Page 28 of Unexpected Gifts

“Thanks, Sophie,” Luke said. “You’re too kind.”

“All right then. Eggs and pancakes it is,” Abby said, smiling at Sophie and then Luke.

Everyone else ordered the Vermont Special—the child’s portion for the kids. While they waited for their food, Jack and Lily colored pictures of turkeys the server had brought for them. Sophie saw a friend from school and asked if she could say hello.

“Sure. For a few minutes,” Abby said.

Sophie scurried off, heading toward a table with a family of four, including a girl Sophie’s age.

“Are they good people?” Abby asked Luke, nodding discreetly toward Sophie’s friend’s family.

“The Tuckers. For sure. They’re newcomers, but they fit right in.”

“Newcomers? How long have they been here?” Abby asked.

“I’d say around ten years.”

Abby laughed. “That’s not exactly what I’d call a newcomer.”

“That’s because you’re not from around here.” Luke winked at her. “But we won’t hold it against you.”

“How generous.”

Luke leaned closer, lowering his voice. “About last night…are you okay?”

“Define okay.”

“Like, you’re not feeling regretful or anything. I mean, if you are, don’t worry, I’ll back off. Or we can take it slow. I don’t know what came over me. It’s not the kind of thing I do. I would hate for you to feel any pressure.” His gaze met hers, and goodness, the way the man could look into her eyes was enough to have her melting right into his lap.

“Yeah, me either. It surprised me. I surprised myself.” She picked up a fork, poking the tines into the pad of her index finger. “No regrets either. I’m overwhelmed right now with everything, so slow sounds like the right speed.”

“Does this mean you’ll let me take you out?” Luke said softly, leaning even closer, so that she caught the scent of his spicy aftershave. He had the best neck. “With a charming local guy who wants to make up for his first impression?”

She couldn’t help but feel charmed. “I’d like that. I mean, once the kids are a little more settled.”

“Of course. They have to be your first priority. I’ll take whatever you have left.”

She laughed, all breathy and ridiculous-sounding. Good God, how old was she? “That sounds nice.”

“In the meantime, allow me to be your holiday tour guide. You and the kids, I mean.”

“I want to do as many things with them this season as possible, so I’d appreciate the help. I want this to be as good aholiday as it can be, given everything.” Abby placed the fork back on the table.

Luke held out his hand. “Let’s shake on it. We’ll do our absolute best to make it magical for them.”

Her eyes filled, touched by his kindness. “Thank you. It means a lot to have your support.”

“It’s the least I can do. For you and Ramona.” He rested his cheek in one hand, peering at her. “Vermont suits you. You’re looking gorgeous this morning.”

She flushed from head to toe, more pleased by the compliment than she should be. She’d just met the man. Yet there was something so familiar about him, as if she’d known him for a long time—like really knew him, not just admired him from afar as she had when she was a girl.

“Thank you. You’re looking well yourself,” Abby whispered back.

Sophie returned to the table, eyeing them with suspicion. Had she picked up on their flirtation? If so, what would she think? Abby put it aside for now, thankful for the arrival of their breakfasts. She would worry about it later after she had some pancakes smothered in Hayes Maple Syrup.

7

ABBY

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