me Hudson.”
Brighton nodded and then turned to Amanda and Pete. “So tell us all about your wedding.”
Her words launched Amanda into endless chatter about the wedding, the reception, and their plans for the remainder of their honeymoon. When Amanda finally came up for air, my plate was empty, and I stood to help Mrs. Rogers clear the table.
“No, you don’t need to, Mr.—”
I raised a single brow, which caused the older woman to chuckle. “Hudson. No guest here clears the table. Now, dessert will be served in the living room in about thirty minutes. I also keep a plate of goodies out at all times in the hallway on the long table, in case you haven’t seen it yet. It’s filled with cookies, brownies, and different types of breads that are made at Adams Apiary. Arabella is dipping her feet into baking for the bed and breakfast.”
I nodded. “An apiary, huh? I don’t remember that from when I was younger.”
“They do tours; you should be sure to check it out. They also have a little shop and café as well. Arabella, the owner’s daughter, makes the best chicken salad I think I’ve ever had. Her father and mother, James and Sharon, are dear friends of ours,” Joanne added.
“I’ll put that on my list of places to visit.”
Joanne leaned in closer to me and softly said, “Arabella is single too. Pretty young thing with eyes the color of the sky. So blue you have to wonder if they’re real.”
That had me drawing my head back in surprise. Was Joanne trying to fix me up with someone?
She kept right on talking. “Of course, folks will tell you Greer is the more outgoing girl. Sweet Arabella is quiet and likes to keep to herself. But she’s a lovely girl. Mind you, Brighton is single as well.”
“Mom, did you need me to take those plates from you?” Brighton asked, shooting me a look that said she was sorry.
“Oh no, it’s okay, darling. Mary Lou will help me.”
As Joanne walked toward what I was guessing was the kitchen area, I faced Brighton. She was a very attractive woman, though not as beautiful as Greer. And she didn’t make my body feel anything when she smiled at me. Unlike Greer’s smile, which certainly had an effect on my body. “Please tell me Mary Lou isn’t also single.”
She laughed and shook her head. “Happily married with three kids. She’s been working here at the bed and breakfast for what seems like forever. She does a little bit of everything. The gardening mostly, but she does help Mom with the dinner and clean-up a few times a week.”
I nodded as I looked around before clearing my throat. “Well, if you’ll excuse me, Brighton, I’ve got some work to do.”
“Enjoy your evening, Hudson.”
“I will. You too.”
Turning, I headed to the staircase and quickly made my way up two steps at a time. I turned right at the top and walked all the way to the end of the hallway where I entered the key code on my door. I was glad that I didn’t have to carry a key card around or, God forbid, a skeleton key like at the last bed and breakfast I’d stayed at.
I took one look at my laptop and headed straight for it. I opened my browser to Google and typed in Turning Pages Bookstore, Boggy Creek, New Hampshire.
Greer
I stepped out onto the front sidewalk from the door that led up to my private residence above the bookstore. I drew a deep breath, taking in the crisp fall air. It was almost October, so the leaves were beginning to turn, and soon all of the valley would be filled with vibrant shades of orange, red, and yellow. I loved fall and spring in Boggy Creek Valley. I drew my sweater around me a bit tighter as I smiled at folks passing by.
The honk of a horn made me turn as my brother, Kyle, pulled up in his car and parked in one of the designated spots for Turning Pages. We were currently closed, so I couldn’t get onto him about parking here.
I smiled and made my way toward his car as he got out.
“Mornin’, little sis. How are things going?” he asked before kissing me on the cheek.
“They’re going,” I replied, looking at his clothing. He had on a long sleeve Under Armour shirt, a wading jacket, and fleece pants. “No work today?”
He shook his head. “Not today. I’m going fishing with Hunter, Bishop,