Page 19 of A Heart Falls Cowboy Christmas

A delicious aroma filled her head on her next deep inhale, right before someone spoke softly. “If you want to keep sleeping, that’s fine. But I have something for you.”

Lisa’s eyes popped open. Marina, the baker who’d taken over duties at the café, placed a steaming hot cup of something on the table then sat. Her salt and pepper hair was pulled into two high pigtails and the style looked perky and happy on the older woman.

“Morning. Bet you didn’t know you were running an Airbnb,” Lisa said as she forced herself back into peopling mode.

“As long as I don’t need to change the sheets, I’m happy for you to catch a few winks,” Marina returned with a smile. “You have a hall committee meeting?”

“Yes, but it’s with me, myself, and I. Paperwork—grant application follow ups—so Buns and Roses is my office this morning.”

“Then that means you’ll need one special in a bit.” Marina leaned forward. “Now I know why I was inspired to make cinnamon bun French toast.”

“Oh God, are you serious?”

“With peaches and honeyed whipped cream.”

“I’m never leaving,” Lisa said. “I’ve just moved in, lock, stock, and barrel.”

“Nathan will enjoy the variety of cuddles from the other patrons,” Marina teased. “But I think the rest of your family would miss you.”

“They would. So I’ll play hooky for the morning.” Lisa sighed happily as she took the cup. “Apple cider?”

“Apple pear ginger.” Marina patted Lisa’s hand then rose. “You look as if you need a pick me up.”

“Appreciate it. And that French toast you’ll make me in about an hour.”

Marina nodded. “Deal. Now I’m back to work.”

She wove through the seating area, chatting with everyone before heading back to the kitchen. Near the front door, a large box decorated with Christmas wrapping paper sat on a table with a handwritten sign on the side that read:

Tacky Threads Throwdown

FEBRAURY votes

$1/ vote slip

Purchase at the counter

Lisa sipped the cider, pulled out her paperwork, and got to it. Nathan woke up, but after nursing, he was content back in the car seat, propped up now on the chair next to her so he could see her.

Locals waved or stopped for a minute, but the papers on the table clearly said she was in work mode, and slowly Lisa got her tasks done and felt a change slipping in.

It was such a simple thing. A morning out with minimal responsibilities, but it felt huge and refreshing. The only downside was, as amazing as the French toast smelled, she demolished exactly three forkfuls before she couldn’t eat another bite.

At eleven, papers completed, Nathan wrapped and loaded against the cold, Lisa waved goodbye to the staff and headed outside.

She was about to pop Nathan into the backseat of her SUV when she realized she’d parked right outside the Heart Falls Health Clinic. Twisting, she redirected. She was here. She may as well see if the clinic could recommend something to perk her up.

Inside the warm waiting room, Lisa blinked at the empty chairs.

“Thank God, a customer.” Dr. Sydney Jeremiah slipped into view. “Sorry, that came out wrong. As long as it’s not something serious, I’m glad to see you.”

“Bored?” Lisa guessed.

“Out of my mind.” Sydney waved a hand at the empty room. “My assistant convinced me we should open the office two more days. This is our first week, and I’ve already seen all the morning bookings and there’s only three this afternoon. I’m debating walking the street and dropping in on all the local shops as house calls to keep busy.”

“Trust me, by next week you’ll be full. I was expecting to talk to your desk staff, not you.”

“Well, you got me.” Sydney rubbed her hands together before snickering. “Again, sorry for the enthusiasm. Nathan okay?”