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Was that a twinkle in the woman’s eyes? And what was with the cryptic message? Or was that just her way of politely getting out of trying to help the pup who wasn’t perfectly perfect in every way—though he thought she was perfect, loving, and loyal.
Either way, he just let the subject go. Instead, he turned his attention back to fussing over these two pups. They stayed and played with the pups for a little while, but he knew Leah had things to do. And he wanted to take her out to lunch to thank her for all she’d done for him and Mochi. He just hoped she would agree.
Chapter Ten
She was enjoying herself.
Leah couldn’t remember the last time she’d smiled this much. And it was all thanks to Shaun. She could spend all day exploring Kringle Falls with him.
Except this was the perfect time for her to continue her search through the old Victorian mansion. She still hadn’t seen inside the attic. She wondered how many years of things were up there.
But the big question: was there any information about her past—the past her mother had kept from her? Then her mother tragically died in an accident, leaving Leah with unanswered questions.
“Leah?” Shaun sent her a puzzled look. “Did you hear me?”
“Uh... Sorry.” Heat crept into her cheeks. “What did you say?”
“I asked if you had a favorite place to eat where we could grab some lunch?”
She shook her head. “Any place is fine with me.”
She drove slowly down Main Street. There were a lot of people out and about. She wondered if it was always so busy. She realized she should know the answer. But the B&B kept her quite busy, so she didn’t get to spend that much time in town.
“What about there?” he asked.
She glanced over at the Kringle Cup Café. “I haven't eaten there, but I hear they have good food. Let me find a parking spot.”
She had to go to the next block before she found a spot. They both got out. She put a couple of coins in the meter. In a comfortable silence, they walked toward the restaurant.
She glanced up just in time to see a flyer for the upcoming holiday parade. She’d received a letter from the mayor letting her know that all of Kringle Fall’s businesses were expected to participate. She’d tossed aside the letter and hadn’t thought of it again…until now.
A painted white sign above the door had red lettering that read: Kringle Cup Café. Leah paused for a brief moment to appreciate the red-and-white-striped columns on either side of the front door. Did they intend them to look like candy canes? If so, they’d succeeded.
Through the picture window, she could see the booths, and it looked like there was one available. Yay! They wouldn’t have to wait.
When they stepped inside, there were Christmas carols playing in the background as the murmur of conversation echoed through the café. She felt like it was one of those places where everyone knew your name—well, if you were a regular.
The sign at the entrance said to seat themselves. She gently elbowed Shaun. “Come on. There’s a booth available over here.” She stopped next to the booth by the window and turned to Shaun. “Is this okay?”
“Sure.” He shrugged off his coat and then slid into the booth.
She did the same. She didn’t know what it was about him that made it so easy to talk to him.
“So, will you end up selling the B&B?” His gaze searched hers.
“That’s the plan.”
“You still have time. Maybe you’ll change your mind.”
“I don’t think so.”
Just then she noticed the server whose gaze scanned the dining room as though searching for the next table that needed her assistance. When their gazes met, the young woman smiled and started in their direction.
As she approached, Leah was able to read her name tag: Kelly. She had warm-brown hair that was pulled back in a ponytail. With pen and paper in hand, she stepped up to their table.
Kelly handed Shaun a menu, and then she turned to Leah. She arched a brow as she stared at Leah. “You look familiar. You’ve been in here before, haven’t you?” When Leah shook her head, the woman asked, “Are you sure?”
Leah nodded. “I’m running the Kringle B&B.”
