Earlier, Doreen had transferred her first batch of pastries to one of the display cases in the dining area just outside the kitchen. Their scent—sugar, chocolate, fruits, and frosting—combined with the aromas of the brownie batter she’d just placed in the oven.
“Just tell us what to do.”
“Alonzo and I have other responsibilities, too.” Doreen turned to face Megan. “I have this café. Alonzo?
??s the sheriff and I’m mayor now.”
“I know.” Megan spread her arms. “But you don’t have to be Wonder Woman and Alonzo doesn’t have to be Superman. You both have plenty of friends and we’d be happy to lend a hand.”
Doreen’s stubborn self-reliance made it difficult to accept help. “You’re all so busy, too.” She gestured toward Megan. “You’re doing even more for the café now that I’m also mayor. Ean’s practice has taken off. Jackson’s back at the newspaper while he’s renovating his cabins. And Audra’s on deadline with a new songwriting contract.”
“All right, Doreen. But if you change your mind, let us know.” Megan crossed her arms. “I really would like to help and I’m sure the others would, too.”
Doreen forced a smile. “Thank you for listening. I needed to get that off my chest.”
She must be mad to reject Megan’s offer. She had a little more than twelve weeks to plan and prepare her wedding. Let the full-on panic begin.
CHAPTER 3
Hours later, Doreen returned to the customer counter, preparing for Books & Bakery’s lunch crowd. Her mood had improved somewhat after sharing breakfast with friends at the café.
“Doreen.” Nessa Linden’s arrival brought back some of her tension.
The Trinity Falls Town Council president stood on the other side of the café’s counter. Nessa was a skinny woman of average height. Her bone-straight dark brown hair was styled in a conservative bob that framed her narrow face and swung above her thin shoulders. She’d coupled navy slacks and a matching jacket with a cream blouse.
“How are you, Nessa?” And what are you doing here? On the rare occasions the council president came to Books & Bakery, the encounters were not pleasant.
“I’d be happier if I didn’t have to go to such lengths to meet with you to discuss town business.” Nessa adjusted the strap of her brown handbag on her shoulder.
Doreen kept a firm grasp on her patience. “What do you mean?”
“It’s only eleven o’clock in the morning.” Nessa swept a hand to indicate the diner. “Do you think I like to take my lunch break an hour early just to speak with you?”
“I didn’t ask you to.” Doreen was confused. “I’m here from six in the morning until three in the afternoon. You can join me for coffee in the morning or take a later lunch.”
“I shouldn’t have to wait in line with your customers to discuss official town business.”
“You’re welcome to stop by my house on your way home from work.” Doreen had just given Nessa three alternatives to an early lunch. Still the council president’s features remained pinched in disapproval.
Nessa’s brown eyes narrowed. “Are you sure you have time to be mayor?”
Doreen wasn’t in the mood for the other woman’s games. “How can I help you, Nessa?”
The council president straightened and looked down her nose at Doreen. “I’ve heard rumors that Alonzo plans to retire when his term ends in January. Is that true?”
“Rumors from whom?”
“Does that matter? Is Alonzo planning to retire?”
“You’ll need to ask him.” Doreen would neither confirm nor deny the rumors. Alonzo was her fiancé, but his retirement plans were his business to discuss. He’d announce them when he was ready. She wasn’t going to do it for him.
“You don’t know?” Nessa sounded skeptical. “You’re going to marry the man. Shouldn’t you know his future plans, whether he’s going to be gainfully employed?”
Doreen checked her silver and pearl Movado wristwatch. The item had been a gift from her son. It was almost half past eleven. The bread still had some time to bake in the oven. Pots of chicken noodle soup and New England clam chowder were both keeping warm on the stove. But she wouldn’t be prepared for the lunch crowd until Nessa left. “Why are you asking about Alonzo’s plans?”
“He’s the town’s sheriff.” Nessa’s laughter was condescending. “If he’s decided not to run for another term, we should all be concerned. Don’t you agree?”
“Even if Alonzo retired, the town won’t be left without a sheriff.” Doreen propped a hip against the counter. “Several people already have started campaigning for the position.”