Leonardo (Romancing the Weavers #5) - Kit Morgan Page 0,10

to the door as it opened. Several patrons entered, went to a table and sat. “I’ll bring that right out.” He turned, hesitated, then faced her again. “Tell me, how is Mrs. Dunnigan?”

Parthena smiled. Everyone in Clear Creek knew that Hank worshiped Irene Dunnigan – or rather, her cinnamon rolls and other dishes. He would do almost anything to procure her recipes to serve in his restaurant. “She’s fine. In fact, she and Wilfred said to tell you hello.”

“Fine people, the Dunnigans. Do they plan on visiting again anytime soon?”

She smiled again. “I’m afraid I don’t know. Why don’t you write them and ask?”

“That’s an excellent idea – I will.” He smiled and went to tend his other customers.

She hoped he hurried back with her coffee. She needed some this morning. Savannah had talked her ears off last night, giving every reason she could think why she and Leonardo Cucinotta wouldn’t suit. But Parthena knew when Savannah prattled on like that, it was because she was nervous about something. In this case, it had to be Leo.

Was she trying to convince herself they wouldn’t suit? Was she afraid they would? The only reason she’d fear it was that she might have to leave the Triple-C and live on the Weaver farm. It might be fine for Clinton, but not for Savannah. She was too close to her parents, especially her father. Always had been.

Hank brought Parthena her coffee. “Cream or sugar?”

“Please.”

He went to a nearby sideboard, took a creamer and sugar bowl from a tray and set them on her table. “Has Mrs. Dunnigan come up with any new recipes lately?”

Parthena did her best not to giggle. “I really couldn’t say. My mother might know.”

“Your parents are here with you – how wonderful. I haven’t had a chance to get to know them, not like your aunt and uncle.”

“I’ll tell them to stop by. I’m sure they’ll want a cup of coffee or maybe come here for lunch today.”

“Or dinner!” he said happily.

“I’m afraid we’re having supper at the Riley farm.”

“Oh.” Hank leaned toward her and quietly said, “Does this mean Leonardo and Savannah are courting?”

Parthena fought the urge to roll her eyes. If Savannah had her way, there would be no visit at this point. But as they were here to see Clinton, there had to be. “I don’t believe so.” If it turned out otherwise, so be it, but she wouldn’t add fuel to the fire. Savannah wouldn’t appreciate it. Besides, things had to happen naturally between her cousin and Leo, or how would they know?

Hank went to check on his other patrons. Parthena hoped he didn’t keep asking about Savannah’s possible courtship – it was hard enough to listen to Savannah talk about it all night. She wouldn’t be surprised if Savannah hadn’t returned to their hotel room and was snoozing at this very moment.

The ham and eggs were decent and so was the coffee. By the time Parthena left Hank’s she was sure she’d find her cousin at the hotel. Instead she found her standing on the steps of the mercantile talking with Leo. Well, that was okay too.

Charlotte Quinn stood in the doorway, her children Rosie and Tucker at her side. “There’s Parthena,” she called.

Savannah and Leo smiled at her. “How was breakfast?” Savannah asked.

Leo smiled. “Did you have the flapjacks?”

“Ham and eggs.” Parthena grinned at Charlotte’s children. “My, they’ve grown.”

“They certainly have. We’re on our way to see their grandmama at the post office.”

“We heard you had a post office. Clinton told us in his letters.”

“Goodness, that must have been years ago,” Charlotte said. “And to think Mother is still postmistress.”

“She is?” Savannah said amused. “I thought it was a temporary position.”

“It was supposed to be,” Charlotte said. “But Mother’s so good at it, they finally just gave her the job. She’s very efficient when she wants to be.”

“It’s a paid position, isn’t it?” Parthena asked.

“It is now – it wasn’t for the first year. I thought she’d quit or try to get someone else to take over, but she stuck it out and enjoyed it.” Charlotte took her children’s hands and stepped out of the mercantile. “Enjoy the rest of your morning.”

The three waved as she left, then looked at each other in awkward silence. Finally Parthena broke it. “I thought I’d find you in our room,” she told Savannah.

Savanna shrugged. “I thought about going there, but I wound up walking down the road and ran into Mrs. Johnson. Do you remember her?”

Parthena