Page 55 of Love's Cure

“Thanks. That would be lovely.” GG held up the baby blanket she’d been knitting. “Don’t tell Dani, but I think she’ll be next to add to the family.”

“I won’t say a word.” She laughed. “What about Taylor?”

GG’s impish grin was amusing. “I’m knitting two blankets. One in pink and one in blue. In time, we’ll see who gets which one. I figure I have a fifty-fifty chance of being right.”

All her normal disposition restored, Crystal headed for the kitchen to make the coffee.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

The next morning, Crystalarose with a sense of excitement. Yesterday had been very profitable for the Café, and she’d heard from other owners that they’d been successful, too. The baking contest was to be held in the town hall at noon, and she was wondering how her students would do. The idea of creating something others would enjoy was a deep-rooted motive for her to run the Café.

She dressed for the day and went to check on Misty. “You almost ready?” She’d been late getting in last night.

Misty groaned and got out of bed. “Sorry. I intended to make it an early night, but I couldn’t resist staying to hear the band at Smokin’ Joe’s Fish Shack. Ross’s friend, Mike Dawson promised to take me home whenever I was ready.”

“Mike’s a great guy. I’m glad you’re getting to meet some of the newer members of the gang.”

“They all seem pretty secure in what they’re doing. Mike is talking about opening tennis clinics here in the area. Maybe do a deal with the Lilac Lake Inn. It sounds exciting.”

“Lilac Lake is becomingtheplace to live,” said Crystal. “I hope we can keep the small-town feel to it.”

“Me, too. I’d forgotten what it’s like to have people know and care about you just because you live in the same town.”

“It’s certainly helped me. Now, get moving. We have a busy day ahead of us.”

Memories of Crystal prodding Misty to get ready for school made her lips curve. Misty was not a morning person.

Downstairs, some of the staff appeared to be hung over. She knew Sunday would be even worse. As hard as the younger people worked, they also played hard. And Summer Faire was a time of fun for all ages.

Crystal got coffee and hot water started, and plated fresh cinnamon rolls, a variety of muffins, and cookies for the counter display in the dining area. The staff wiped down the moisture that had accumulated overnight on the patio chairs and tables.

When she was ready, she opened the door just as the first customers arrived. It always thrilled her to see her place fill up. This morning was no exception. Today, most of the early customers appeared to be visitors. A campground a couple of miles away to the east brought new people into town. And for this weekend, every local B&B, AirBnB, cottage, motel, and campground had been booked for weeks and months.

When Taylor and Whitney arrived together mid-morning, Crystal noticed how much attention they got. But then, they were well-known to TV viewers or romance readers. She went over to them.

“Taylor, it’s great to have you back in town. I heard you were going to stay for the rest of the summer. Is that true?”

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