Page 13 of Beanful Wishes

“Are you sure?” He looks at each of us in turn.

“We’re sure.” I assure him. “I’ll be in touch later in the week with the footage and you can decide how you feel about letting me air it.”

Michael nods, and Jake rushes to open the door to his car for him.

After watching him and his daughter pull out of the parking lot, Jake turns to me. “Can I interest you in another cup of coffee?”

“I’d love that.” I follow him inside the closed shop, watching him relock the door behind us. “I have all the footage from today if you want a sneak peek.”

“Why not?” He strolls behind the counter and turns on the large stainless steel espresso maker. “Vanilla Latte or something with a little less caffeine?”

I laugh at the absurdity of his question. “I plan on editing all of this into a preview trailer tonight. I’m going to need all the caffeine I can get.”

Jake chuckles and gets to work.

By the time we’ve finished our drinks, I have a short video ready to share that hints at just enough of the story I was lucky enough to witness today.

Without thinking, I reach across the table and put my hand over his. “Thanks for letting me be a part of this.”

My heart beats a million miles a minute, and it doesn’t have anything to do with the double shot of espresso he put in my latte. I’m falling fast and hard for Jake Harrison, the Wishing Wall Guy.

Chapter Six

Jake

It’s barely dawn when I arrive at Coffee Loft the next morning, but my mind is already racing, replaying yesterday’s events. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Kathryn rushing over, nearly avoiding a collision with someone riding their bike down the quiet street.

Digging around for my keys, I reflect on what a difference Michael and Lily’s special day has made. Still lost in memories, I unlock the door and hold it open so Kathryn can slip in after me. It was everything I’d hoped for when I first dreamed up the Wishing Wall, and then some.

And that ‘then some’ is all thanks to Sophia.

I can’t help smiling as I remember her excitement, her attention to detail, and the way she balanced capturing the story with letting father and daughter enjoy their time together. She brought a whole new dimension to fulfilling wishes that I hadn’t even considered.

“Earth to Jake,” Kathryn’s voice breaks through my reverie. “You planning on turning on the lights, or are we going for a romantic candlelit vibe this morning?”

I laugh, flipping the switches. “Sorry, just lost in thought.”

“Thinking about a certain reporter?” Kathryn waggles her eyebrows as she ties on her apron.

“I was thinking about yesterday’s wish,” I say, avoiding her gaze as I start prepping the espresso machine.

“Uh-huh, sure.” She doesn’t sound convinced. “Speaking of wishes, we had quite a few new ones pop up on the wall yesterday. Want me to catch you up?”

I nod, grateful for the change of subject. “Hit me.”

As Kathryn runs through the list of new wishes and hands me a note of the names of the people who posted them, I can’t help feeling a sense of accomplishment. The Wishing Wall is really taking off, touching more lives than I ever imagined possible.

“Oh, and you might want to check out social media,” Kathryn says, a mischievous glint in her eye. “Sophia’s posts about yesterday are blowing up.”

I pull out my phone, curiosity getting the better of me. Sure enough, Sophia’s posts about Michael and Lily’s day are everywhere. The comments are overwhelmingly positive, with people praising the idea of the Wishing Wall and asking how they can get involved.

“Looks like you’ve got a hit on your hands,” Kathryn says, peering over my shoulder. “And a pretty talented partner, to boot.”

My cheeks warm. “Sophia’s just doing her job.”

“Right, and the way you two were looking at each other yesterday was nothing but professional courtesy?” Kathryn snorts. “Face it, Jake. You’re smitten.”

Before I get a chance to respond, the bell above the door chimes and the first stream of customers pour in. It doesn’t let up long enough for us to catch our breaths.

---