Page 11 of A Wedding in the Bay

“Oh, who didn’t?” She grimaced sympathetically. “Willis even cleared his throat at her, hoping she’d realize that Everett was what smelled like fish, but she missed it, I guess.”

He chuckled. “She’s not used to living in the country. I’m sure she’s never smelled fish coming off a fisherman in any of her New York social circles.”

“Just caviar.” She smiled. “It’s a shame that things stayed awkward between them after that. It was clear that Marsha was trying to set the two of them up. I wish it had worked out better!”

“So do I. Everett’s such a nice guy. And Johanna deserves to find happiness with someone.”

“She does, absolutely. I’m so glad she’s moved here. She’s really changed a lot since the first time we all met her.”

He nodded. “Yes, she has. She’s mellowed out quite a bit.”

“Yes. I think she’s learning to see value in things she never saw value in before. Like small towns.” She laughed. “But maybe there’s still more change that she’ll go through now that she’s here in Blueberry Bay. I’m sure she’s still adjusting to a lot of changes.”

“I can imagine. New York City is very different from Blueberry Bay.”

She nodded as she gazed at the beautiful snowscape outside. She thought about Johanna and Everett—trim, sophisticated Johanna and genuine, burly Everett. “Even if she does change some, though, I don’t know if she and Everett would ever be a match. It was sweet of Marsha and Willis to try to set them up, but I can’t imagine two people more different than the two of them.”

“The fisherman and the socialite,” he said, chuckling. “Well, I hope both Johanna and Everett find good matches at some point. I’m so lucky that I’ve found my perfect match in you.”

She shifted to look up into his eyes. He was gazing fondly at her, and she grinned back.

“Right back at you, Mr. O’Neil.”

“Why thank you, future Mrs. O’Neil.”

They brought their heads together for a sweet kiss, and Caitlin felt a rush of happiness as light and glittering as snowflakes swirling in her chest.

CHAPTER SIX

“Whoa! Careful, watch your step.” Josie Garner laughed as her fiancé Wesley stepped off the edge of the sidewalk into the road. Snow was falling so thick and hard around them that it was hard to tell what was the sidewalk and what was the street.

“Thanks.” He grinned at her. His glasses were fogging up from the cold, but his smile was as cheerful as ever. “Just keep steering me toward dry land, please.”

She laughed again. They were making their way toward Tidal Wave Coffee, and it had started to snow hard shortly after they began their walk. “I will. I can’t wait to get my hands around some hot coffee. No, hot cocoa. This is perfect hot cocoa weather.”

“You’re telling me.” He almost stepped into the street again, and she had to grab his arm. “Oh boy.” He laughed.

“Hey! We’re saved. Land ho!” she teased as she caught sight of Tidal Wave Coffee up ahead.

They hurried toward it and stepped inside, both heaving sighs of relief as the door closed against the snow behind them. She hurriedly brushed flakes of snow off her coat sleeves and long blonde hair, then brushed off Wesley’s shoulders while he worked on defogging his glasses.

“Thanks,” he said, settling his glasses back on his face and smiling at her.

“Of course.” She gave him a quick kiss.

“Hey, guys! Welcome in,” Michael called from behind the counter. “You must really want some coffee to have come here in the middle of this blizzard.”

“It’s not supposed to last long.” Wesley laughed as they approached the counter. “I thought we could beat it, but it started coming down hard when we were already on our way.”

“Two hot cocoas please,” Josie said, grinning.

“And a couple of apple Danishes,” Wesley added. “Thanks, Michael.”

“You got it.” The coffee shop owner smiled as he began to work on their order with alacrity. “You want some espresso shots in those hot cocoas?”

“Oh my gosh, yes,” Josie said, and Wesley laughed.

“Sure, for me too. How’s business been?”

---