Page 56 of A Cup of Autumn
“Do this a lot?”
“No, but I’ve been on a few dates in my time. You haven’t pulled out your phone once. That earns you extra credit.”
“I’d love an A.”
“You’re on your way.”
Raine stood taller. She wanted to pass this practice date with an A+. She stepped aside so he could order.
After Brecken rang up their orders and Keaton paid, they went outside to the patio. Surprisingly, no one else was there. Instrumental music played from speakers hidden with plants. No flower baskets this time of year, but the globe light strands strung along the pergola and fairy lights on trellises gave off a soft, romantic glow. More wooden signs painted with dessert names had been added since the patio opened in July. Portable heaters kept the patio comfortable, especially now that the cooler temperatures of October had arrived.
Raine sat at a table for two.
Keaton took the seat across from her. “I wonder how long they’ll keep the patio open.”
“Until it starts raining too hard or if snow comes early.”
“The heaters will help now that autumn’s here.”
She nodded. “They’re nice tonight.”
“Would you rather sit inside?” Keaton asked.
“This is perfect.” Especially the privacy. Even though she’d lived in Silver Falls for four years, she still wasn’t used to the gossip and rumors that fueled the busybodies in town. “Though Garrett did an excellent job on the interior.”
“He went all out on that grand gesture and set the bar so high. Not sure anyone will be able to top that.”
His serious tone matched the hard set of his jaw. He almost sounded put out.
“It’s not a competition,” she said.
“My family competes with everything.”
“Not Callie. At least not until the Christmas window contest.”
“She’s an anomaly. Remember what I talked about with her not getting the same DNA as the rest of us? But it’s a good thing. She makes sure the rest of us don’t hurt each other.”
“Taryn’s lucky to have found a family like yours. She’s super competitive with her Christmas windows and Summer Fair booths.”
He nodded. “She fits right in with the rest of us.”
Taryn had her parents, but she was an only child like Raine. Now she had in-laws and Margot thanks to Brandt’s marriage to Callie.
Someday I’ll have a family again.
Raine thought she’d found a new family with Emmett and his big extended family. But that wasn’t meant to be. None of the Wilsons even came into the coffee shop anymore. She fiddled with her napkin.
“How’s Robin working out?” Keaton asked.
“Great. I have interviews set up with a few others this coming week.”
“I’m happy for you.” He sounded sincere. “You need more time off.”
“I do, but I’m getting there.” Saying that brought a tsunami of relief.
The bakery door opened. Brecken carried out a tray and placed the contents on the table. “Hummingbird cake and water for Raine and a slice of marionberry pie a la mode and water for Keaton. If you need anything else, just wave one of us down. Enjoy the sweets.”
“What do you think so far?” Keaton asked.
