Page 7 of The Friendship Pact

“Nope. Only child,” she said. “How about you?”

“I’m the oldest, then Garrett, Cole, and Chloe. My parents own the Deer Creek Lodge.”

“Oh, Chloe who owns Rural Chic Boutique? Your mom is Ruth?”

“She is. I take it you’ve met?”

“Yes. When I was in town to purchase the church. I stayed at the lodge. They’re both very nice.”

“Thanks. What about your parents? Are they still in Chicago?”

“No. They retired to Florida a few years back. They’re having a blast.” Kate cleared Nick’s plate and remained standing. “My mom’s sister lives in St. Paul, so I spent Thanksgiving with her before coming here. It helped break up the drive. Can I offer you another beer, Sheriff?”

“Nick,” he said. “No. I should head home. I wanted to apologize for earlier.”

“Thank you, Sher—Nick.” Kate walked him to the door. “All is forgiven.”

“Thanks for dinner, Kate. I’ll see you around.”

Kate watched Nick climb into his vehicle and waved. She was in so much trouble.

CHAPTER THREE

After Nick left, Kate unpacked her kitchen boxes and spent the rest of the evening baking and packaging an assortment of mini muffins into holiday tins.

In the morning, she set out to introduce herself to the local businesses. With a cloth bag filled with baked goods, she set out on foot, thinking she’d start at the bookstore and visit with Paige Turner, the owner of Turner Books, and swing by Rural Chic Boutique at some point to splurge on something fun to wear. Although the air chilled her, the sun shone bright. She was on a mission to make a good impression with the townsfolk, to market her baked goods and promote her coffee shop.

A lovely display of cookbooks and kitchenware filled the front window of Turner Books. The Christmas cookie cutters and holiday potholders caught her attention. She might have to do more than window shop. She opened the heavy glass door to the bookstore. The aroma of mulled spice filled the air, and Dean Martin’s voice crooned about it being cold outside.

“Kate!” Paige yelled from the back, making her way to the front of the store. “It’s so good to see you again.” She wrapped Kate in a hug.

“You too.”

“How was your drive?”

“No problems. How’s the blushing bride-to-be?” Kate set her bag on the counter. “Michael said Henry can’t wait to see you walk down the aisle. It’s all they talk about.”

Kate had met Paige when she visited her cousin Michael in New York. Michael’s partner, Henry, one of Paige’s good friends, introduced them. When Paige held a grand opening and a signing for her third book, Kate flew to Minnesota, wanting to see the town Paige left her position in New York City for. While walking around town, she noticed the majestic old white church for sale. She contacted the real estate agent and placed an offer before flying out the next day.

Paige beamed. “I swear, Henry texts me every day asking about the wedding preparations. I think he’s driving Michael nuts, although Michael has had a few good ideas I’m implementing. That reminds me . . .” Paige reached under the cash counter and pulled out an envelope. “I saved this to give you when you arrived instead of mailing it.”

Paige handed her the embossed lace envelope. She opened it and skimmed the invite. “Thank you so much. I’m looking forward to the wedding.”

“Enough about me,” Paige said. “I heard you met our sheriff.”

“How—”

Paige held out her hand. “Hand me your phone.”

Kate unlocked her phone and handed it over. Paige’s fingers flew over the keyboard, and she handed the phone back. “Punch in your passcode.”

Kate did as instructed.

“You now have the Town Talk app. Answer a few of the questions and you’re good to go. You’ll be in the know,” Paige said with a smile.

She peered over Kate’s shoulder. “Scroll up.”

“What!?” Kate had found a picture of herself on the side of the road, being escorted back to her car by Nick. “But—”