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“Sure it is. This is going to turn out just like one of your novels. I can feel it!”
I rolled my eyes, not believing what I was hearing. Was she dismissing my dilemma and telling me to take advice from a movie or book plot? I took a sip of my coffee just as the back door opened and Thomas stepped inside.
“Hey, Peggy. Trin, what are we doing for dinner?”
“Oh, there is a shepherd’s pie upstairs in the oven. Guess who’s in town?” Trinity asked Thomas.
Thomas looked from me to Trinity and shrugged. “No clue.”
“Ethan Alexander.” Trinity grinned, looking over at me.
Thomas frowned. “Who the hell is Ethan Alexander?”
“Just the man who is going to steal this woman’s heart,” Trinity said, looking over at me, smiling.
I’d known Trinity had been dying to play matchmaker. From the letters Ethan and I had shared, I knew it was completely possible, too. Our discussions over the months in those letters had brought us together in a way that I probably wouldn’t have found possible if we had met in person. Even though a part of me was scared, and if I could ever look him in the eyes, I knew I was looking forward to getting to know Ethan Alexander. When I returned home that evening, I sat down at my computer and replied to the email he’d sent me a few weeks ago.
ETHAN
I glanced at my watch, fixed the collar on my shirt, and looked myself over one more time before grabbing the vase of pink roses. I’d called Melinda last night after returning to find out what she was working over the next few days. I’d hoped I’d done so without giving it away that I was in Willow Valley.
Approaching the front window of The Crispy Biscuit, I stopped and looked inside. Immediately, I saw her standing beside a table taking an order. She smiled at both women before walking away. That smile took my breath away, just like her mother’s did the first time I’d seen it.
I took a breath and made my way into the diner, taking a seat against the wall. I placed the vase on the table and picked up the menu, somewhat hiding behind it.
“Ah, it’s you,” I heard a voice say.
I turned to see Cici standing there, smiling at me. “Morning, Cici.”
“Morning, sir. I take it you are here to see Melinda?” she asked in a hushed tone.
I nodded.
“And you’re here to surprise her. Give me a minute.” She winked. “Oh, and I’ll bring over the coffee.”
Minutes later, I looked up into the face of my daughter. I could tell from her expression that she was shocked.
“Dad, what on earth are you doing here?” she questioned, her voice full of excitement, eyes full of tears.
“Hey, sweetie. Good to see you,” I said, standing up and hugging my daughter for the first time in fifteen years.
“You too, Dad,” she whispered as she hugged me so tight, I didn’t think she’d let me go.
“These are for you.” I pointed to the flowers on the table and watched her eyes light up once again.
“They’re beautiful,” she whispered, sitting down across from me.
Just then, Cici appeared with two cups and the pot of coffee. She filled both cups and then looked at Melinda. “Take your time with your dad. I got this,” she said, looking around the quiet diner.
Melinda smiled. “Thanks, Cici, I owe you.” Then she turned back to me. “I’m shocked you’re actually sitting here. I’m so happy to see you. It’s been so long.”
“That it has. Too long, but now it’s time to make up for that.” I winked.
Melinda grew quiet as she looked at me. “So, for real, what brings you to Willow Valley? You aren’t sick, are you?” Panic lined her eyes.
“No, I’m not sick.”
“Last time we spoke, you were planning to go down south and live it up somewhere. You sure you’re all right?”
