Page 49 of Pumpkin Spice Promises

“I did.” He laughed.

I waved my hand around the lot. “And yet, you’re here.”

“Retirement is a flexible concept.” He winked. “Plus being here keeps me out of trouble with the Mrs.”

“Dad!” A female voice came from somewhere behind him. “Mom said if she catches you working again, she’s changing the locks.”

Walter didn’t even turn. “Your mother threatens that weekly.”

A woman stepped around the side of the garage carrying two cardboard bakery boxes stacked against her chest. She looked around my age, with auburn hair pulled into a loose braid and enough energy in her expression to power half of Willow Creek.

Her gaze landed on me.

Stopped.

Then it widened.

“Oh.”

Walter sighed and rolled his eyes.

“What’s wrong?” I questioned him but any response he would have given was interrupted but the woman.

“You’re Carson.”

I blinked.

“Yes?”

She shifted both boxes into one arm and approached me with her hand extended and lips pulled into a grin. “Clover Jones. Beau’s sister. I delivered your milk yesterday and am so excited to meet you!”

“Oh. Thank you. Seriously.” I chuckled weakly. “You saved me.”

“I know.”

Walter coughed into his thermos.

Clover ignored him.

If anything, her smile only widened.

“June would’ve survived without the milk, but she would’ve complained about it until Christmas, and since I work with her, technically you saved me.”

“That makes us even.”

“Perfect. I already like you.” She laughed brightly. There was absolutely no hesitation in the woman.

“Clover,” Walter warned.

“What?”

“Give the girl room.”

“I’m giving her room.”

“You’ve known her for thirty seconds.”

“And?”