But it was too late. Faith Porter was as efficient in customer service as she was talented at baking. Anthony had made his purchase in record time and was already heading toward the exit. Unfortunately, Clara and Spencer were blocking the door, crouched down as they awkwardly attempted to waddle out.
“Clara?” Anthony pulled up short. The bag in his hand rustled as it collided with his leg and his feet planted beneath him. “Is that you?”
They wouldn’t be able to get away, but Clara still paused like she was trying to figure out a way to either make herself invisible or transport to another realm. She closed her eyes briefly and shook her head before straightening back up.
“Hey, Ant.” Her grin was false, and so was the enthusiasm she’d injected into her tone. “How the heck are you?”
Her ex scratched the back of his neck while he gave her an odd look. “I’m good. Been back in Snowdrift for a while now working as Sierra Nevada’s correspondent for The Golden State Gazette. What about you? You back too, or just visiting?”
Spencer was upright now too and even though he’d made it across the threshold, he turned back to stand next to Clara. He wasn’t about to leave his sister’s side.
“Hey, Spence.” Anthony gave a quick nod, but Spencer just waved. He’d liked the guy back when they were teenagers and Anthony and Clara had made promises of forever and exchanged family heirloom rings. But when Anthony had called off the wedding only weeks later and left town, all of Spencer’s allegiance returned to his sister. And that’s where it would permanently stay.
“I’m just visiting,” Clara said, finding her voice. “Just spending a few days at the ranch before I head back to Sacramento.”
“We should grab a coffee and catch up while you’re in town.”
That was bold. Spencer knew there was no way his sister would agree to that. It was super presumptuous on Anthony’s part.
“Yeah, sure,” she said. “I’d like that.”
Spencer’s eyes widened so much he felt like they just might pop out. He gave Clara a stern look that bordered on a glare. “You’ll be busy with all the stuff Nana has on the agenda,” he said, offering an out because he figured Clara couldn’t come up with one on her own. He could rescue her from this situation, no problem.
Clara eyed her brother. “I’ve got time.”
“Great.” Anthony rolled the top of the brown paper bag in his grip and grinned. “Same number?”
“Yep,” she said, this time giving him a real smile. “A lot has changed, but not that.”
They exchanged a laugh that made Spencer’s mouth turn down at the corners. What on earth was happening? He didn’t like this.
“I’ll shoot you a text,” Anthony said before squeezing past them through the open door. But before he was fully out on the sidewalk, he turned around and added, “It was really good running into you today, Clara. Really good.”
“You too, Ant,” Clara echoed, all while Spencer frowned at the ridiculous interaction.
He watched his sister’s gaze track Anthony all the way down Main Street, lingering on his form until he was fully out of sight, the cars and patrons and passersby ultimately obstructing her view.
She finally brough her eyes back to Spencer’s.
“What?” she asked much too innocently.
“You’re serious? You have to ask?”
“It’s been a long time,” she said with a dismissive shrug. “Water under the bridge.”
“I believe that bridge was built over the river of tears you cried when that guy called off your engagement.”
“We were kids.” She shrugged again, then stepped back into line. Several groups had filled in ahead of them when they’d tried to make their getaway escape, which pushed them back even further.
“You might have been young, but you were in love. And he broke your heart.” Spencer could sense that his scowl hadn’t left his face. His jaw was set, his eyebrows heavy over unconvinced eyes. “I don’t trust him.”
“It’s just coffee.” Clara’s arms were bound across her in such a defensive way Spencer knew she wasn’t going to relent. “Plus, I’m a big girl, Spence. You don’t need to protect me. After all, Iamthe older twin.”
“By four minutes,” he pointed out.
“Still older.”
He could tell Clara had no interest in hearing him out on this. She was going to do what she wanted, always had. It was for that very reason she had ended up engaged at only eighteen even when everyone else had warned against it. Ah, young love.
