help with the scavenger hunt … on and on it went. All of it forcing her to spend more pointless, heart-wrenching time with Liam. Egads. “You want us to do all of these?”
“Since the two of you work so well together, I figured you’d be best for the job.”
Adele closed her eyes. That was the last thing she wanted to do, but short of feigning an illness, it looked like she was stuck. The trip to England couldn’t come soon enough.
“How’s the food coming along, Auntie?”
Adele’s great-aunt scrunched up her face but looked to be fighting a smile. She was in a good mood today, thank Heaven. “Fine!”
“Glad to hear it,” Liam replied.
Irene eyed them. “What’s your mother got you doing, Adele?”
Was Liam starting to sweat? Adele tried not to smile. “Just about everything, it seems.” She handed the list over.
Irene took it and gave it a quick once-over. “Land sakes, this could take the two of you days to complete.”
“I hope not,” Liam commented. “I have work to do on the farm.”
“By the way, how’s your pa?” Irene asked.
“He’s with Doc Drake right now. As soon as he’s done there, I’m taking him to the hotel for lunch.”
“Good idea.” She glared at Adele. “You’ll go with them, of course.”
“Auntie, there’s no need for me to …”
“You gotta eat, don’t you?”
Adele sighed in defeat. Let Great-Aunt Irene think what she wanted. She didn’t have to know she’d walk home while Liam and his father had their lunch.
“You should come,” Liam said softly. “I wouldn’t mind.”
A tingle went up her spine. She wouldn’t mind either – that was the problem. “You go ahead. I’ll take care of the list.”
He put a hand on her arm, then quickly removed it. “It’s like Mrs. Dunnigan said, you have to eat. Why not join us?”
She hung her head and looked away. “I suppose.” Drat. This wasn’t going as planned. She knew he’d brought his father to town and hoped that would cut their time together short. So much for hope.
“Why don’t you check with Grandma and make sure she’ll have enough pies ready for Saturday?” her aunt suggested. “If she needs help, you can bake a few.”
Adele took a breath. “Auntie, you know I don’t bake as well as Mother or yourself.”
“How are you going to get better at it if you don’t do it?”
Adele shut her eyes.
“She’s right, you know.” Liam gently put his hand on the small of her back and steered her toward the door. “Let’s go check with Grandma.”
His touch made her want to melt into a puddle, but she had to appear indifferent. Although the more time she spent with him, the more her heart wanted to pursue him. She didn’t dare let it.
Liam’s hand stayed where it was until they left the mercantile. As soon as he removed it, she felt an odd separation and a chill up her spine. Darn it, she’d never given him the time of day before Leona and Betsy came to town, and for good reason. Curse those busybodies.
“Liam, Adele,” Grandma said with a smile when she answered her door. “What brings you here?”
“My great-aunt suggested we come see if you need help with the pies for the dance,” Adele said.
Grandma craned her neck to look across the street at the mercantile. “Oh, did she? Hmph. Well, you might as well come in. Liam, Bowen’s almost done with your pa.”
Liam tipped his hat. “Much obliged, Grandma.” He motioned Adele to precede him.
In the parlor, Doc Drake’s wife Elsie was knitting. “Hello there. Busy with the dance?”
“Are we ever.” Adele sat on the settee and was surprised when Liam sat next to her.
Grandma took the other open chair with a mischievous grin. “Irene sent them to make sure I was doing my duty.” She rolled her eyes.
“Grandma,” Adele said. “Have you seen Leona or Betsy around town lately?”
“I have,” Elsie said. “They’ve been spending a lot of time with Preacher Jo and Annie the last few days.”
“Really?” Liam looked at Adele and shrugged.
She shrugged back. Why on Earth would two out-of-towners be spending time with the preacher and his wife? They attended services last Sunday. Did Preacher Jo run things differently than their town minister did?
“Oh, look, we have visitors.” Doc Drake entered the parlor with Mr. White in tow, both smiling. But Adele could tell Liam’s father had been crying.
Liam stood. “Pa, are you all right?”
The man wiped his eyes. “Don’t look so surprised, you two. You know how visits with Doc Drake