Why did love have to hurt so much?
And why, when she knew the hurt would come, had she been foolish enough to open herself to more?
On Saturday, Rush and Clara would come by to take her to brunch at the B and B. If she had any sense, she would make an excuse, tell Rush that she was sick, or that she’d changed her mind. But that wouldn’t keep Clara from begging to see the kittens. As long as the little girl was in town, Tracy would be trapped—a helpless passenger on the one-way train to heartbreak.
* * *
By Saturday morning, the storm had passed. A warm front had moved in, bringing sunny skies and snow melt. Water dripped from the eaves of the houses. Cars in the street splashed melting slush under their tires.
Tracy was waiting when Rush came to the door to pick her up. He steadied her on the slippery pavement as he helped her into the Hummer, where he’d left Clara, who was wearing her new jeans and vest.
“Did our snow angels melt?” Clara asked as Tracy fastened her seat belt.
“If they haven’t already, they will,” Tracy said. “The snow’s going fast.”
“Can we make more angels when it snows again?”
“If it snows again,” Rush said, starting the engine.
“What if it doesn’t snow?” Clara asked.
“Whatever the weather does, all we can do is make the best of it.”
“But what if there isn’t any snow for the parade?” Clara asked. “How will the horses pull the sleigh?”
“We can keep the sleigh on its flatbed trailer,” Rush answered patiently. “The horses can pull it that way.”
“But it wouldn’t be real,” Clara said. “Not without snow.”
“It’s too soon to worry about that,” Tracy said. “The parade is two weeks away. There’s plenty of time for another storm to move in.”
“It’s got to snow. It’s just got to.” Clara was quiet for a moment. “What’s brunch?”
“What’s what?” Rush was caught off guard by the sudden change of subject.
“You said we were going to brunch. What’s that?”
Laughing, Tracy came to his rescue. “It’s like breakfast and lunch put together—a late breakfast or an early lunch.”
“Oh. Br . . . unch.” Clara giggled. “Will I like it?”
“I know you like bacon and eggs and pancakes,” Rush said. “Don’t worry, you’ll like it. And you’ll get to meet some nice people, too.”
“Can I tell them about the kittens, Tracy? You said they’d soon need new homes.”
“That’s not a bad idea,” Tracy said. “Sure, go ahead and tell people if you want to.”
“Okay. But I won’t tell them about Snowflake. He’s the one I love.”
Rush glanced at Tracy, a dismayed look on his face. His precious little girl was setting herself up to have her heart broken.
The Branding Iron Bed and Breakfast was located in an old remodeled house just off Main Street. Most of the parking places were taken, but Rush managed to catch someone leaving and steer the Hummer into the empty spot. As he helped Tracy and Clara out of the vehicle, and the three of them went up the sidewalk together, Tracy battled an attack of self-consciousness. This was a small town. There was bound to be some gossip when people saw her with Rush. But if that bothered her, she mustn’t let it show. She would smile, enjoy her meal, and leave as soon as possible.
Mouthwatering aromas surrounded them as they opened the door. Inside, the spacious dining room was decked out for Christmas with a glittering tree, small wreaths on the tables, and glowing white lights strung from the ceiling. Traditional Christmas music played in the background, turned low enough to allow for conversation. Buffet tables along the far wall were laden with warming pans and trays of fruit, breads, and pastries that looked and smelled heavenly.
Pretty Jess Marsden, the sheriff’s wife, who ran the place with her mother, took Rush’s credit card and showed them to an open table. “Nice to see you, Tracy and Rush. And who is this young lady?”
“I’m Clara. Do you want a kitten? I know who has some. They’re really cute.” Clara had her pitch ready.