Page 23 of A Cup of Autumn
He placed his glass on the table. “Something happened when I was working on my book at the coffee shop. It’s been on my mind.”
Brandt snickered. “If that’s the first place you went in town, you must have missed Raine’s Americanos?”
“It was the second place. I got a cookie from the bakery first.” Keaton’s words had Taryn shimmying her shoulders. “And I drank two pumpkin spice lattes, not an Americano.”
His siblings gasped.
“What?” he asked.
Garrett’s gaze narrowed. “You always get the same thing.”
“Always,” Callie echoed. “You’re like the sun rising in consistency.”
Keaton had been, but… “Not today.”
Margot stared over her wineglass at him. Her blue eyes twinkling brighter than ever. “Change is good for the soul.”
“Brecken showed up. Timmy too.” Keaton didn’t want Callie or Garrett to harp on the change in coffee drinks. “I helped them with homework.”
Garrett laughed. “Always the professor.”
“It’s great to have one in the family. Thank you for helping, Keaton. Brecken’s trying so hard, but having dyslexia makes studying difficult for him. He’s getting assistance from the school, but I don’t know if it’s enough.” Taryn smiled at him. “Up for more tutoring while you’re here?”
Keaton had enjoyed helping the two young men today. “Sure. Especially if that means unlimited baked goods.”
Taryn’s face brightened. “Happy to work something out with you. And please let me know if Brecken should cut back his work schedule. I want him to succeed.”
“Brecken will, sweetheart.” Garrett kissed Taryn’s cheek. “Because he has you, his family, and all of us on his side.”
Margot nearly sighed. Keaton had to admit they were sweet together. He never thought Garrett would ever be so relaxed and not focused on a case 24/7. Taryn brought out the best in him. And who wouldn’t want an amazing pastry chef in the family?
“You’re right.” Taryn scooted closer to Garrett. “Brecken told me Flynn paid for his books.”
Callie raised her glass as if making a toast. “That’s our big brother. The arrogant surgeon is as generous as he is grumpy.”
Keaton and Garrett both laughed. It was true.
“Sam’s attending Summit Ridge full-time this semester, but he hasn’t cut back his hours yet.” Callie lowered her glass and reached for another slice of bread Taryn had brought. “He seems to be handling it well. I’m sure Brecken will figure out college.”
“He will. But Taryn, suggest he talk to Sam. Timmy, too, Raine.” Brandt passed the butter to Callie without her asking, and she rewarded him with a huge grin. “Sam’s smart and has excellent time-management skills. He might be able to help them navigate being full-time students better.”
The warmth flowing through Keaton’s veins had nothing to do with the delicious roast beef dinner or red wine. Brandt and Taryn fit perfectly into their family. They wanted to help, aka stick their noses in everyone’s business, as much as Keaton’s parents and siblings. Keaton took another sip of wine.
“I’m thrilled Timmy finally finished his AA degree. He’s talked about transferring to the university for years. I only wish Raine had more help.” Margot tossed pieces of roast beef to each of her dogs, who gobbled down the meat. “I’m worried about her.”
At least Keaton wasn’t the only one concerned about Raine. “She’s rundown.”
“Exhausted.” Taryn’s smile disappeared. She stared at her plate. “I feel awful I didn’t remember she organized the Valentine dance. It seems like so long ago.”
“It was right after Emmett left town,” Margot said.
Taryn nodded. “Raine didn’t want to celebrate the holiday, but that didn’t stop her from throwing herself into the event.”
Callie sighed. “I should have remembered, too. Raine wasn’t in the mood for hearts and love, but the Valentine’s dance was so lovely and romantic.”
Garrett kissed the top of Taryn’s hand. “Sorry I wasn’t here for it.”
“Next year.” Margot’s eyes darkened. “All of us should have remembered, but no one wanted to be in charge of the Boo Bash, and she wasn’t at the meeting.”
