“Yeah, he’s the best.I purposely put my booth next to Millie so they can keep each other company. She was Gretchen’s closest friend, and the two really get along.”
He lifted a brow. “Did you say the bread and jam booth?”
“Seriously the best breadandjam, actually. Do you want to try it? We can buy a loaf, some of the butter she makes herself too, and a few of the jams.”
“That sounds excellent.” And it did.
“Perfect. We’ll just have to save room for dinner.”
“Who’s your visitor, Justine?”
Burke glanced over to see a group of elderly couples, the same group he’d seen beside the car.
“Oh, hi there, guys, this is my fiancé, Burke Richards. Burke, this is Troy and Molly Martin, Leroy and Ruby Smithers, and Owen and Emily Banks.”
The couples shuffled in with extended hands, each giving him a firm or soft handshake and generous grins.
“So handsome,” the lady with the hat said.
“I’ll say,” another said, stepping in front of her husband to shake his hand.
“Nice to meet you, young fella,” the man in overalls boomed while tipping his cowboy hat.
“Likewise,” Burke said.
“Boy, you caught yourself the best catch in town,” the next guy said with a wink.
His wife clutched at her shawl and nodded. “I agree. Justine…” The woman paused to shoot a meaningful look at Burke. “She’s one of the most caring gals you could find.”
“And she’s pretty too,” blurted the one in overalls.
“That she is,” Burke agreed. “On both counts. I’m one lucky man.”
Suddenly the woman in the shawl gasped. “I hope this doesn’t mean you’re leaving Piney Falls,” she declared. “Getting married and all.”
Burke’s muscles went tight. “Uhh…”
“Wilfred asked the same thing,” Justine blurted. “But that’s something we’re working out.”
Burke didn’t remember that part of the conversation with Wilfred, but it was definitely something they’d need to have an answer for.
“At this point,” he said confidently, “we know we’re in love and that we want to spend the rest of our lives together. We’ll figure out the rest as we go.” He gave them a polite nod. “You guys enjoy your evening.”
“You too,” a few said in unison.
Burke guided Justine away from the group, listening to the mutters in their wake. “Cute couple.”
“They at least ought to know where they’re going to live.”
“I agree."
“Kids these days…”
“Sorry,” Justine said. “I…I forgot to tell you that I told Wilfred a long time ago that I had no intentions of ever leaving Piney Falls. That’s why it didn’t come up at dinner. He already had the answer to that.”
Burke forced himself to nod, but inwardly he was stuck on the idea that Justine was so tied to this place. Sure, he could admit that it was a nice town, but was there really no hope of her leaving it? Ever?
More introductions took place as he and Justine made their way over to Millie’s booth, where Justine was quick to introduce him.
