Driftwood Bay (Hope Harbor #5) - Irene Hannon Page 0,36

I’ll work it out.” Logan angled away to greet Father Murphy as the man spoke to him, and Jeannette checked on the two girls, who’d drawn away from the adults. They were both animated, and despite the language barrier it didn’t appear they were having any trouble communicating.

“Elisa.” Mariam waited until the girl responded before continuing in Arabic.

The child’s face fell.

So did Molly’s, after Thomma took Elisa’s hand, said good-bye, and led the girl away.

Elisa kept looking back, though.

And Molly watched her until they disappeared into the crowd.

Some other customers approached the booth, and while they examined the sachets, Logan pulled out his wallet. “Charley suggested we get some shortbread for dessert, and Molly and I thought that was a fine idea. Didn’t we, sweetie?” He glanced down at her, but she continued to peer into the throng, hopping up and down to see better.

“I think someone’s made a friend.” Jeannette watched her antics as she passed Logan a pack of the cookies.

“Yeah?” Logan handed her a few bills and squinted toward Charley’s truck, his expression pensive. “She did have ponytails.” Toby began to bark and pull on his leash, giving Jeannette no chance to follow up on his odd comment. “Our cue to exit. Come on, Molly. Let’s go home and eat some cookies.”

The girl at last gave up trying to catch another glimpse of her new friend, but she ignored the hand Logan extended and bent to pet Toby instead.

It seemed she was bonding better with her dog than with her uncle.

A tough situation to be in, based on the muscle that clenched in Logan’s jaw and the faint furrows that scored his brow.

But when he turned back to her, he managed to lighten his demeanor. “Tell me I won’t be the only man at the tea tomorrow.”

Jeannette’s lips twitched at the typical male reaction. “I can’t promise that. Most of my customers are women—but once in a while I do get a couple, if it’s a special occasion.”

“That’s what I figured.” He sighed. “I assume tea parties are dressy affairs.”

“Most people wear nicer clothes—but you don’t have to dust off your tux.”

“Could Molly wear her Easter dress and hat?”

Logan had bought his niece an Easter outfit?

Not many single guys thrust into fatherhood would have thought of that.

One more tick mark in his plus column—not that she was keeping score.

“That would be perfect for a tea party. Tell me about your hat, Molly.”

The girl gave Toby one last pat and stood. “It’s white and has flowers and pink ribbons.”

“I can’t wait to see it. It sounds beautiful.”

“I liked the Easter hat Nana got me better.”

Out of the corner of her eye, Jeannette saw Logan’s face fall.

Her heart contracted.

The man was obviously trying hard to connect with his niece, but as far as she could see, he was batting zero.

“But a new hat is always a treat—especially one with pink ribbons.”

“I like purple better. Like the one on your cookies.”

Shoot.

Another kick in the shin to Logan.

“Well . . . I’ll enjoy seeing your hat anyway.”

Logan took her hand, his features taut despite the pleasant façade he was trying to project. “Say good-bye, Molly. We have to let Jeannette get back to work.”

Molly waved. “Bye.”

“Enjoy your cookies—and I’ll see you tomorrow.”

She watched them stroll away, Toby darting left and right to take everything in as Logan shortened his stride to accommodate his niece.

Despite the strain between them, they made an appealing, if untraditional, family group—as did the Shabos.

In fact, the two families had several things in common. They were both adjusting to life in a new place, neither had many friends, and the two men were starting new jobs. Both girls also had an air of melancholy that plucked at the heartstrings.

Except . . . neither child had seemed sad today. Just the opposite. For the few brief minutes they’d spent together, both had come alive.

As she chatted with customers, sold out her remaining inventory, and began to shut down for the night, an idea began to percolate in her mind.

Nothing might come of it—but if it worked out, maybe it would be the answer to a number of prayers.

“You are going to church with us this Sunday, yes?” Mariam touched Thomma’s arm as he moved past her in the hall to turn in for the night, keeping her voice low so as not to disturb Elisa. “We have much to thank God for.”

“I will go because the people and the priest have been kind and I don’t wish to