He had the career of his dreams and the woman of his heart. Still, neither would be enough until they found their home. But would home be the same for both of them?
CHAPTER 21
A key turned in the lock inside Books & Bakery early Tuesday morning. Ramona straightened from the outside wall, tucking her home decorating magazine into her canvas tote bag.
“You’re up early.” Megan stepped back, pulling the door wide. She looked the epitome of professionalism in her bronze skirt suit and black pumps.
“I
live with a university professor who insists on scheduling eight o’clock classes. My body clock is still on university time.” Ramona embraced her younger cousin. “It’s good to see you. I’ve missed you so much.”
“I’ve missed you more.” Megan hugged her tight. “It’s great to have you home.”
Ramona stepped back, blinking away tears—of joy, obviously. She walked with her cousin to the store’s café. Their footsteps tapped lightly against the dark hardwood flooring.
“Where’s Quincy?” Megan inspected the book and magazine shelves as they made their way across the store.
“He’s visiting friends at the university.” Ramona scanned the magazine titles.
“Hopefully, I’ll see him later.” Megan paused to straighten a row of periodicals.
The scents of cinnamon, cocoa, and confectioners’ sugar grew stronger as they made their way to the bakery. Ramona breathed deeply, savoring the aromas. “I’ve missed that smell.”
Megan chuckled. “I’m sure all those big city attractions helped distract you from Doreen’s heavenly baking.”
Megan’s comment dampened Ramona’s spirits a little more. “Nothing can distract me from Doreen’s baking.”
Arriving at the café’s counter, Ramona slid onto one of the bar stools and watched while Megan continued into the kitchen. Seconds later, her cousin returned with a beaming Doreen. The bakery manager’s lemon yellow apron protected her clothing from neck to knees. But Ramona spied a pink floral blouse and dark blue jeans behind the baker’s armor.
“Welcome home!” The town’s mayor and Books & Bakery café manager circled the counter.
The greeting brought a lump to Ramona’s throat. This was home. Why have I realized it so late?
“It’s great to see you.” Ramona rose from the bar stool to exchange a long, hard embrace with Doreen. Although she suspected they wouldn’t have had a close relationship if she’d actually married Doreen’s son, Ean.
“What would you like for breakfast?” Doreen finally stepped back, releasing Ramona.
“How about some French toast?” Ramona returned to her bar stool.
“Coming right up.” Doreen disappeared into the kitchen.
“Have you settled into the cabin?” Megan offered Ramona a white porcelain mug of coffee.
Ramona smiled her thanks. The mere anticipation of caffeine lifted her spirits. “Yes, we’re very comfortable, although it needs some help with the feng shui.”
While they waited for her French toast, Ramona and Megan caught up on the happenings in Trinity Falls—town events, friends, neighbors, and notorious personalities. It seemed like no time at all before Doreen reappeared. She set a plate bearing several slices of hot French toast in front of Ramona.
Ramona inhaled the fragrant steam rising from the bread. She closed her eyes in ecstasy. “Heaven. You’re not going to tell me your secret ingredient, are you?”
“Never.” Doreen accepted a mug of coffee from Megan. “But if you keep flattering me, I’ll keep making it for you.”
“Done.” Ramona ate a forkful of Doreen’s special French toast. Her taste buds popped and swirled in her mouth.
Megan leaned a hip against the counter. “Now that we’ve caught up on the latest events in town, what’s new with you and Quincy?”
Ramona hesitated before slicing more French toast. She lifted her gaze to Megan’s, then Doreen’s, before dropping it to her plate again. “Quincy’s been acting weird, more weird than usual.”
“In what way?” Megan sounded concerned.