Chapter 10 #3
Sarah’s mother tilted her head. “Something is different about you, Ryan, and I can't figure out what it is.”
“Just the same old me.” Time to head back to the workroom.
But before he could escape, a light went on in Lila’s eyes. “You're walking differently. Did you have surgery or something?”
Sarah studied him. “That's silly, Mom. Of course not.”
Time to come clean. Ryan kicked out a boot. “Just had my boots adjusted a little.”
“How did I miss this?” Sarah’s hands went to her pink cheeks. “I’ve been with you every day and I didn’t notice.”
“It’s no big deal, Sarah.” The last thing he wanted was her studying his limp.
The bell over the door jingled. Cold air gusted in along with an older man with a cardboard carrier holding three steaming cups. They sure smelled good. “Good morning.”
“Hello, Stuart.” Beaming at the guy, Lila introduced them.
So this was the librarian.
The man nodded. “I’d shake your hand but mine are full.”
“Let me take those.” Putting down his mug, Ryan grabbed the carrier and set it on the counter.
“You’ve all been so good to me, sharing your delicious cookies,” Stuart said. “I thought I might share what I learned from my family about coffee.”
“Well, aren't you the one?” Lila gave Stuart a look that made Sarah blush.
Ryan was enjoying the whole thing.
Stuart started handing out cups, and Ryan set his mug aside. “As I told you at the library, Sarah, my family is in the coffee business. And I’ve learned quite a bit.”
“He has all kinds of fancy machines in his kitchen,” her mother said.
The remark seemed to catch Sarah by surprise, and she exchanged a look with Ryan. Then she took a sip from the cup in her hand. “Caramel?”
Stuart nodded. “Like it?”
“Love it. What do you have, Mom?”
“Gingerbread,” her mother said with a pleased smile. “My favorite.”
“I know.” Stuart gave Sarah’s mother another adoring look.
But he tore his eyes away to focus on Ryan. “How do you like the peppermint?”
“Delicious.” Ryan wasn’t a fan of peppermint but he saw where the older man was going.
Stuart eyed their coffee pot in the corner. “Sarah and I have been talking about the coffee part of this business,” Ryan said.
“Yes, we have,” Sarah admitted, feeling like they’d come to a turning point. “Daddy did start this as a coffee shop, Mom.”
Her mother toyed with the top of the cup. “Oh, I know.” She eyed the large machine behind the counter with trepidation.
“This machine is a relic,” Stuart told Lila softly. “A newer model would be easier for you to operate.”
“Would it?” Mom said, defeat in her voice. “We’re so busy.”
“You want to be busy, Lila. At some point, one of the coffee companies is going to open a shop in Gull Harbor or out on Red Arrow Highway,” Stuart pointed out. “Those outfits usually put in some baked goods too. Not bread, but definitely pastries.”
Her mother gave a soft gasp. Sarah's face paled. She set the warm coffee on the counter. “That would be a disaster.”
Ryan hated to see her like this. “But that doesn't have to happen,” he said. Her frown eased a bit.
Stuart was nodding. “Ryan is right. I'll be happy to kick around some ideas with you to make sure that doesn’t happen.”
“Maybe after the new year,” she said, running a hand over her forehead.
Would Stuart even be here next year? Ryan would be back at Branson Motors full time. He’d miss this place. And Sarah. They should move on this now. “I know you’re busy right now, Sarah, getting ready for Christmas,” Ryan said slowly. “Would it be all right if I kick some ideas around with Stuart?”
“Oh, I don’t know.” She didn’t look convinced. “I hate to take up your time.”
“January and February would be a good time to makes changes,” Stuart suggested. “After the holiday rush.”
Lila was looking at her daughter. Sarah was the decision maker now.
Ryan wasn’t about to let this go. “It wouldn’t take long to come up with some ideas. You and your mom could look them over. You wouldn’t have to be involved.”
Her eyes cloudy, Sarah turned to him. “Are you sure you have time?”
“I’ll make time. It’s just a coffee machine, Sarah.” With relief, he watched her frown fade.
“Well then, I guess we’ll move ahead.” Picking up her cup, she took a gulp.
“Good.” Relief washed through him, and Stuart looked pleased.
“To Christmas and new beginnings,” Sarah said, holding up the coffee.
Ryan liked the sound of that. He didn’t want Sarah or her mother to be put into a bad spot. Jamie wouldn’t have wanted that. Suddenly Ryan saw that his promise to his brother held more than just watching over Jamie’s family. Was he ready for the job? That might be up to Sarah.
After Stuart left, Ryan got back to work. He was zesting a lemon for more lemon bars when he felt a soft touch on his shoulder.
“I’m so sorry,” Sarah whispered.
He turned. “What about?”
She pointed to his boot. “I never noticed. It’s just not what I...”
“What?” Settling against the counter, he pulled her closer, one eye on the swinging door.
“I guess it’s not what’s important to me, Ryan,” she whispered. “Although I know it is to you.”
“Let’s forget about it.” And he tucked a curl into her hair net. “This net is such a sexy look.”
“Are you teasing me?” She pouted in the cutest way. If Sarah had a little girl, this is what she’d look like.
Ryan hoped he’d see that one day.