Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 94538 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 473(@200wpm)___ 378(@250wpm)___ 315(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94538 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 473(@200wpm)___ 378(@250wpm)___ 315(@300wpm)
Aiden walked up to me and smirked, taking Ben out of my arms. “You f’ed up now, bro. You don’t ever tell a pregnant woman she messed something up. You should probably run.”
He swept past Willa and into the shop, where I heard my mother call out Ben’s name. I brought my gaze back to Willa, who stood with her arms folded above her belly. If she didn’t look like she was about to commit murder, I’d think it was cute. “Did I say mess up? I meant, I’m so excited to taste it.”
Her eyes softened, and she gave me a smug smile. “I thought that’s what you said. I usually use gala apples and the cider is sweet. This year I went with a blend of both sweet and tart. I think you’ll be happy.”
“Oh, I know I will,” I responded. “Gonna love it, I’m sure.”
A wide grin broke out on her face before she turned and walked into the shop, and I breathed a sigh of relief.
Heading toward the shop, I whispered, “Women.”
Abby
The bell above the door chimed as I walked into The Coffee Pot. Not that I didn’t love being around my parents after being gone for so long, but I had needed to get out of the house this morning and just enjoy a quiet breakfast to myself. Tess glanced up and smiled when she saw me. I gave her a wave and then made my way to one of the booths. After taking off my gloves, coat, and hat, I slid in.
“Good morning, Abby darlin’.”
“Morning, Tess.”
She gave me another smile while she poured a cup of coffee for me. “It just warms my heart to see your pretty face again, and back in time for the holidays too.”
“Thank you, it feels good to be back home. I’ve missed your food.”
With a wink, she asked, “The normal?”
I never could understand how Tess managed to remember all the dishes that folks liked. It wasn’t just breakfast, either, it was every meal. No matter what time of the day, she remembered what you liked to order. “Yes, please.”
“I’ll get that going.”
She started to leave but then stopped and looked down at me. “It really is good to have you back in Boggy Creek, Abby.”
It was my heart’s turn to warm at the tenderness in both her eyes and her voice. “Thank you, Tess. I wish everyone felt that way.”
She winked. “They do, trust me. They do.” With that, she turned and walked away.
I looked down at my phone. I’d sent Bishop a text asking if we could talk this morning. He had yet to respond. I let out a frustrated sigh and reminded myself he deserved the time to be pissed. When he was ready to talk, he would let me know. At this rate, though, I’d be waiting until next spring.
When Greer had invited me to Kyle’s birthday dinner last week, then for drinks afterward, I’d declined the invite. The last thing I wanted to do was see Bishop with his new girlfriend, and I was positive he’d bring her. I had seen the two of them in Schmick’s Market yesterday. Jax was beautiful, and I could see why Bishop was attracted to her. I didn’t want them to see me, so I’d hid in the cereal aisle like the coward I was. I’d stared at the Cap’n Crunch for so long, I’d started to crave the damn stuff and ended up buying two boxes.
I’d managed to check out and was loading the groceries into my dad’s truck when I saw Bishop and Jax walk out of the market. He’d helped her load her groceries into her little BMW, then headed for his truck. They hadn’t left together, which I had thought was strange—but then again, what did I know anymore? I turned away and threw the last bag into the backseat, returned the cart, and hightailed it the hell out of there.
I needed to get used to seeing Bishop with her, but it still hurt like a bitch.
Now I picked up my phone and stared at it. Thanksgiving was a little over a week away, and I knew how busy he was. I was starting to think that maybe things would never be okay between us. That was a sobering thought.
Pulling my gaze from my phone, I glanced around the restaurant. I saw a lot of familiar faces and a few that weren’t. Most likely tourists. The light dusting of snow from a few days ago had long since melted, but it was still cold outside.
My phone went off and I grabbed up. When I saw who the message was from, my heart sank a bit. But then it brightened when I read her text.
Greer: I’m planning a little welcome home dinner and slumber party for you tonight, so bring your PJs!