Page 31 of Finding Home

They stood on either side of the table, talking easily, without filling every gap. On the far side of the room, the demonstration had moved on. Beth was shaping rolls at speed, her hands folding and tucking with the rhythm of someone who had done it enough times that it no longer required thought. A second wave of visitors had gathered in the chairs.

“They’re good,” Cole said as he watched them.

“They’ve worked hard to make sure everyone gets something out of the demonstration.”

A ripple of laughter came from the audience. Someone in the audience had attempted to shape their own piece of dough and made a reasonable mess of it. Susan’s response was patient and warm.

Cassie and Noah’s daughter came back. She stepped between the adults and reached for the tray of ginger bars.

Her brother appeared behind her and put a hand on her shoulder. “You have to ask.”

The little girl turned to Julie. “Can I have one, please?”

“Of course.” Julie handed her one, then looked at Cassie and Noah’s son. “You can have one, too.”

He accepted it with more restraint than his sister but ate it in two bites. “It’s yummy. Thank you.”

Cole crouched to the girl’s level. “Ellie. Did you say thank you?”

Her eyes widened. “I forgot.” With a dimpled grin, she turned to Julie. “Thank you. Are you Mr. Morrison’s girlfriend?”

Noah sighed. “Ignore, Ellie’s question, Julie. She asks everyone the same thing.”

Julie felt a blush heat her cheeks. Ellie was four, maybe five, with powdered sugar on the front of her jacket, waiting with complete sincerity.

“It’s okay. I don’t mind answering,” Julie said. “I’m Mr. Morrison’s friend, Ellie.”

Ellie looked at Cole. “Why are you friends?”

Cole glanced at Julie. “Because Julie is kind, funny, and tells me lots of interesting stories.”

“Like daddy,” Ellie said. “He tells us great bedtime stories. My favorite is the Princess and the Pea, except I’m not allowed to put peas in my bed.”

Cole grinned. He could imagine Ellie trying her hardest to smuggle a pea off her dinner plate and into her room.

“Could I have another ginger bar please?” Ellie asked.

Noah reached into his pocket. “I’ll buy four and you can have one of those.”

Laurel wrapped their purchases and Noah took his children to another table.

Julie picked up a bag. “I’m giving you the last two ginger bars because of all the nice things you said about me. If you want more, I can make you some.”

Cole grinned. “I shouldn’t take them, but I will. Noah will thank me when I bring them to our next meeting. But I’m paying for them.”

Julie opened her mouth to tell him he didn’t need to.

“I insist,” Cole said quickly. “It’s for a good cause.”

“Okay,” Julie said slowly. “But make sure you save some of your money for the other tables. There’s lots of delicious food here.” She handed Cole the wrapped bars. “I’ll see you Tuesday. Do you think you’ll have the survey report by then?”

“I should have. Enjoy the rest of the day.”

Cole moved toward Noah, and Julie turned back to the table. A few minutes later she glanced up. Cole was talking to Noah, but he’d positioned himself so he could still see her across the room.

He smiled and didn’t look away.

With a sigh, Julie straightened the chalkboard and helped another customer. Over the last few weeks, she’d gotten used to Cole making her feel slightly off center, and she wasn’t sure what to do about it.