“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.
“So glad to meet you,” the sweet woman cheered. “Wilfred told me all about you.”
Wilfred, who was standing between Millie’s booth and the one beside it, stepped over and snatched a jar of jam off the shelf. “This right here is one of the very best jams you’ll ever taste.”
Burke grinned. “Well, I guess we know which one we’ll be getting. What kind is it?”
“Raspberry apricot,” Millie answered. “His late wife Gretchen and I came up with a special recipe.”
“Well, we’ll take one of those, a tub of this fresh butter here, and…” Burke ran a hand along Justine’s lower back as he glanced over. “What kind of bread do you want, babe? And should we get two jars?” He’d be lying if he said he wasn’t enjoying this. Stealing kisses in the car, calling Justine babe. Her reaction to those things was entertaining in itself.
She bit her lip over a grin, a wash of pink flooding into her cheeks, and nodded at last. “Yeah, let’s get the plum jam also. That one’s delicious too.”
It wasn’t until Millie—with Wilfred’s assistance—had their items tucked into a paper bag that Burke noticed a beautiful, mosaic tabletop in the next booth. Justine’s work. Finally he’d get to see it.
“Whoa,” he said, holding her hand as they stepped away from Millie’s booth. He ran his gaze over one piece after the next appreciatively. His eyes lingered over the cool-looking rocking chair with gnarled twigs for the tall back. Beside it stood a smaller, more delicate looking piece with thinner twigs that looped at the top. His and hers.
The mere sight forced an image to his mind—him and Justine lounging on her porch front in the morning sun. He spun full circle, taking in each unique piece with complete admiration.
This didn’t feel like a small town vending booth; it felt like a shop he’d fallen in love with during a ski trip to Park City one year. A shop that offered high quality, artistic pieces that made him wish he had the time and talent for such endeavors. He’d settled for buying a few of his favorites and shipping them back home instead. But this…
A new wave of appreciation pushed through him, warm and welcoming. It was as if he was seeing yet another side to Justine. And it was just as beautiful as the rest.
“These are…something else.” He ran his hand over the glossy surface of a nearby side table, recalling what she’d said about her mosaic work. Thick shards of glass in shades of blue made circular patterns over the surface, each piece artistically set into the glaze. Shapes of jade green accented the design, but those looked more like pottery or stone than glass. Her talent shined in the balance she’d found in each pattern. Each piece. They were unique enough to stand out in a crowd, but there was nothing over the top.
“Wow.” It came out in a whisper as he set his eyes back on Justine. “And your full time job is working for the city?”
She grinned and slapped his arm. “I couldn’t make a living at this, that’s for sure.”
She was wrong, of course, but Burke would argue with her about that later. He lifted his chin to