Page 33 of Moonlit Harbor Nights

“Well, I mean it. I think it’s wonderful—even if it means you don’t like the coffee I brought you.”

She chuckled. “Oh, I do like it. I just don’t know that it’s right for the pub. It’s got too unique of a flavor.”

“Fair enough. Why don’t you try the other bag I got you tomorrow? Maybe that one will be better for The Lighthouse Grill.”

“Maybe, indeed.” She hesitated, then added, “And if it’s all right with you, I’d like to keep the rest of this bag for me. I can make it at home.”

“Well, of course.” He grinned. “It’s a gift. Both bags are. I’m glad you like it.”

“It’s very kind of you, I appreciate it. I don’t even know where to begin when it comes to buying new coffee for the pub. We’ve been buying the same brand for as long as I can remember. I think Frank picked it out. He’s the one who always said that a diner’s coffee should have more of a neutral taste, and I think he’s right.”

“I quite agree.” Terrence nodded. “I should have given that more thought when picking out coffees for you to try.”

She playfully swatted his arm. “Don’t apologize! You’re already being so kind.” For a moment, they were both quiet, and then she chuckled to herself. “It’s a shame I can’t make the coffee using one of the secret family recipes. Those are always the shining stars on our menu.”

“That would be nice. You use a lot of secret family recipes here, don’t you?”

“A fair amount. I have some from my grandmother, and Frank had some from his grandmother as well. The best one is definitely the secret sauce. They’re practically family heirlooms. They’re not just a part of The Lighthouse Grill, they’re a part of who we are.”

“I think that’s absolutely wonderful.” He looked at her with a tender light in his eyes, feeling glad that she was sharing her thoughts with him. His softer side, which he tended to hide from most people, was coming out again. He’d let it show to Vivian before, on the night of the air vent incident, when they ate snowballs together in the pub after closing hours. He cleared his throat and spoke in a gentle tone. “I think it’s wonderful that you and your children are upholding our community-centered values through your pub. The way you cherish family makes your customers feel cherished too. I appreciate that very much, and I know the people of Rosewood Beach do as well.”

Vivian blinked at him, seeming to be surprised by his openness. There was an added gleam in her eyes, and he wondered if she was tearing up a little.

“That means a lot to me.” She touched his arm again, this time gently. “Your openness is appreciated. I didn’t think you were the kind of man to share his heart like that.”

He shrugged, feeling as though the tips of his ears were turning pink. “Sometimes. I’ve been known to have a softer side.”

She grinned at him. “I like it.”

He smiled back at her, feeling his heart lift in excitement.

Perhaps she’s receptive to the idea of our friendship growing,he thought, not even putting into words what he was really hoping for.Maybe she wants to get to know each other better as much as I do.

Vivian and Terrence finished their coffee together, continuing to chat until the pub opened. Once it did, Vivian had to hurry off to take care of management business, and Terrence slipped quietly back outside. He whistled all the way home.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Dean pulled open the front door of Ocean Breeze Café and looked around for Hazel. It was early in the morning on Tuesday, and his twin had asked him to meet her there for caffeine and conversation. He was looking forward to talking with her, but he was also a little nervous. He knew his perceptive twin sister would be able to tell that something was bothering him, but he wasn’t sure he felt ready to talk with her about how things were going badly with Noelle.

Hazel waved to him from across the room. She was already seated at one of the little tables placed by the windows. There was a chocolate éclair on a plate beside her, and she was holding a pink mug filled with coffee in her hand. As he started to cross the room toward her, she set down the mug and stood up to give him a hug.

“Hey, you!” she said as she released him. “How’s my favorite twin doing?”

He laughed. “I’m doing fine. How about you?”

She lifted one shoulder. “Can’t complain. Jacob and Samantha and I all watched a movie together last night, and then Jacob and I stayed up late talking. I’m a little extra sleepythis morning, but that’s nothing two shots of espresso can’t cure.” She gestured to her coffee with a smile.

“Hmm, espresso sounds good. Let me order and I’ll come right back.”

“I recommend the éclairs. This seems to be a particularly good batch or something. Or maybe I’m just hungry.”

“Could be both.” He grinned at her and then walked over to the counter. He ordered himself a cup of coffee with a splash of hazelnut creamer and one of the éclairs. While he waited, he took a few deep breaths, enjoying the wonderful nutty and sweet aromas that filled the coffee shop. Cheerful folk music was playing softly in the background, and he felt his spirits lift a little bit. Maybe Hazel wouldn’t ask him about Noelle after all.

He got his coffee and éclair and went back to Hazel’s table. Before he’d even finished sitting down, she asked him eagerly, “How are things going with Noelle?”

He sighed and took a long sip of his coffee before answering. “Um, fine.”

Hazel’s eyes narrowed. She continued to stare at him knowingly as she took another bite of her éclair. She didn’t say anything for several seconds, and then she finally cleared her throat loudly.

---