Cadence of Cranberries - Valerie Comer Page 0,19
was happy to stay on. Everything I know about this business I learned from either Murray Holiday or Google.”
“Murray. We’ve met.” She grinned. “And Google is my friend, as well.” She lined the coffee packets up in a neat row. “My cousin, Hailey, and I co-own this business, and she’s tied up right now in the kitchen. But we’ll brew a pot of this later and have the staff taste-test. Well, except for Astrid. She doesn’t drink coffee.”
“Strange place to work, then.”
“Oh, you haven’t heard the half of it. She doesn’t consume sugar, either.”
Charlie raised an eyebrow. “This is a bakery.”
“Bingo. You got it in one. However, at her suggestion, we’ve introduced some sugar-free baking, and it’s surprisingly popular with the locals. Between you and me, though, her suggestion of green tea hasn’t been nearly as well-received.”
He held up both hands. “I’m an avowed coffee aficionado, so don’t get me started on green tea.”
Kass laughed. “Me, either.” She studied him. “Dominic’s soon-to-be father-in-law, huh? I heard he proposed over Thanksgiving.”
“You know him?”
“Not well. He’d already left for Seattle when I moved back to Spokane to open this business with my cousin. But, yes, we’ve met a number of times. Trust me. In Bridgeview, everyone knows everyone.”
Information Charlie needed to file away for when — if — he decided to pursue Winnie. She’d have the backing of this entire neighborhood, and Charlie would be the outsider.
Chapter Eight
Winnie entered Bridgeview Bakery and Bistro with a brand-new spiral-bound notebook and an array of gel pens. A quick glance showed Charlie Jalonen seated at a corner window table.
He looked up and grinned at her. Charlie was a mighty good-looking man. Maybe she shouldn’t think that, but she’d have to be dead herself not to notice.
She gave him a little wave and approached the counter. Alex’s fiancée stepped around and held her arms wide. Winnie was happy to oblige. Marley had certainly blossomed in the past few months.
“Let me see your ring!”
Beaming, Marley held out her left hand to display a simple but elegant diamond.
“I’m so happy for you.”
“I’m so excited. Alex is amazing. He’s everything I ever dreamed of.”
Winnie chuckled. Love did crazy things to people. She remembered what it was like with Al, and she’d seen it last weekend with Dominic and Katri. “Alex is definitely one of the good guys.” All her nephews were... even if one of them might have lost his footing for a time. She prayed daily for Ray and Grace’s eldest. Basil would return to the fold, stronger for his experiences. Winnie clung to that in faith.
“Sorry I ambushed you.” Marley straightened her uniform top and stepped to the other side of the counter. “Did you want to order something? I hear you love salted caramel lattes?”
“Just a plain coffee with cream, please. And maybe a cinnamon roll.” Winnie pulled her purse around and began to dig for her wallet.
“Oh, the gentleman in the corner paid your bill.”
Winnie hesitated. Charlie? He shouldn’t have. “He didn’t even know what I was going to order.”
Marley laughed. “You’re right. He got it wrong, since he was sure you’d want a latte. Regardless, though, it’s covered. I’ll bring it right out.”
“Okay. Thank you.” Winnie made her way between the tables.
Al’s brother Dino hailed her from the back corner. “Winnie! We hear congratulations are in order.”
She stopped to chat with him and Franco. Ray, a pilot, must be off flying to some exotic destination today. “Yes, Dominic popped the question to Katri on Sunday. There seems to be something in the air these days.”
Franco laughed. “Well, both mine are married, so we’re done with all the angst, engagements, and weddings. You’re just beginning.”
“One down, two to go,” put in Dino. “Betta is relieved Peter’s wedding went off without a hitch. She’s ready to switch gears to Ava, though, if she ever finds a decent guy out there. And then there’s Dafne...” His voice trailed off.
Nineteen-year-old Dafne still lived with her parents along with her young son. She was enrolled in college part-time, studying to be a teacher, determined to make the best possible life for herself and Gavin.
Impulsively, Winnie squeezed Dino’s shoulder. “Dafne’s doing well. She’s got a good head on her shoulders. Don’t worry about her.”
“Like you’d smile and nod if Brittany or Gabby came home pregnant.”
“You’re right, I’d be concerned. But I worry about everything, regardless. Everyone makes mistakes, Dino. Some just have longer lasting consequences than others. God is in the redemption business, and He’s already done remarkable things in