Chapter 5 #3
she was upset about Percival, was being well behaved. It was extraordinary that he knew right away how she was feeling, and
how his presence had calmed her. “Three years ago I came up with this bucket list. It’s all the activities I like to do in
the fall, and I do them without fail. Last year I pinned it up at the café and encouraged others to make their own lists.
It’s becoming a tradition.”
“That’s great, but I don’t see what it has to do with me.”
She tapped on the paper. “Read the list.”
A strange request, but it wasn’t the strangest one he’d encountered since arriving in Pecan Corner. He started to read:
Have a sister day at the pumpkin patch with Dora.
Take photos of the cats with pumpkins for social media.
Camping under the stars.
Wear something cozy every day.
Convert bathroom into a spa retreat.
He couldn’t tell if that was for the café, her apartment, or both.
Create a handmade autumn wreath.
Bake pumpkin pies at the bakery.
Pick apples and drink apple cider.
Knit a sweater.
Watch the sunset over Lake Erie.
“I already checked off the social media pictures,” she said.
Eyeing her fetching sweater again, he said, “Looks like you can mark off wearing something cozy.”
She glanced down. “Frankie Fletcher made it for me last year. He and his aunt own Fantastic Fibers and Textiles across the
square. I’ve been working on the same fall sweater since I moved back. He thought this might be inspiration.”
“Was he right?”
“Yes and no. I love the pattern and yarn, but there’re too many stitches and not enough time. I shall prevail eventually.”
She continued to grin.
Her smile could warm up a winter day in Antarctica. It was warming him up for sure. “So what’s your idea?”
She poked the paper. “You and I do the bucket list together.”
That was a curveball. “You want me to decorate your bathroom?”
“Not that one. Or the camping. We can do the other ones, though.”
“Why?”
“What better way to learn about Pecan Corner? Like you said, learning about the town will be helpful.”
“How is”—he glanced at the list again—“wreath making going to help me sell Second Chapter?”
For a split second, a pained look crossed her features, as if she were hurt by his logical question. “Anna Abernathy is The
Red Carnation proprietor. She’s lived in Pecan Corner all her life. She’s a fount of information and loves to answer questions.”
All right, he could accept that explanation. Actually, the woman could be invaluable when it came to the quiz.
“Come to think of it, the bathroom in Second Chapter could use some sprucing,” she said.
“I don’t decorate.” His house had a minimum amount of furniture and a gray-and-white palette. Half the time he was barely
home. Eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner at his desk wasn’t an exception, it was the rule.
“I can show you how,” she offered.
“I’ve seen your apartment. Not my taste.”
“Hummph.” She sat back. “I should be offended.”
“Are you?”
“It takes a lot to offend me, Harvard Boy.”
“That’s Leo to you, Smitten Kitten.” He couldn’t help but lean toward her. When was the last time he’d spent time with a woman
whose prime directive wasn’t to be seen in his car, go out to expensive restaurants on his dime, and bring him along to parties
he had no desire to attend? That lifestyle had worn thin fairly fast, to the point that he rarely dated anymore.
The thought had him sitting back and toning down. Just because she was single and unlike any woman he’d ever met didn’t mean
anything. It had to mean nothing if they were going to spend any amount of time together. And from what they were discussing,
they would be together a lot. He went back to the list. “I doubt your sister will want me being a third wheel at the pumpkin
patch.”
“Oh, trust me. She won’t mind you tagging along.” Via sipped her orange pop.
Leo thought he detected a touch of annoyance in her tone. He grabbed another french fry. Even though they were getting cold,
they were addicting. “This seems important to you.”
“Bucket lists are very important. Don’t you have one?”
“Nope.”
“You don’t have any hobbies? What do you do in your free time?”
“Free time?” He scoffed. “What’s that?”
“Looks like Leo is all work and no play, Sir,” Via said, rubbing her thumb on the spot above the cat’s little triangular nose,
causing him to purr loudly. “That’s a shame.”
“I take my career seriously,” he said, feeling a little defensive.
She turned to him, her eyes dancing. “Since you’re on vacation, why not have some fun?” Her face suddenly fell. “If my list
is boring—”
“I don’t think it’s boring, Via. Obviously these are things you enjoy, and a few of them do seem interesting.”
“You don’t have to say that.” She looked down at the table.
“I’m serious. I’ve never gone to a pumpkin patch. Or picked apples . . .” He was sounding a little pathetic, and a lot like
the workaholic he was.
“Really? You need to get out more.”
Maybe it was time he had some real R & R. Her idea that they do the bucket list together had merit. It was clearly significant
to her. So was Second Chapter, and her own personal stake in the future of the shop. He grinned. “When do we start?”