“That’s cool, that they’ve kept the shop in the family that long. Speaking of passing things on, I need to update my will.”
“There’s a jolly subject.”
“Wills are necessary, though. Do you have a will?”
“No, ma’am.” He parked the truck and shut off the engine.
“You should probably get one.”
“But I don’t have any assets to—”
“Gotta go. See you in there.” She was out of the truck in a flash and flung the door closed.
He hopped down and followed her, but she was through the glass front door of Gertie’s before he had a chance to open it for her. Clearly he’d miscalculated the urgency of the situation. Next time he’d know better.
When he walked in, she was nowhere to be seen. A young couple he didn’t recognize, likely tourists, were having a late lunch in the far corner by the front window, but otherwise, the place was deserted.
Sarah stood behind the counter and gave him a smile. She’d cut her blond hair short since having the baby. “I take it that was Isabel who zipped into the restroom?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“I thought I recognized her from the last time she was in town. How’s she doing?”
“Good, I think. No morning sickness so far. She just needed a bathroom real quick.”
“It comes with the territory. You folks want something to eat?”
“Probably just a snack. How’s little Amy?”
“Fine. She’s asleep in the kitchen.”
“You brought her?”
“Best option when John’s at work and I need to be here. Mom loves having Amy around. She just went back to check on her.” She made air quotes. “We have a baby monitor so there’s no need, but Mom likes watching her granddaughter sleep. It’s cute how she dotes on that little girl.”
“I wonder if Isabel has thought of taking the baby to work with her.”
“Why not? You said she owns the coffee shop. She—ah, here she comes. Hi, Isabel! I made an educated guess that’s who you were.”
Isabel walked over to the counter. “And you’re Sarah, aka Gertie?”
“Most days I’m Sarah-slash-Gertie. But sometimes I prefer to think of myself as Queen Esmeralda, living in a castle and waited on by handmaidens.”
Isabel laughed. “I might need to steal that fantasy once the baby’s born. CJ said you’ve talked to him about pregnancy and childbirth.”
“I have, although everybody’s different. He mentioned you’ve been spared morning sickness. That’s a win.”
“So I hear. Considering that, I can’t complain about the bathroom issue.”
“Any food cravings?”
“Right now, anything salty, preferably a carb.”
“How does a serving of wedge-cut fries sound?”
“Orgasmic.”
CJ blinked. Had she really said that? After their recent discussion, which had him thinking he’d be taking a lot of cold showers? He glanced at her and she had the good grace to blush and look away.
Sarah turned to him. “What’ll you have?”
“The same, thanks.” Maybe warm fries could be a substitute for hot sex. He doubted it, but he might have to make do. “Izzy, want to sit outside?”
“Love to.”
“Good choice, guys. It’s gorgeous out there.” She glanced at Isabel. “Something to drink?”
“Apple cider, please. I’ll have to lay off the hard version but the regular is delicious, too.”
“I’ll have one, as well.” CJ took money from his wallet and added a tip to the amount showing on the cash register. “Thanks, Sarah.”
“You bet.” She handed him a receipt. “Go soak up some sunshine. I’ll bring your order out in a few minutes.” She started toward the kitchen. “Aha! I hear Amy.”
Isabel glanced in that direction as muted wails punctuated by jerky hiccups filtered through the swinging kitchen door. “Your daughter?”
She nodded. “My mom’s watching her. Naptime must be over.”
“I would love to see her.”
“I’ll bring her out after she’s fed and changed. My Mom will be taking care of your order.” She pushed through the swinging door to the kitchen.
“Sarah’s just given me an idea.”
“I thought she might.”
“Naomi’s looking forward to this baby, so she’d probably like the idea of bringing him or her to work.”
“Beats getting a sitter.” He gestured toward the door. “Let’s go claim our table.”
She laughed. “Before someone else does?” She started toward the front of the shop, which was empty now that the young couple had left. “Somehow I expected Apple Grove to be bustling now that the snow’s gone.”
“The tourists are here, but they’re out and about this time of day.” He followed her. “We tend to get active folks. They’re out riding, or they’ve gone to Glacier for the day, or they’re exploring the hiking trails in this area. The Choosy Moose will be jumping tonight, which usually isn’t true on a Monday in the winter.”
“I’d love to go to the Moose while I’m here, even if I can’t have hard cider.”
“Then plan on it.” This time he managed to get the door for her. “I’m sure the gang will be up for a Choosy Moose evening.”
“Hope so.” She pointed to the table closest to the door. “Let’s take this one.”
He pulled out a chair for her. “For the staff’s convenience?”
“Yeah, I do it automatically, now. In this case, it doesn’t matter so much, but why not save them a few steps?” She glanced over her shoulder as he helped her into her chair. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He took a seat across from her.
“Lucy told me the Buckskin cowboys are big on manners, but until I came to the wedding, I thought she was exaggerating.”
“Henri and Charley worked on us.” The canvas chair was on the small side, but the view across the table was primo. Isabel’s dark hair fell in shiny waves around her slender shoulders and her deep-set brown eyes held that special gleam that said she was happy to be with him. He could look at Isabel all day. And all night, for that matter.
“Henri and Charley gave you instructions on how to behave?”
“Sometimes. Mostly they set an example and expected us to follow it. Seth had manners from the get-go because he
