you want, or need something more permanent, I’ll ask.”
I turned and poured my travel mug coffee into a large, porcelain cup. I walked over and took his hands in mine. “I think we have wedding fever around here. I don’t want you to ask me because Aunt Jackie got married. I don’t want you to ask me because Amy is getting married. If Justin actually shows back up.” Before he could speak, I put a finger on his lips. “And I certainly don’t want you to ask to take the wind out of a busybody’s sails. We’ll know when it’s right.”
He leaned in and kissed me. Then he leaned back and kept eye contact. “How did I ever get so lucky?”
I laughed. “I’m definitely one of a kind.”
The first commuter ambled in. “You’re lucky I love your coffee. I had to walk four blocks from the city parking lot just to get my fix.”
“Duty calls.” I squeezed his hand and went to the counter to make a large café mocha. “I’ve got a new Nora Roberts that just came in this week. I ordered one just for you.”
“You know me too well.” The woman nodded at Greg, who tipped his hat at her and left the shop.
No, I was the lucky one. Greg and I were perfect for each other. And that would never change, married or not.
Chapter 20
Over the milling crowd I found my newest employee chatting about a book I knew she’d just finished with one of our regulars. I waved her over to the counter and pointed to the clock. “You need to go if you’re going to make the party in time.”
Evie glanced at the clock, then nodded. She looked around the still-busy dining room. “Maybe I should stay. I could run over later tonight and take her and Sasha out to dinner.”
“Sixth birthdays only come once. Besides, you’re the only South Cove representative we’re sending to the event. We need you there to deliver our gifts and let Olivia know we still love her.” I untied her apron and lifted it over Evie’s head. “Go. I’ll stay until it calms down. Get on the road before traffic makes you even later. And give both Sasha and Olivia my love.”
Evie squeezed me into a big bear hug for a minute. Surprised, I patted her back smelling the vanilla-based perfume she liked to wear.
“Sasha told me that working here would be like having family. I didn’t believe her, but it’s true.” She let me go from the hug and turned to Deek. “And you’re sure your mom won’t mind you staying in my apartment with Homer this weekend?”
“Are you kidding? She’s ecstatic. But hurry back before she changes the locks and I really have to look for somewhere else to live.” Deek high-fived his friend. “Have fun with the family.”
The shop started slowing down right after Evie left. I sent the temporary help home after giving her a book she’d been checking out since she’d arrived. I was getting ready to leave as well when Meredith walked into the shop. I nodded to Deek. “I’ll handle her. You go outside and make sure Aunt Jackie doesn’t need anything.”
Meredith paused at one of the bookshelves and picked up a recent release. She came over to the register with the mystery and set it on the counter as she dug in her tote for her wallet. “You guys are still busy. I’m dying over there. The foot traffic stopped about four.”
“Time for families to get back home and get dinner going.” I glanced out the window. “Or if they’re without kids, they’re at the winery for the night. These festivals seem to close up early for us, especially early in the year like this. Just wait for summer. We’ll have crowds on the street until about ten. Then it will die out.”
“You really like living here. Owning a business here.” She studied me. “Can I get a large coffee to go? Neal took off and the booth isn’t being manned right now.”
“Sure.” I continued talking as I poured her coffee and rang up her purchases. When I told her the cost she handed me a credit card. “I love South Cove. It took some time to grow on me. I kept to myself pretty much the first five years I lived here. Then my friend was murdered and no one was looking into her death. So I did.”
“I heard you’re something of an amateur sleuth.” She lowered her