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“I’ve heard that. And I hope you don’t mind, but I fact-checked your numbers, Josie.”
She accepted that as she heated the broad, flat griddle in the kitchen. “I figured Carrington did that before they drew up an offer, and it only makes sense for you to know the facts if we’re talking location. The thing is…”
She dipped thick slices of cinnamon swirl bread into a custardy mix and set them sizzling onto the hot griddle before checking a warming kettle of strawberry topping. “There are few available locations on the water, and most are unaffordable. I fell into this location because the former owner let things go and needed help. We worked out a deal and it ended up being a success for both of us, but as you’ve seen—”
She paused as she turned a pan of flat, deliciously scented sausage patties with a flick of her wrist, a neat trick. “There’s almost nothing available. I’m not sure what you’ve found, Jacob, but even with the Carrington money, it’s probably unaffordable. And that was reason enough for me to dread this whole thing because it’s not the starting over that concerns me.” She moved the sausage to a platter, then nestled fresh, hot French toast onto three warm plates. “I’ve got the clientele and the reputation. Folks will follow me. But if I can’t afford a lakeside place to own or rent, then it’s all been for nothing. And that’s what bites.” She crossed to where Addie was perched, avidly watching the action. And when she slipped a platter of mouthwatering food in front of his daughter, Addie’s eyes went wide.
“You’ve won her over.” He made the comment casually as she brought the third plate over, but when Josie looked his way, she wasn’t casual anymore. She looked intent. As if his words meant more than they did.
And then she sat down across from Addie and gave her an easy smile. “Well, that wasn’t too hard.”
Addie laughed and picked up a knife and fork. “Can I cut this by myself?”
Jacob nodded. “I expect, but if you need help, just let me know.”
“Okay! And I think we should pray about this nice food, shouldn’t we, Dad?” Addie leaned in and sniffed, then raised a brilliant smile his way. “We always pray at supper time, but why don’t people just pray all the time? Like breakfast, lunch and supper? Doesn’t that make the most sense of all?”
She reached out a hand to him on one side and Josie on the other. He did the same.
Soft hands, but not as smooth as someone who didn’t do physical work, or plunge their hands into dish soap all day.
But soft, still. Strong. And beautiful. Like the woman sitting next to him. “Father, we thank you for this food. We ask your blessings on it and on us, Lord, as we go through our days. Amen.”
“Amen.”
“See?” Addie beamed his way, then shared the grin with Josie. “That wasn’t even hard, was it? And now we made God’s heart happy, because we remembered to pray.”
“I won’t forget again,” he promised. He released her hand and Josie’s, but when he looked at the woman beside him, her gaze was locked on Addie.
She smiled, yes, but tears brightened her eyes, as if seeing his daughter and hearing her delightfully colloquial speech touched her deeply.
Addie had sensed her pain. As he lifted his napkin into his lap, Jacob sensed the same thing again. But when she turned his way, she’d erased the look of angst. She smiled, glanced at Addie and said, “I expect she keeps you on your toes, Jacob.”
“And then some.” He watched as Addie attacked her French toast, and when she cut it sufficiently to eat, he turned back toward Josie. “And I wouldn’t have it any other way. She’s made my life the best it’s ever been, and we’ve got a good thing going. At least until the whole issue of a cow came up.” He made a face at Addie and she laughed.
“This is the best French toast I ever had, Miss Josie! And we’ve got time to get the cow, Dad. It’s not even summer yet!”
Josie laughed. “She’s tenacious.”
“I’d go straight to stubborn, but tenacious sounds better. Inside those china-doll good looks is an independent spirit with a heart of gold. Although I’m not sure how the whole cow thing started.”
