Cadence of Cranberries - Valerie Comer Page 0,17

Katri to marry him yesterday. They’re planning a spring wedding here in Bridgeview — technically, I guess, I’m planning their wedding with help from Katri’s father.”

“I saw a young woman with Dominic at church, but he didn’t bring her over to say hello.”

“No, I’m sorry. Because both of them had to work Thursday night, they didn’t arrive until nearly noon on Friday and had to drive back Sunday night. So, we had our Thanksgiving dinner after church. It was a busy weekend with Peter and Sadie’s wedding, too.”

“I didn’t see her at the wedding with Dominic.”

“No. Since Katri doesn’t know Peter or Sadie, she opted to spend the day with her dad. He moved to Spokane only a few months ago.”

Marietta’s shrewd gaze probed Winnie’s face. “Widowed?”

“Divorced. I think it’s been twelve years or something like that.”

The old woman’s mouth opened and closed like she wanted to say something but couldn’t quite get it out. Maybe Marietta was trying to filter. There was a first time for everything.

“Charlie wasn’t a Christian back then, not that that makes all the difference. Katri met the Lord in nursing school and introduced her father, so he’s been a believer for a few years now.”

“Hmm.”

Why did Winnie even care what Marietta thought of Charlie? She didn’t. Not really. It wasn’t like Winnie was bringing him to meet her mother-in-law the way Dominic had brought Katri, full of hope and shining eyes. They’d be working together planning a wedding for their mutual children. Oh, and they’d be in-laws one day. That was all. She needed to remember that when her heart sped up at the thought of him.

“You’re planning their wedding?” Kenna leaned forward, her eyes wide. “Don’t Dominic and Katri want to do that themselves?”

“You’d think.” Winnie managed a smile. What was going on in Marietta’s head? “But Dominic is in his final terms of med school, and Katri is working all the nursing shifts she can. They plan to be married in Spokane and live here afterward. They just want a simple wedding.” The big question was, would Charlie let it be modest? There’d been a few clues he was ready to spend lavishly. It looked like it would be up to Winnie to keep him in check.

“I guess you’ll be spending a lot of time with Charlie, then?” That sparkle in Kenna’s eyes spoke trouble.

“Seems so, but I can see what you’re thinking. It won’t be like that.” Except in Winnie’s dreams.

Kenna glanced at Marietta, still wearing an unreadable expression, then settled back in her chair.

Winnie got the feeling Kenna would question her more if Marietta seemed half as curious... or suspicious.

Not that it mattered. Winnie’s thoughts about moving on had nothing to do with Charlie Jalonen and everything to do with enrolling in a few college classes. With her son’s wedding to plan, maybe September would be soon enough. It would probably be impossible to get into January classes anyway, since it was nearly December.

If she ever dated again, it would be after Michael got a little older. Adjusted more to his father’s passing. If now was too soon for Michael, it was too soon for her.

Charlie pulled open the door to Bridgeview Bakery and Bistro a couple of days later. He’d taken a gamble on coming by at 8:30, hoping to catch the owners before the swell of morning coffee breakers. He’d either misjudged badly, or this was the quiet time. If so, they did impressive business. The place was bright, cheerful, and a bit rustic. Metal sculptures, pottery, whimsical paintings of chickens, and other art decorated whitewashed plank walls. Bright yellow and turquoise chairs nestled against light wood tables.

A chuckle escaped him. No wonder Winnie liked this bistro. She’d used the same colors in her home.

A woman about his age poured refills for a group of men at the corner table. Lots of laughter came from over there, but the server seemed to be in on the joke. A redhead chatted with a young mom with a stroller by the counter, while a girl with her dark hair twisted into a bun ran the espresso machine, her back to Charlie.

The whole place smelled of good coffee. Maybe they already had a roaster they were happy with. He could order a plain one himself and see if Murray’s skills were superior.

Man up, Charlie. He was here to promote Redband. He got in line just as the barista turned to set the drink she’d been fixing on the pickup counter. Then