Total pages in book: 86
Estimated words: 83992 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 420(@200wpm)___ 336(@250wpm)___ 280(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83992 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 420(@200wpm)___ 336(@250wpm)___ 280(@300wpm)
“Oh wait, I think she’s mentioned him a time or two.”
Declan stopped walking and stared straight ahead. I followed his gaze to see Sean and Caroline standing at the crepe booth.
I couldn’t help but giggle. Every time I saw either of them, the only thing I could think of was pickleball and spanking.
“Looks like things are still going well for those two,” I said, noticing that Declan had turned us ever so slightly so that we wouldn’t be walking toward his brother and Caroline.
“Yeah, looks like it.”
“How’s your mom taking it?” I asked.
Declan shrugged. “I’m not sure. Sean hasn’t mentioned anything about her pushing Crystal on him again, so I guess she’s okay with it all. I mean, he’s still dating her best friend’s daughter, and I’m pretty sure that’s all she and Viola ever wanted.”
“Speaking of Viola, I heard she’s having a huge sale at Sugar and Spice Boutique. I’m going to have to call my sisters and plan a shopping trip. Oh, and my mother would like to have everyone over for dinner tomorrow, if you’re free. I told her I’d ask if you’re working.”
“I’m off, and my folks went to New York City for the week, so that works perfectly.”
“Great!” I said, with a clap of my hands. “She mentioned having my dad grill up some burgers if you’re good with that.”
He nodded. “I’m good with whatever she wants to make. Will Candice, Amanda, and Tina be there?”
I nodded. “Most likely. Why?”
“No reason, I just haven’t seen them around. Well, we did see Amanda and her little one at Slice, Slice, Pizza the other night.”
“Mandy is such a doll. I can’t believe how fast she’s growing.”
“Harper? Declan?”
We both turned to see my father walking toward us. “Daddy!”
Dad stopped in front of us, kissed me on the cheek, then he shook Declan’s hand. “Are you enjoying this beautiful day?”
“We are,” I replied. “What brings you out to the farmers’ market?”
“Your mother wanted me to pick up a few things.”
“Oh, will you tell Mom that Declan and I are on for dinner at the house tomorrow?”
“That’s wonderful, she’ll be glad to hear you’re coming. How are your parents?” Dad asked.
“They’re good. They’re in New York City.”
“Oh, that’s nice. For vacation or work?”
Declan smiled. “I think a little bit of both.”
Hitting Declan on the side of the arm, Dad said, “Well, I’m glad you’ll be coming to dinner, then. I better run before someone on the city council sees me here and wants to talk shop.”
I laughed and kissed him goodbye. “Bye, Dad.”
“Have a good one, Mr. Browning.”
Giving Declan a look, my father said, “Call me Larry.”
With a smile, he replied, “Have a good one, Larry.”
Dad winked and quickly made his way over to one of the booths.
“Look at that—Larry telling you to call him by his first name,” I teased, as we started walking again.
“Don’t let Gavin or James hear that. They’ll claim I’m getting special treatment from the boss.”
After another hour of shopping at the booths and picking up a few more items, Declan and I started back toward his place, each carrying bags from our market haul.
“Brystol texted and said trivia night is on tonight, if you want to go.”
“I’m down for that if you are.”
“The only thing I’d like to do beforehand is make a dish to take over to Hope and Liam. Aurora told me her brother says Hope is having a tough time with the chemo, so she’s organizing a food train for them now that Hope and Liam have told everyone about her cancer.”
Declan shook his head. “Damn, I really hope she beats this.”
I nodded and tried to ignore the dread I felt in my chest. I’d run into Hope at the bakery the other day, and the poor thing looked so frail. “I hope she does as well. I saw her the other day, and I have to be honest…she didn’t look well.”
Sighing, Declan said, “I hate cancer.”
“You and me both.”
“What were you thinking of making?”
Holding up one of the bags, I replied, “Eggplant parmesan. It’s my grandmother’s recipe.”
“Let’s drop my stuff off, then we’ll go to your place and make the dish. We can bring it to Hope and Liam on the way to trivia night.”
I smiled. I loved how caring Declan was. His heart was so big, and there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for anyone.
“Sounds like a plan.”
Declan knocked lightly on the door and took a step back. Liam and Hope Turner’s house was beautiful, a two-story, historical home right in the middle of Moose Village.
“I’ve always loved this house, especially the turret,” Declan whispered.
“I know, me too.” The large home was exquisite in design. The white stone and white clapboard on the upper part of the house, especially, lent to the beautify of it all.
“Should I knock again?” Declan asked.