“Thank you.”
“Courtnie made a new beginning with what she had. This old horse trailer had once belonged to her son. It was sitting in her backyard rusting, and she gave it a whole new life.”
“That’s exactly how the old horse trailer at my cabin is.”
Courtnie laughed. “There are a lot of these old steel ones abandoned for the new lighter-weight aluminum trailers. I called in some favors from old customers, family, and friends to help make this a reality. I love it.”
“I think you’re on to something big here,” Natalie said.
“I’m thinking about franchising,” Courtnie said. “I don’t want to expand myself, but franchising and getting others to follow my lead would be amazing.”
“I agree. It’s such an awesome idea. I still can’t imagine losing a whole storefront, though.”
“This is even better than owning my own bakery becausenow I don’t work twenty-four/seven. I’m happier, and with this lower overhead I’m making more money with less effort.” Courtnie shrugged. “You just never know why things happen, but good things can come from any situation.”
Randy looked at Natalie.Truer words were never spoken.Had he not been assigned to the case, had Natalie not suffered at the hand of that con man, he might never have met her.
“Thanks for sharing your story.”
“You’re welcome,” Courtnie said. “I’ve got customers. Let me run.”
“Want a doughnut?” Randy asked Courtnie. “You can have one of mine.”
“You can’t turn that down,” Natalie said to her.
“No thanks. I’m a sugar-free girl.” Courtnie gave him a look and then turned to Natalie. “He must like you a lot, because he never eats that kind of stuff either.”
Randy choked.
“You okay?” Natalie patted him on the back.
“Yeah, fine.” Randy shook his head. “Guess none of my secrets are safe with my sister around.”
“Got that right,” Courtnie shouted as she walked away, clearly listening in.
Randy picked up another doughnut and held it in midair in front of Natalie, trying desperately to ignore his sister. “How about a toast?”
She giggled as she picked up a sticky doughnut and tapped it to his. “Okay, what are we toasting?”
“To sweet justice, new beginnings, and long friendships.”
“Wow, that was nice. After all that joking around you’ve caught me off guard. I was expecting you to say something funny.”
“You’re welcome.” The words came out quiet, but they’d landed quite deftly on her. “Thankyouvery much for being such great company today.”
Natalie sipped her tea. “Oh, now that really is perfect.” She spun around toward Courtnie, who was watching from the counter, and raised a thumbs-up. “Perfect combination!”
“Great! I hope that means you’ll be back.”
“As often as I can,” Natalie said.
“I think that deserves another toast,” Randy said. “To unexpected turns, and knowing when to let the journey lead you where you’re meant to be.”
“Absolutely.” Natalie ate her sixth doughnut.
“Can I tell you something?”Why did I ask? I should’ve just said it. Don’t chicken out.He blundered forward. “I really wish you weren’t moving to the mountains.” He paused, taking in a breath and the courage to go on. “Because I’ve never met anyone like you. I would’ve liked spending time with you, Natalie.”
She sat there looking flabbergasted. She took a sip of tea, and he worried that he’d upset her.
