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He turned onto Main and slowly drove down the street. Quaint, picturesque, charming—all words one would use to describe this town. He chuckled. Nobody was going to forget it was Valentine’s Day around here. Every single building he passed, even the bank, had a different collection of hearts and cupids on display, spilling out into the street—all red.
And there, above the square and solid fronts of nineteenth-century Western-style buildings, were the rugged snowcapped peaks of Copper Mountain.
A movement toward his left caught his eye, and he turned his head. A little boy was standing in front of what looked like a flower shop. Sweet Pea Flowers was the name written boldly above the entrance. Quickly looking in his rearview mirror, he slowed down, keeping an eye on the boy. Stopping his car, Aiden watched him.
There wasn’t any traffic, and only a few cars were parked on the opposite side of the street in front of… He leaned forward to read the name. Java Café.
When he looked back toward the flower shop, the little boy had walked up to the door, his hand reaching out to open it. Suddenly, though, he turned around again and quickly ran across the street. Minutes later, he’d disappeared into the café.
Aiden continue driving slowly down the street, turned left onto Third Street, and finally left onto Front Avenue. The Graff Hotel was situated on the right. On the left were more shops. A hardware store, shoe repair, dry clean, Chinese restaurant, photo studio, Palace movie theater, kids clothing, and the pizza place from where they they’d ordered their pizza last night and… a bridal shop.Of course, a bridal shop.He couldn’t help chuckling.
Only after he’d parked his car next to his aunt’s did he realize he was still smiling, thinking about the little boy in front of the flower shop.
What had he been doing there? Had he wanted to buy flowers for someone?
Shaking his head, he got out of his car. The icy-cold air hit him in the face. Quickly, he made his way to the front of the hotel.
Maybe, just maybe, he might find his feel-good story in Marietta after all.
The inside of the ballroom was a beehive of activity. People were sitting around tables, talking, their hands busy. Making stuff. Valentine’s stuff, if the thousands of red hearts and pink flowers were any indication.
His aunt noticed him, and grabbing the arm of the man next to her, she rushed closer. “I want you to meet the other Miller, as well, Aiden. Mitch, this is my godson, Aiden O’Sullivan. Aiden, Vivian and Annie’s brother, Mitch. He also teaches at the high school.”
Aiden could see the resemblance. Same eyes as Vivian, but taller than either of his sisters.
Mitch had an easy smile and shook hands with Aiden. “Welcome, and thanks for helping out. I need a hand over there…” He pointed to the back of the hall. “Someone has made an archway from wire but it needs to be moved. Do you mind…”
“His foot…” Aunt Janice began, but Aiden smiled.
“I’m fine. Lead the way.”
Minutes later, they’d moved the archway in front of the entrance to the ballroom where baskets filled with paper flowers were lined up.
“These”—Mitch said, pointing toward the baskets—“are going into the wire and…”
“Are you Janice O’Sullivan’s godson?” someone asked behind Aiden.
He turned around to find an older woman looking him up and down. “Aiden O’Sullivan, ma’am.” He nodded.
“I’ve heard you’ve been to see Doctor Miller.”
Frowning, Aiden looked toward Mitch for help. Who was this woman, and how did she know he’d been to the hospital?
Mitch grimaced. “Nice to see you, Mrs. Bingley. Please excuse us. Aiden, we’re needed outside.”
Outside? To do what, exactly? Aiden followed Mitch without asking the questions out loud. Anything would be better than being interrogated by Mrs. Bingley and her beady eyes.
When they were out of earshot, Mitch looked over his shoulder and winked. “The town gossip—Carol Bingley. She works in the pharmacy and has made it her life’s mission to know everything there is to know about everyone in town. Her best friend is Betty, the police dispatcher, and when she hears something, the entire county knows it in a matter of hours. The fact that the two of them can’t get any of us to talk to them is driving them crazy, but it’s probably just a matter of time.” He grimaced. “Carol has apparently discovered the internet. The hotel has a coffee bar—how about it?” Checking his watch, he grinned. “Maybe a tad early for beer.”
“Coffee sounds great.” Aiden teased, “So, how does one find out more about the Millers?”
Mitch ordered coffee, and they found a table. “Nothing of interest, I’m afraid.”
“How did you end up in Marietta?”
“We moved here from Sacramento about a year ago.” Mitch didn’t elaborate.
“Beautiful city,” Aiden said. “I was there once and remember strolling around in Old Sacramento. Come to think of it, the lovely historic buildings here in Marietta remind me of what I’ve seen over there.”
