Page 63 of From This Moment (After We Fall 4)
“For me?” I paused on my way to the oven with a tray of scones. It was about eight-thirty and we were busy this morning, much busier than we’d thought since the high season was over.
“Yes.” The grin widened. This morning she and Georgia had asked me how it had gone last night, and then teased me mercilessly about the way I’d blushed in response. “Go say hi.”
My heart was beating fast and loose in my chest. Was it really Wes? I glanced at Georgia. “You okay for a minute?”
“Of course.” She took the tray from me and stuck it in the oven. “Go on.”
“Parlor table,” Margot called out. “And I’m right behind you with the coffee.”
With a glance at my clothing—
nothing too special, I’d been totally distracted while dressing this morning—and a quick tightening of my ponytail, I pushed open the swinging door, went through the crowded dining room and into the parlor. At a table for four by the front window was Wes, Abby, Lenore, and Dr. Parks.
My stomach somersaulted as I approached. “Well, hello. This is a treat.”
“Hi, Mommy.” Abby beamed at me.
“Hey.” Wes’s voice sent a little shiver up my back. Wes and I exchanged smiles, mine nervous, his relaxed. “We decided to take a little field trip. Give Mom a break from the kitchen.”
“I told them I didn’t need a break,” Lenore said, more than a trace of annoyance in her voice. “Hello, dear.”
“Good morning, Lenore. Doc.” I nodded at them both as Margot began pouring coffee for the adults. “I’m so glad you came. Welcome.” Lenore had wandered in a few times to sniff around, but to my knowledge hadn’t eaten a meal here.
“Morning, Hannah,” Doc said cheerfully. “What’s on the menu today?”
“Well, we have fresh pastries, eggs any way you like them, delicious bacon from a local farm, potatoes of course, and I’m making herb waffles with sausage, peppers, and a fried egg on top.” I felt Wes’s eyes on me like hot maple syrup pouring over my skin. I couldn’t even look at him.
“That sounds delicious. Sign me up.” Dr. Parks sat back in his chair.
“John, that doesn’t sound very healthy for your heart,” Lenore chided, placing a hand on his arm. “Why don’t you have some plain scrambled eggs?”
This from a woman who shoveled fried chicken and smothered pork chops down everyone’s throat.
“Nope.” Doc stuck out his chin. “I want the waffle.”
“It’s divine,” put in Margot.
Lenore took her hand from her husband’s arm and sat back with a mini-huff.
“I’ll have the waffle, too,” Wes said.
“Can I have a plain waffle, Mommy?” Abby asked.
“Sure, honey.”
“What would you like to drink?” Margot asked Abby.
“She’ll have apple juice,” I answered. “Would anyone else like juice?”
“Orange, please,” said Wes.
“Do you have cranberry?” Lenore asked.
“Of course,” Margot said.
Lenore seemed almost disappointed that her request was easily fulfilled. “I’ll have that.”
“And something to eat for you?” Margot asked.
