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Josie looked about to answer when her cousin offered a suggestion. “Why don’t you guys visit the farm today?” Kimberly asked. “You and I can head up to Eastview Mall during the week since you’ve got a little time off. The weather’s perfect, and I’m sure Brian won’t mind if you come a day early. Once the baby’s here, I’m going to be way less mobile with a newborn and a toddler. Does that work for you, Josie?”
* * *
Oh, it definitely worked for her, Josie decided. But while Kimberly’s ploy wasn’t clear to Jacob, Josie got it. And when Kimberly winked, out of sight from Jacob, the event planner’s matchmaking instincts were loud and clear.
“We don’t want to mess up your plans,” Jacob began, but Josie stopped him.
“Kimberly’s right. She and I can go shopping during the week, and this is Aunt Kate’s last free weekend for a long time. She’s stepping in while Kimberly’s out with the baby, so sure.” She aimed a smile down to Addie. “Today would be fine. Let me text Brian, just to be sure.”
“And we can grab lunch somewhere, too, if that’s all right?”
“You, sir, have found the way to any Gallagher heart,” Kimberly assured him. “Food is always a great motivator.”
“I figured anyone who creates a restaurant that shines in such a competitive market has to have a proper appreciation for food. The Carringtons made a smart move inviting Josie on board.”
“Certainly better than having her open a spot in the backyard.” Cissy pointed to the for-sale sign on the hill overlooking the southern inn entrance.
“A possibility I pointed out to the COO,” Jacob stage-whispered. “She was pretty mad.”
“For good reason, all of which has been resolved by good business,” Josie informed both of them. She raised her phone. “Brian says it’s fine for us to come on over.”
“Awesome!” Addie clapped her hands, then hugged Josie tight around the waist. “I’m so excited to go visit them! Do I look all right?”
Did Addie look all right? She looked so beyond all right that Josie had to work to find the right words. “You look perfect.”
“Absolutely darling!” added Cissy, and Josie thought she might have sniffed when she said it, which meant they better hit the road because the last thing any of them needed was Cissy Gallagher dissolving into tears.
“Cooler than any one kid should be allowed to be,” added Kimberly, and then she high-fived the youngster. “You’ve got your own style, kiddo. I like it.”
“Thank you.” Twin dimples appeared in Addie’s cheeks, hiking the cute-as-can-be factor to an even higher degree.
“Let me touch base with Maybelle and the crew inside.”
Jacob stepped away, withdrew his phone and spoke for a few moments, then rejoined them. “All set. Let’s take my car, her booster’s in the back seat.”
Josie didn’t make eye contact with her family. She just nodded in response, and when Addie grasped her hand—and then her father’s—Josie knew how it looked. She also knew appearances were deceiving because the nice guy holding Addie’s hand had no idea what was coming his way, and that didn’t just make her feel bad. It made her feel terrible.
* * *
“I cannot even believe there are this many cows in the world.” Eyes wide, Addie took in the mixed herd of red and black Angus cattle dotting the spring-green field stretching beyond Brian Gallagher’s farmhouse. “This is so very amazing, Josie!”
“And your cousin runs the farm stand over there, too?” Jacob jutted his chin toward the Gallagher Farm Market.
“With the help of a Mennonite woman,” she explained. “Martha watches the kids and does jams and jellies and baked goods for the market.”
Brian’s daughter Emily grabbed Addie’s hand. “Can I take Addie to see the little goats out back?”
Josie almost said yes, then realized it wasn’t her place to give permission. She pushed away the sting of realization and let Jacob take the lead. “Sure. Can we come along?”
“Yeah!” Emily and Addie raced ahead, laughing. The grown-ups followed with no need for speed.
