“Oh, I don’t know about him. I think it’s safe to say little l on his part. We’re a lot to take on.”
“Clare, he’s been sweet on you forever.”
“That’s a different thing. Little l—that’s pretty terrific. I’m not looking for more from him, for promises and absolutes. Like I said, it’s different this time. I understand more than I possibly could have at sixteen. I’ve got more to risk.”
“And to offer,” Hope added.
“Yeah, I do. But . . .” She thought of Beckett’s words the night before. “Love takes work. A woman, three kids—and now two dogs? A lot of work. I’m happy the way things are. I’m so happy, so grateful to feel this again. To know I can.”
“I love that feeling.” Remembering, Hope sighed. “I miss it.”
“I guess I have, too, and didn’t realize it. And it’s a little scary this time. It may sound crazy, but I kind of like that it is. It adds an energy.”
“If you’re happy,” Hope decided, “we’re happy.”
“I’m very happy. I’m in love with a really good, interesting man who enjoys my kids. That’s pretty damn amazing.”
“I’ve always admired your taste in men,” Avery told her.
The bathroom window shot open, and the air that blew in carried the scent of honeysuckle.
“I’d say she does, too,” Hope murmured.
JUST ONE OF the things Clare loved about Boonsboro, and that made her glad she’d brought her kids home to raise them, was the community feel. As she stood in the new gift shop, sipping wine from a little plastic cup, she saw or spoke to more than a dozen people she knew. She watched them wander, form and re-form into groups, share news, opinions.
Avery’s father—a big man with his wild red hair and trim beard threaded with glints of pewter—eased his way over to her. Clare tipped her head toward his broad shoulder.
“Look at you, all dressed up.”
He flushed, sweetly shy. “Justine said no work clothes.”
“I should say not, when you’re one of the featured artists.”
His flush deepened; his big feet shuffled. “Oh, I’m no artist. Just a welder with time on his hands.”
“Willy B, it takes more than some welding skill and spare time to create those metal sculptures. And the clocks are just wonderful. You know Hope’s already earmarked that one”—she gestured—“and the cattails for the inn.”
“She’s going to put that stuff in the inn? Really?”
“She wants the clock for the dining room, in front of the stone arch. People who stay will see your work.”
“Isn’t that something?” He let out a short, baffled laugh.
Avery squeezed her way through the crowd. “Lay off the crab balls for now. We’re nearly out. They’re bringing down more.”
“It’s a nice crowd,” Clare commented. “Madeline looks thrilled, and a little dazed.”
“I should step outside. I feel like I’m taking up half the room all by myself.”
“You stay right where you are,” Avery ordered her father. “Madeline wants you to talk up the potential customers, tell them about your artistic process.”
“Oh now, Avery.”
“Oh now, Willy B.” She poked him in his wide chest. “I’ve got to check the other trays. Don’t you let him run away, Clare.”
“I have my orders.” She gave Willy B a shrug, but took pity on him. “We could step right outside though. Plenty of potentials out there getting fresh air.”
“It’s nice to see people come out like this.” He took a breath when they stepped out to the sidewalk.
“It is, isn’t it? I was just thinking how nice it is to see so many familiar faces, have a little time just to chat and catch up.”
She scanned the little groups, so intent on the people around her she didn’t notice the car parked half a block down—or Sam Freemont behind the wheel, watching her.
“How are those boys of yours? I heard you got a couple new family members. Justine mentioned it,” Willy B added.
“They’re in boy heaven, and for now, at least, being very responsible about taking care of the puppies. I have to admit they’re more fun and less work than I imagined—again, for now.”
“You won’t regret it. I heard Beckett picked them up.”
“Brought them into the bookstore,” she confirmed. “Trapped me.”
“You know, Justine’s pretty pleased that you and Beckett are going around together. She’s fond of you and those boys.”
“I know. And speaking of them, I have to get home, relieve Mazie.”
“So, the minute I turn my back, you move in on my territory.” Beckett stepped out, gave Willy B a light punch on the arm.