Cadence of Cranberries - Valerie Comer Page 0,50

then back again.

The things dads did, watching out for their daughters at midnight on a cold winter’s night. Putting their own happiness on hold for those same little girls.

He paced to the basketball court three more times before his phone chimed with a text from Katri.

Dad? Where are you?

He was all but frozen to the core as he hurried back to the Mustang, pressing the fob to unlock it.

Katri slid in the other side.

“Everything okay?” He turned the key in the ignition and welcomed the gush of warm air from the vents. Ah, blessed heat.

“I think so. We’ll talk more tomorrow.” She offered a pensive smile.

“So, he didn’t kiss your entire disagreement away?”

“It’s not that simple.”

Of course, it wasn’t. He and Winnie were the stated problem, and their kids were on a mission to break them up. Why was it anyone’s business but their own? It wasn’t.

Was it?

Charlie shook his head and pointed the car toward the apartment over the roastery.

Dominic twirled his car keys on one finger. “I’m not sure when I’ll be back.”

“Why didn’t you tell me Katri was coming in last night?”

“I didn’t know until after everyone had gone to bed. I promise we were good, Mom.”

That’s not what she was worried about. Had Charlie been right outside for half an hour and she didn’t even know it? Katri might have texted Dominic, but Charlie hadn’t texted her.

But hadn’t she already told herself it wasn’t the right time with the right man? Apparently, she’d still been holding out hope, and she wasn’t quite done. “Do you want to invite them over for dinner tonight?”

“No, that’s okay.” Dominic was a little too quick. “I’m not sure what we’ll do, and I wouldn’t want you making plans and then be disappointed.”

Oh, now wasn’t that loaded? She already was disappointed. In Dominic, yes, but also in Charlie. In herself. “Okay. Well, let me know...”

Dominic gave her a swift side hug. “Gotta go.” He hurried out the door, no longer the bright, teasing young man he’d been at Thanksgiving. These past few days, it seemed like he carried the weight of the world on his shoulders.

It wasn’t just growing up. It wasn’t just that he was about to graduate from medical school and be responsible for many patients’ health.

She hated this. She needed a break from this ridiculous merry-go-round. Skating the Ribbon with Charlie had been the same, loop after loop, only she hadn’t realized at the time that their relationship couldn’t go anywhere but in similar circles.

The boys still had another week of school break. Landon and Gabby had planned a ski trip to Schweitzer Mountain Resort with friends. Maybe she should take Michael and go to Florida for a few days. See her parents at Fort Myers Beach. Get away from the cold, the trials, the disappointments.

Could she get tickets? Worth a try.

Charlie tossed a tea towel over his shoulder, remembering the blue apron he’d worn at Winnie’s. World’s Okayest Chef. Well, he’d do better than that tonight for Katri and Dominic. They’d made an appointment to talk with Pastor Tomas, but they’d be back by five-thirty.

Hopefully the good reverend would tell the young couple how ridiculous it was to be bothered by their parents’ romance. Then Charlie would give Winnie a call. They’d go out, talk things through, share a kiss and a snuggle, and life would resume as it had been. They’d work on Katri and Dominic’s wedding — which, of course, would be back on — and maybe their own, as well.

He whistled as he mixed the spices for his favorite fried chicken. He’d bake some potatoes on the side. Toss a big salad. Today would be a turning point for the better.

When Katri and Dominic came into the upstairs apartment a while later, Charlie was ready for them. Ready to see smiles and loving looks, but the young couple seemed rather subdued.

Uh oh. “How did the counseling session go?” He took a cautious peek at Katri’s hand. Whew. She still wore her engagement ring.

“Good.” Dominic hung Katri’s coat then his own. “Dinner smells good, Charlie. Thanks.”

That was all he was going to get? Seriously? “I guess Pastor Tomas knows you pretty well.”

“He’s been here about ten years, and I’ve been away most of those.”

“I like him and his wife,” Katri put in. “I did feel bad they needed to get a sitter for their kids so they could see us, though.” She turned to Charlie and give him a hug. “Thanks for everything, Daddy. Can