your uncle. He was one of a kind.”
“So, I’ve heard.” He swallowed the sorrow that rose from his chest. “I wish I could have spent more time with him, but I’ve enjoyed hearing all the stories about him. Maybe I’ll hear more over dinner.”
“I’m sure you will.” Flora chuckled. “If Travis doesn’t tell you about the time Frank saved him from a bear, I will.”
“I can’t wait.”
“It was so nice meeting you.” Flora clasped his hand and shook it again. “I have to meet Ryan, but I’ll see you later this afternoon. If I can find them, I’ll even bring some old photos I have of Frank.”
“Please do.”
Flora hurried away, leaving Cora and him alone in a crowd of people.
Emboldened by Cora’s invitation to dinner, he made one of his own. “Do you have any plans before you go to your parents?”
“No. Usually I’d go early and hang out, but since they won’t be there, I’ll go home for a while.”
