Page 3 of Small Town Daddy

A gasp from behind the counter snapped me out of my thoughts. "Lucy Bennett? Is that really you?"

I turned, a smile tugging at my lips despite everything. There was Marie, her blonde curls as wild as ever, brown eyes wide with surprise.

"Hey, Mar-" I started, but she was already rushing around the counter, enveloping me in a bone-crushing hug that smelled of coffee and vanilla.

"It's been too long!" she exclaimed, pulling back to look at me. Her hands gripped my shoulders, and I saw a flicker of concern cross her face. Did I look as wrecked as I felt?

"Marie," I managed to say, my voice thick with emotion. "I . . ."

But before I could continue, Marie's eyes softened with understanding. She led me to a cozy corner booth, away from prying ears but close enough to the comforting hum of the coffee shop.

"Luce," she said gently, using the childhood nickname that only she could get away with. "I'm so sorry about your dad."

Her words pierced through the walls I had hastily built around my grief. Tears welled up again, and this time, I didn't fight them. Marie reached across the table, her hand finding mine in a gesture of silent support.

"I miss him so much, Marie," I whispered hoarsely. "It feels like I'm drowning in memories."

Marie's gaze was filled with empathy. "I can't imagine how hard it must be for you, coming back here to all of this," she said softly.

I swallowed hard, fighting the lump in my throat. "Yeah, it is," I managed. The genuine warmth in Marie's eyes threatened to undo me all over again.

She gave my shoulder a squeeze. "You wait here. Let me bring you something warm and sweet. You deserve it."

I sank into the worn leather seat, running my fingers along the cracks and grooves. A minute later, Marie slid in across from me, placing two steaming mugs of hot chocolate topped with towers of whipped cream between us.

"So? What do you think of the place?"

I looked confused. “Have you changed it?”

“Nope! Not a bit!” she let out a musical laugh. “I want to keep this place exactly like it is—cozy and familiar. Although I have improved the hot chocolate recipe,” she winked, pushing one towards me.

I wrapped my hands around the warm mug, inhaling the rich scent. "What’s the secret?”

“More. More chocolate. More cream. More cinnamon. More everything!”

Her enthusiasm was infectious. I couldn’t help but smile. I tasted the drink.

“Holy fuck!” I said, before I knew what I was saying. “Why is this so delicious? It’s the best hot chocolate I’ve ever tasted.”

“It’s themore,” Marie said, simply.

“More is good.”

Marie leaned in, her eyes sparkling. "So, catch me up! You’re back in town. What’s the plan?"

“Honestly, I’m not sure. Fix up dad’s place. Then probably sell?”

“You’re not sticking around?”

“Nah. Too many memories.”

“Yeah?”

I hesitated, not ready to dive into the mess of emotions swirling inside me. "What about here? Any good Small Falls gossip?"

Marie's face lit up. "Oh honey, you have no idea. Remember old Mr. Jones from the bakery?"

I nodded, taking a sip of my cocoa.

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