She shrugs and tells him, “I’ve been home, you know? Going a little crazy with all this,” she says softly. “Let’s just say my kitchen is really shining now.”
“You look thin.” His hands move to her shoulders. “Have you eaten anything today?”
“No.”
He presses her hair back off her face, cradling her neck. “Let me take you out to breakfast. We’ll walk over to the coffee shop and talk more there.”
Amy nods, leaning her face into his hand. “I’m going to my parents’ today, too. Grace is waiting. Come with me?”
George looks closely at her, seeing not just this summer, but the past year in her eyes. “No, sweetheart. You go. Spend some time with your daughter.” He picks up the date book and flips it open. “I’ll see you Thursday night, though. That’ll give you a couple days.” He knows how delicate her house of cards is, how she struggles with each one, each moment, each relationship, day, event. It can’t be a struggle anymore.
Amy follows him to the back room where he lays the agenda planner open on his desk, takes a pen and boldly circles Thursday. He lifts off his apron, closes up the office and they walk through the dark shop out into the summer sunshine. There is a tentativeness there, when her hand links with his, her fingers moving gently. He feels it.
“I have to leave right after breakfast,” Amy tells him. “And I’m missing you already.”
He leans over and kisses the side of her head as they walk through the outdoor plaza. The sun is hot, rising high in late-July’s sky. He notices it, just like he does the potted barrels of yellow marigolds and red geraniums along the cobblestone walkway, vinca vines trailing down the sides. Shop doors are propped open to the summer day now, to the easy talk of passersby, and to warmth. Store clerks wheel racks of sale merchandise outside the doors.
“Do you need to get gas for the trip?” he asks.
“I filled my tank last night,” she says.
“Okay. Good. Call me when you get there?”
“I will. Promise.”
“I’ll be waiting.” He turns toward the parking lot. “Where are you parked?”
“Over there.” She points to a further corner of the lot. “Why?”
Ahead, a maintenance crew is repainting the shopping plaza’s colonial-style lampposts and up above, a vapor trail from a jet lays white lines across the blue sky. Deep green umbrellas are being cranked open at patio tables outside the coffee shop, clicking as they rise.
“It’s a long drive on the highway. I want to check your tires before you go.”
Acknowledgments
I’d like to offer my gratitude to those who have helped bring this story to light.
Thank you to my publishing team, an array of talented and dedicated individuals, all of whom I’m fortunate to have on my side. The care and attention you give to my work means so much.
I’d like to acknowledge the Wethersfield Historical Society’s museum exhibit “Wethersfield Weddings: Tying the Knot.” The collection of antique wedding gowns on display captured a delicate visual history that was instrumental in forging my vision for Amy’s vintage bridal shop.
For answering my questions about legal procedures, I turned to criminal defense attorney Brian J. Woolf, who clearly and patiently explained what George’s options might be upon seeking legal counsel. Your help was invaluable, and I am deeply grateful. Any mistakes are mine.
Two special places are worth noting for their influence on the story. The sparkling fountain in my hometown opens True Blend, so I’m tossing in a coin of thanks for the hopes and wishes it inspires. Point O’ Woods Beach, a peaceful stretch of sand and sea along the Connecticut coast, is close to my heart and finds its way into all my books. Because answers can always be found beside the sea.
Finally, to my husband Tony, and to my daughters Jena and Mary. You’re truly the best.
Also by Joanne DeMaio
Snowflakes and Coffee Cakes
Blue Jeans and Coffee Beans
Whole Latte Life
For a complete list of books by New York Times bestselling author Joanne DeMaio, visit:
www.joannedemaio.com
About the Author
Joanne DeMaio is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary fiction. She enjoys writing about friendship, family, love and choices, while setting her stories in New England towns or by the sea. Her previous novels include Snowflakes and Coffee Cakes, Blue Jeans and Coffee Beans, and Whole Latte Life. Currently at work on her next novel, Joanne resides with her family in Connecticut.
For a complete list of books and for news on upcoming releases, please visit Joanne’s website. She also enjoys hearing from readers on Facebook.
Author Website:
www.joannedemaio.com
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/JoanneDeMaioAuthor
Table of Contents
One
Two
Three
Four
Five
Six
Seven
Eight
Nine
Ten
Eleven
Twelve
Thirteen
Fourteen
Fifteen
Sixteen
Seventeen
Eighteen
Nineteen
Twenty
Twenty-one
Twenty-two
Twenty-three
Twenty-four
Twenty-five
Twenty-six
Twenty-seven
Twenty-eight
Twenty-nine
Thirty
Thirty-one
Thirty-two
Thirty-three
Thirty-four
Acknowledgments
Also by Joanne DeMaio
About the Author
True Blend Page 34
