Page 8 of The Friendship Pact

Paige chuckled. “Welcome to our small town.”

* * *

After purchasing a few kitchen items from Paige’s window display, Kate stopped at the hardware store. She had a friendly conversation with Nate, the owner, and she promised to stop in again to meet his daughter, Sloane.

The afternoon sun now shone brightly overhead. She stopped in at the Lake Times and then at Mane Attraction, the only hair salon in town. The people of Deer Creek Falls were welcoming and enjoyed the treats she delivered, thankful that she was opening a coffee shop in town. They all promised to be faithful customers once she opened.

During her drop-offs, everyone asked her the same questions: Where was she from? Did she move to Minnesota alone? No doubt after scrolling through the Town Talk app, they already knew the answers, but she responded to their questions nonetheless.

With only two tins left, she stopped in at Rural Chic to see Chloe before finishing up at the Deer Creek Lodge. After staying at the lodge on the Fourth of July, she knew mornings could be hectic with guests checking out, so she’d make the lodge her last stop of the day.

Chloe waved from the front window, hanging what looked like vinyl 45 records on a shiny silver Christmas tree. Kate returned her wave and stepped through the door, causing jingle bells to ring overhead. The smell of leather and pine greeted her.

“Kate!” Chloe called, hopping down from the bay window. “I’m glad you stopped by.”

Chloe had joined Kate for breakfast at the lodge in July. They’d talked for hours, becoming fast friends. Although it had been hard for Kate leaving her best friend behind in Chicago, she knew she wouldn’t feel too lonely with Paige and Chloe nearby.

“Hi, Chloe.” Kate pulled a tin from her bag. “This is for you.”

The front door jingled, and Ruth Reid, Chloe’s mom, rushed in and stomped her snowy boots on the rug. “Sorry I’m late, Chloe. Megan—” Ruth stopped. “Kate! So good to see you.” She unwound her scarf and removed her mittens.

Kate had gotten to know Ruth over coffee when she stayed at the Deer Creek Lodge. Being an early riser, she liked to walk the bike path outside the lodge as the sun rose over the lake. Both mother and daughter had welcomed her with open arms, reinforcing her decision to buy the church and move to the quaint and friendly town.

“Good to see you too, Ruth.”

Chloe asked her mom, “So, what’s up with Megan?”

“Oh. Yes. Kate, Megan is my pastry chef,” Ruth clarified. “Anyway, I finished baking tonight’s dessert because Megan called. Her doctor put her on bed rest. I’m afraid I’ll have to get an early start on the cookies needed for our annual Santa Days.” She looked back at Kate. “Santa Days is an event we hold here at the lodge, and the main draw is a visit from Santa.” Ruth waved a hand in dismissal. “Anyway, that’s why I’m late.”

Kate pulled the last tin from her bag. “These are for you. I intended to stop over after visiting Chloe.”

Chloe already had the cover off her tin, and bit into a dark chocolate chip muffin. “These”—she swallowed—“are to die for. Tell me you’ll be making these daily once you open.”

“Absolutely. They’re one of my favorites.” Kate smiled at the praise.

Ruth handed her daughter a tissue she pulled from her purse.

“I understand you met my brother.” Chloe’s eyes twinkled as she stuffed the rest of the muffin into her mouth.

Ruth and Chloe both grinned at her like lovesick teenagers waiting for her to spill some juicy details. “It was actually Sawyer who pulled me over,” Kate said.

“Oh, we know,” Chloe said. “But I saw Nick’s vehicle in the church parking lot last night.”

Kate’s cheeks heated. “I fed him leftovers, but only because I was about to eat when he stopped by to apologize.”

“That was very thoughtful, Kate. He works long hours and forgets to eat,” Ruth said. “I worry about him. He doesn’t date, and I’m afraid he’s becoming a workaholic. He hasn’t had time to do anything fun since he moved back to town.”

“Speaking of the single sheriff.” Chloe gestured toward the door.

Nick walked in, glanced Kate’s way, and nodded. “Ladies. Nice tree, Chloe.”

“Thank you.”

Nick’s radio squawked. He turned up the volume, and at the same time Chloe and Ruth’s phones rang.

The color drained from Nick’s face. Kate could hear a sharp intake of breath from Ruth.

“Mom, Chloe,” Nick said. “Get in my car. We’ve got to go. Dad’s at the hospital. He had a heart attack.” Kate placed a hand over her mouth.