“You scared the bejeebies out of me. But yes. It’s wonderful. It snowed last night. It took everything I had not to wake you when I came out here for water and it was snowing and swirling at four. It was breathtaking.”
“You should have.”
“I won’t lie. I did peek into your room, but you looked like you were sleeping so peacefully. Besides, there’s more snow in the forecast.”
“I hope there’s a snowman in our future.”
“We’ll consider this a warm-up.” Anna winked. “You know, for the real thing.”
“Thanks for making the coffee before you left.”
“My pleasure. I’m going to get a cup for myself right now.” Anna’s spoon clanked as she added cream and sugar. “What do you want for breakfast?”
“I don’t know. I don’t usually really eat much breakfast.”
“Well, I do. And you should. It’s good for your body. Why don’t we have our coffee and then go over to the diner. It’s close enough to walk.”
“Sounds good to me.”
“We’ll need to dress warm. It’s cold out there. I’m going to add a layer.”
An hour later they were both dressed and walking out the door. A light snow swirled around them as they hitched their hoods up over their heads and made their way around the house toward the street.
A horn double-tooted behind them.
She and Anna both hopped over to the side of the driveway.
“Sorry.” Anna waved as Buck pulled up next to them.
“Y’all sleep all right last night?”
“Very well. We can’t thank you enough.”
“Where y’all headed off to? Goin’ for a walk?”
Anna stepped up to his window. “We’re headed back over to the diner for some breakfast.”
“Good!” His eyebrows arched wide over his eyes. “Jump in. I’ll give you a ride. That’s where I’m headed.”
Anna ran around to the passenger side of the truck, so Vanessa followed her.
Anna slid into the middle of the seat and Vanessa tried to give her extra room by hugging close to the door handle, but her cousin didn’t seem to even notice. She was leaned in asking Buck questions about the town and what activities would be going on that only the locals might know about.
They talked and Anna’s laugh was more of a playful titter. “That sounds like so much fun.”
“I’ll take y’all if you want to go.” Buck still had both hands on the wheel, but he didn’t have either of his eyes on the road. “I know everyone in this town.”
All one thousand nine hundred and eighty-seven of them,Vanessa mused to herself.
When they got to the Blue Bicycle Bistro, nearly every table was full. The snow hadn’t kept anyone inside around here. Buck held the door for them, then sauntered over to his usual table.
Vanessa craned her neck looking for another one.
Buck swept his arm out by his booth. “Ladies.”
“Why thank you.” Anna scooched into the bench seat facing him.
Vanessa slid in beside her.
