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“I’ve got some things to straighten out about the plane crash. An investigation is underway into the cause of it. They need to interview me,” he explained. “If this comes back as pilot error, that could put O’Rourke Charters out of business. I’d lose a lot of clients if I had that on my record.” Not to mention he still had to wade through insurance issues regarding the payout for replacing Lucy. He was feeling antsy about the fate of O’Rourke Charters. His whole future depended on this investigation and getting another plane. Operating O’Rourke Charters with just one plane would severely impact his revenue. And if he didn’t get over his sudden reluctance to fly, his company would be toast.

“If you need me to vouch for you, I will. You saved both of our lives.”

Annie’s encouragement gave him a boost.

“You’re still going to help me with my special project, aren’t you?” she asked.

“Of course I will, Annie. I know how important it is to you to find your roots.” He narrowed his gaze. “I’m still a little dubious as to how you’re going to accomplish it, but judging by your enthusiasm, something tells me you’re going to convince me.”

“Can we meet up tomorrow?” she asked, eagerness etched on her pretty face. “I’ll bring Gram’s journal and some notes I’ve taken.”

“I have a client I’m taking to Kodiak in the morning, and then I need to fill out some paperwork about Lucy, but I could meet you at the Moose Café at noon.” He prayed that he could summon the strength to get past his flying jitters and make the run tomorrow.

“I’ve seen the place, but I haven’t eaten there yet,” Annie said. “I’ve been brown bagging it for lunch.”

“Cameron sure knew what he was doing when he opened it. It’s only a five-minute walk from here, and it serves some of the best food in town.” He would never admit it to Annie, but he was a bundle of nerves about tomorrow’s flight to Kodiak. His first time up in the air after the crash would be tense.

“That’s great! I’ll see you tomorrow,” she said with a grin before turning back toward Aidan and Liam. She sat down beside the child and opened a book in her lap. Just the sight of the three of them made the wheels in his head turn. Liam was the type of guy Annie should be matched up with in Operation Love. Liam was stable and hard-working and dedicated to hearth and home. He had been an excellent husband to Ruby. Annie deserved someone who could give her a wedding ring and promises of forever.

Something had tugged at his insides at the sight of her so overcome with emotion during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. He didn’t know why he was feeling such a kinship with Annie. Perhaps it was the plane crash. Maybe it was the way she seemed to embrace the world and all it had to offer. Perhaps it was because she was unlike any other woman he had ever known.

Who was he kid

ding? The idea of her settling down with any bachelor in Love left him twisted up inside. It gnawed at him. And he couldn’t quite put his finger on why it left him feeling so gutted.

All he knew for certain was that she was starting to make him think about things he had stopped hoping for a long time ago.

Chapter Seven

For Declan, walking into the Moose Café was always a pleasurable experience. It was his haven from the day-to-day hustle and grind. And because of Cameron’s establishment, he had discovered that he really enjoyed lattes and the fancy coffee drinks that a person almost needed a degree to order. Tongue twisters, he called them. Boone teased him all the time about it, but he really was becoming a coffee connoisseur. Lately the café had expanded its menu to include mouth-watering sandwiches, soups, baked goods, pizza and a handful of entrées. He let out a chuckle. If he could afford it, he would eat every meal here.

The moment he walked in, he was met with unbridled enthusiasm by a few regulars.

“Here’s our ace pilot. I’ve been saying it all week, Declan. You’re a real hero! One of these days I’m going to let you take me up in the wild blue yonder with you,” a deep voice greeted him.

Declan paused in his tracks to say hello to two older white-haired gentlemen who were seated together at a table.

“Hey, Eli. Zachariah. How are you guys doing?” he asked, stopping beside their usual table.

“Doing pretty well. Can’t complain,” Eli quipped. “The good Lord woke me up this morning, so as far as I’m concerned, it’s a great day indeed.” Eli’s brown eyes radiated joy.

“I can complain,” Zachariah said in a cranky tone. His nose looked pinched as if he had just smelled something foul. “We’re still waiting for our grub. I’m not getting any younger sitting around here.”

“Look on the bright side,” Eli suggested. “At least you don’t have to eat by your lonesome. I’m a great conversationalist.”

“I’d much rather eat with a female dining companion,” Zachariah grumbled. “I’ve got a bone to pick with Jasper about all these young women coming to Love. When is the senior set going to be matched up with women in our age group?”

“Good point, Zach. You’ve still got a little life in you yet.” Eli laughed heartily.

“If Jasper can get a girl, I shouldn’t be sitting around like a wallflower,” Zachariah said with a frown. “You’ve got Cilla.”

Declan tried not to laugh. Eli and Zachariah were cronies of Jasper. Eli had been happily married to his sweetheart since they were in their late teens. The three of them, along with his own grandfather, Killian, had grown up in each other’s pockets. They had formed a tight circle of friendship that went all the way back to their toddler years. When Jasper joined up with them, it was a rib-tickling, hilarious spectacle.

“Enjoy your lunch, boys,” Declan said as he made his way toward a table in the back. If Annie wanted to discuss her grandmother’s diary entries, she might want a little privacy. Poor Annie, he thought. She was clearly trying to fill a void after losing her beloved Gram. Latching on to the idea of finding a family member here in town was a direct result of her grief. Perhaps the best assistance he could provide would be to lend her a pair of listening ears. After all these years, it seemed unlikely that she would find those answers.

“Hey! Surprised to see you sitting all alone,” Cameron said as he walked up. “I can’t think of the last time you didn’t have a dining companion,” he said, handing Declan a menu.

“I’m meeting my friend Annie for lunch. She should be here any minute,” he announced, his lips twitching at the kooky T-shirt Cameron was wearing. It featured a moose drinking coffee.

Source: www.allfreenovel.com
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