Page 15 of One Hundred Merry Memories

It wasn't easy being the new kid, but Amanda was fitting in with ease. It was as if she had been a part of Aspen Cove all her life.

A peculiar sense of happiness welled up in him as she chatted animatedly with Maisey. She was curious, kind, and open.

“Shall we order?" he asked, gesturing toward the menu stuffed into the metal holder at the edge of the table. He pulled one out and handed it to Amanda. "Everything is good, but the blue-plate special is the best."

She glanced at the menu and closed it. "I'll have that."

"Don't you want to know what it is?" Maisey asked.

Amanda shook her head. "Nope. I'm happy to be surprised."

"She's a keeper, isn't she?" Maisey said, drawing his attention back to Amanda, who sat with a smile, her hands resting on her lap.

Jackson chuckled, nodding in agreement. "That she is," he replied.

Her hair was falling out of her messy bun, loose strands framing her face in a way that made her look carefree. He took in the way she gestured enthusiastically as she spoke, how her laughter filled the diner, and how she made everyone around her feel at ease. It was like watching a flower bloom in fast-forward.

"Earth to Jackson." Maisey's voice jolted him out of his thoughts. He turned to find both women looking at him.

"Sorry, lost in thought," he admitted with a grin, feeling his cheeks warm under their gaze.

"Welcome back to Earth. We've got lunch to eat. Do you want the blue plate too?" Amanda asked.

He nodded, and Maisey pivoted and left.

"Tell me about Aspen Cove," Amanda said. "I want to know everything."

Jackson laughed. "That could take a while."

Maisey zipped by, dropping off two cups of coffee, creamer, and extra napkins. Her pockets were like Mary Poppins’ carpet bag. He was fairly certain that no matter what he asked for, she’d be able to produce it with a single dip into her apron.

"Well, let's start with the people. They’re so friendly, so close. It's like everyone knows everyone else."

Jackson's gaze drifted over the diner. He saw Maisey at the counter, her hands flying as she chatted with a regular. A group of older men sat in a corner, their laughter echoing through the cafe. It was a sight he had grown accustomed to and loved.

"You're right," he said, turning back to Amanda. "Aspen Cove is a small town, but it's like a big family. They look out for each other. I haven't been here long—a few months—so I'm a newbie too."

"I thought you were a local."

He sipped his coffee. "I bartend, so I get to know everyone. It's the only place to hang out at night."

He went on to talk about the different families. The way she listened, leaning in, her eyes focused on him, made him feel strangely special. He wasn't a storyteller, but her attention made him want to spin tales or at least tell her all he knew.

As they continued their conversation, she asked about the town's history, celebrations, and quirks. Jackson answered as best he could, and when he didn't know something, he admitted it, promising to find out more for her or take her directly to the source so she could hear it firsthand.

Maisey dropped off meatloaf and mashed potatoes, and by the way Amanda looked at it, he would have guessed it was filet mignon and lobster. She dug in like she'd been starved for weeks. Jackson was reluctant to end their outing when they finished their meal. He was enjoying her company more than he thought possible, taking delight in the way she looked at the world, appreciating her curiosity. He wondered if she got ideas for her novels from these kinds of conversations.

After their leisurely lunch, Jackson guided Amanda to their next stop, B's Bakery. As they stepped inside, the scent of fresh-baked muffins and cookies filled the air, mingling with the soft strains of a holiday tune playing in the background.

Katie welcomed them from behind the counter, saying, "Hey y'all." She was a woman of warm smiles and laughter, a picture of contentment. As Jackson introduced Amanda, Katie’s eyes lit up with genuine interest.

"I hear you're a pink letter recipient." Katie pointed to the wall behind them.

Amanda's gaze was drawn to a frame where a rose-colored letter hung among a collage of muffin-of-the-day pictures.

"What's the story with this one?" Amanda asked.

Katie's smile turned tender as she told of her experience. She had never met Bea, the previous owner of the bakery, but carried a piece of her—Bea's daughter's heart. She spoke of her arrival in Aspen Cove, lost and afraid, and how the transplant gave her a second chance at everything. The gift saved her life and offered her a new one as a proprietor, wife, and mother.

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