Stan waves his hand dismissively. “I didn’t come over here to badger you about coming to church, Mary Ann.”
The way he says my name, it does weird things in my chest. Things I haven’t felt in…well, forever. Clearing my throat, I ask, “Oh? Why did you come over here?” Then I feel like a real heel. “I’m sorry! I didn’t mean that the way it came out,” I insist.
Stan just smiles at me. “Would you like to have coffee with me sometime?”
Okay, I wasn’t expecting that.
I sit up a little straighter in my chair as I gaze back at him in surprise. “Yes,” I tell him before I even have time to really consider his offer. The truth of the matter is I do want to have coffee with him. I’d love to catch up and have adult conversation with an individual of the opposite sex, who isn’t someone I’m related to or a guest in my home. Stan’s smile is warm and friendly, and when flashed my way, makes me feel like a young schoolgirl again with a crush.
He leans forward in his chair. “Is tomorrow too soon? I have a luncheon after church, but then I’ll be free around two. We could meet at the café on Main Street?”
“Sounds perfect. I’d like that.” And I realize I would very much enjoy a coffee date with Stan Phillips.
Wait. Is this a date?
“Perfect. I can’t wait,” he says as he reaches out and places his palm on my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. All sorts of heat rushes through my body. It’s foreign, yet familiar, and makes me feel so very alive.
“Me either,” I confess with a smile.
He clears his throat again and glances around. “So, did I hear you made all of those treats on the table?”
Smiling proudly, I reply, “I did, with the assistance of my youngest daughter. She’s more of the baker than I am, but together, we make a great team.”
“Care to escort me up there? You can show me which ones are your favorites.” Stan stands up and extends his hand. There’s no hesitation as I place my palm against his and rise.
As we make our way toward the patio, I seek out my children. Samuel and Freedom are dancing on the grass, swaying back and forth under the bright stars and white lights we strung in the trees. Harper and Latham are sneaking off behind the cottage, and I can’t help but smile as they disappear from sight. Jensen and Kathryn and playing with Max and Nolan, one of my brother’s great grandkids. And Marissa and Rhenn are sitting at a picnic table with Meghan and Nick.
My family is content and healthy, and that’s all I’ve ever wanted, all I’ve ever strived for. It was hard to run a business, even out of your home, and keep up with four children, but I managed. I managed alone for so many years. Now, my family is grown and creating families of their own.
And I couldn’t be happier.
Stan’s hand feels warm against my own as we approach the dessert table, and I realize something as he turns and smiles those soft, friendly hazel eyes. It’s my turn. I’ve done my part, raised my children to the best of my ability. Now, I get to live my life.
Find my happiness.
I’m ready.
The End
Thank you for reading!
If you’d like more of Emma and Orval, you’ll find them in the Summer Sisters series!
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Acknowledgments
There are so many that help in the production of a book, and I’m going to try to not forget anyone!
Regina Wamba – Thank you for this amazing cover photo. It was a pleasure working with you!
Nikki and Frankie – You have brought my characters to life on this cover – thank you!
Melissa Gill – Thank you for another gorgeous cover.
Give Me Books – Thank you for your tireless work organizing the cover reveal and release.
Kara Hildebrand – Thank you for your editing expertise.
Sandra Shipman, Jo Thompson, and Karen Hrdlicka – Thank you for beta and alpha reading, and for your help in making the storyline consistent.
Kaylee Ryan – Thank you for always being just a text or phone call away.
Holly Collins – Thank you for always believing in me.
Brenda Wright, Formatting Done Wright – Thank you for another amazing format.
My ARC team – Thank you for the early reviews and for sharing the book with the world.
Lacey’s Ladies – Thank you for your continual support and for making me laugh every day.
My family, husband, and kids – Thank you for always standing by my side.
Bloggers and Readers – Thank you, thank you, thank you!
About the Author
Lacey Black is a Midwestern girl with a passion for reading, writing, and shopping. She carries her e-reader with her everywhere she goes so she never misses an opportunity to read a few pages. Always looking for a happily ever after, Lacey is passionate about contemporary romance novels and enjoys it further when you mix in a little suspense. She resides in a small town in Illinois with her husband, two children, and a chocolate lab. Lacey loves watching NASCAR races, shooting guns, and should only consume one mixed drink because she’s a lightweight.
Email: [email protected]
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Website: www.laceyblackbooks.com
