AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“So early.” I yawn, blinking. “Do you ever sleep in?”
“No. Can’t. I’ve got horses and goats to feed. Even on the weekends. You wanna keep sleeping? We can hit the diner again for breakfast instead of going downstairs.”
I spin to face him, twining my legs with his. Unlike me, he’s wide awake, and I wonder if he slept at all. The lines on his face seem deeper, salt-and-pepper stubble stippling his tense jaw. Even stressed he’s hot as hell.
“No, I’ll get up. We’re on a mission, and I’m here to help you, not lounge around all day.”
“Okay. Thanks.” He presses his mouth to mine in a long, slow kiss.
“Mmm, I like starting the day like this.” I stroke his stubble, his jaw relaxing beneath my touch.
“Me too.” He kisses me one more time for good measure, then rolls out of bed.
We take a few minutes to get ready, brushing teeth and dressing for the day. King grabs his keys and hat; then we make our way down for breakfast.
The sounds of clinking silverware float up the stairs, and we head in the direction of the noise. A dining room sits beyond the front parlor, a long farmhouse table in the center of the room. Against the wall is a matching wooden buffet covered with a long white runner, a stack of dishes, and napkins and silverware in a basket. Liz stands next to the buffet, working on the neat rolls of cutlery.
“Morning, y’all! I hope the Magnolia Room was to your liking.” She bobs her gray head at us, a wide smile lighting up her face.
“Yes, ma’am, thank you,” King says politely.
“Help yourself to some juice and fruit. I just saw the delivery van pulling up with the pastries.”
We do as she says, shuffling up to the buffet and pouring juice into recycled jelly jars. A cute touch, along with the fresh wildflowers in a vase. The plates are also clearly a family heirloom, fine china laced with roses and golden swirls along the rim.
“Morning, Liz! Sorry I’m a few minutes late.” A petite brunette pops into the dining room, carrying an oversize platter of assorted pastries.
“No problem at all, Delaney.” Liz motions for her to set the plate down on the buffet, and she does so with ease. Clearly this isn’t her first rodeo.
“Delaney, these are our guests for the next few days. The Montgomerys, visiting from out of town. Folks, this here’s Delaney Miller. Oh—it’s McCauliffe now, isn’t it?”
Delaney grins at Liz, holding up her left hand to show off a sparkly diamond wedding ring set. King stands up taller beside me, now on high alert at the mention of the McCauliffe name.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Sorry, I’m taking a few minutes to adjust. You’ll always be a Miller to me!”
Delaney laughs, leaning forward and hugging Liz. “I know, it’s all right. You can call me whatever you like, honest. And nice to meet you. I’m Delaney.” She turns to us, thrusting her hand out, first to me, then to King. “I own Laney’s, the local bakery. Where are y’all visiting from?”
“Seaglass Beach, Florida,” I say, flipping my hair over my shoulder.
“Oh nice. It must be amazing to live at the beach.”
“It doesn’t suck.” I smile and Delaney chuckles.
“I doubt Peachtree Grove can compare to the beach, but I hope y’all have a nice trip here. You should stop by the bakery later—I have a new tart I’m working on for Peach Fest.”
“Sounds yummy,” Liz says. “Peach Fest is the town’s biggest event of the year. It’s held at the park, and everyone comes out for the food, fun, and games. Too bad y’all aren’t here a little later or you would have hit it.”
“Too bad,” King deadpans. I’m certain he’s being sarcastic, but Liz doesn’t pick up on it.
“And if you’re looking for something to do once the sun goes down, you should definitely check out the Rowdy Tractor. It’s pretty much the only spot in town that has any sort of nightlife. Tonight’s karaoke night too.”
“Tonight?” King nudges me with his elbow, and my face heats. No way is he dragging me up on the stage to sing in front of a crowd of strangers.
“Yes. It’s always a good time.”
“Thanks for the suggestion. Maybe we’ll stop in.” I shoot Delaney a friendly smile, even as my throat goes dry at the whole concept of karaoke night.
