Read Online In Shelter Cove by Barbara Freethy - Free Book Online Page B

You always liked a challenge.”
    “Then say yes, and maybe I’ll lose interest,” he said.
    “Fine. One dinner. And I’ll meet you there. I don’t want my mother to get any ideas about us.”
    “Your mother likes me.”
    “Exactly—another strike against you.” She marched past him into the church. “Let’s go meet the Lowells. I have to get back to work soon.”
    * * *
     
    After her frustrating trip to the police station, Brianna spent several hours unpacking and setting up the house. By three o’clock, she was more than ready for a break, so when Nancy stopped by to ask if she and Lucas would like to take a walk into town, she readily agreed. They dropped the puppy off with Rick and then headed down the hill.
    “I thought we’d stop in at the new bakery that just opened,” Nancy said. “It’s called Sugar and Spice, and it’s run by a local girl, Lauren Jamison. Lauren was a year younger than Derek, but she spent time with him and some of his friends. I’ve heard that the bakery is really good.”
    “Sounds great. Lucas, wait for us to cross the street,” she added as her son skipped ahead to the corner.
    Nancy smiled at her. “Lucas has so much energy, just like Derek did. We used to take this same walk when Derek was a little boy. We’d say hello to Rick at the hardware store, then we’d pop in at the quilt shop so I could pick up new threads, and our last stop would always be Martha’s Bakery, where we’d get a tart filled with whatever fresh fruit was in season. Those were good days.”
    Brianna saw the tears gathering in Nancy’s eyes and slipped her hand into hers, giving her fingers a reassuring squeeze. “Now you can share the tradition with Lucas.”
    “I’m so happy you agreed to move here, Brianna. It helps to have you and Lucas nearby. It makes me feel closer to Derek.” She cleared her throat. “Butwe’re not going to be sad today. There have been enough tears.”
    “I agree.” Seeing the prison walls every night outside her window had made her feel as trapped as Derek. The view from the hills of Angel’s Bay was quite different, and she loved the infinite beauty of the landscape. “It’s a gorgeous day.” The clouds from yesterday had blown by, and there was nothing but blue skies and bright sunshine.
    “I hope the weather holds for the Harvest Festival this weekend. You’re going to love all the festivities. And then next week we head right into Halloween. Does Lucas know what he wants to be?”
    “He’s changed his mind half a dozen times already, and I don’t think he’s done yet.”
    “I’m sure the preschool will have a lot of activities. Lucas is set to start next Monday, right?”
    “Yes,” Brianna replied. “Which means I need to find a job. The local schools don’t have any openings for teachers, but they put me on the sub list. The high school principal is fairly confident they can use me in the spring, but in the meantime, I have to find something else.”
    “There’s an opening at the quilt shop.” Nancy said. “It’s only about fifteen hours a week, but it would be a little cash, and it’s a great place to meet people. I can watch Lucas for you.”
    Brianna gave her mother-in-law a suspicious look. “Don’t you work part-time at the quilt store?”
    Nancy grinned unrepentantly. “Well, I did, but I’d much rather spend time with Lucas. I talked toFiona Murray, the owner, and explained how wonderful it would be if you could take my place for a while. She was quite agreeable. She’ll be there this afternoon if we want to stop in.”
    “So this wasn’t just a casual walk,” Brianna said.
    “We don’t have to go today; it’s up to you. If it’s too soon, Fiona will understand. She comes across as a tough old broad, but she’s a sweetheart inside.”
    Brianna thought about the offer as they crossed the street. It
was
soon, but why not start working right away? She could always use the money, and perhaps people would be more