Page 7 of Beanful Wishes

“Sorry.” She grins, pulling her thick dark hair into a ponytail, looking like she isn’t regretting this the least bit. “I’m early.”

I return the smile, loving her excitement. “We both are.”

“In that case, let’s get some coffee and get started.” She pulls the door open and marches inside before I get a chance to hold it for her.

Shaking my head, I follow her inside and place our coffee order. “Keep them coming,” I tell Kathryn, who’s working the early shift on my rare day off.

“You’ve got it, Jake.” She slides me a piece of paper with a few notes scribbled down about this morning’s activity at the Wishing Wall. Without the help of her and the rest of my colleagues, I couldn’t keep track of who posts what. It’s supposed to be anonymous after all. At least as much as it can be.

“Vanilla spice latte?” Sophia asks when I hand her the drink. She takes a sip and sighs deeply.

I get it. I appreciate my first cup of light roast drip just as much.

Sufficiently caffeinated, we dig into our respective notes about the father and daughter date we’re putting together.

“How do you think Michael and Lily would feel about a trip to the Aquarium?” Sophia asks.

“That’s something they could do any day of the week.”

“Not if we make a private tour. Get someone to take them around, but also leave plenty of space for the two of them to bond.” Sophia scribbles down notes. “I was in there for a segment a few weeks ago. I think it would be perfect for someone Lily’s age.”

She isn’t wrong. The place is on my short list of venues. “I like it.”

“Want me to make a few calls? I’m sure the station has contacts?—”

I hold up my hand. “I’ve got this one.”

Her eyes light up, and she sits back, putting her pen behind her ear. “Do you, now? You have connections at the Aquarium?”

“I’ve made all sorts of connections in town.” Pride fills my chest at what I’ve been able to accomplish through hard work and dedication in the few months I’ve been here. “I happen to know the director.”

“Interesting.” Sophie picks her pen back up and leans down, her gaze skimming the notes she’s been making. “In that case, why don’t I focus on lunch, then? I’m thinking picnic at the park down the street. Maybe send them on a treasure hunt after they eat?”

“Isn’t that a bit much?” I’m worried about overwhelming the little girl.

“You’re right. Maybe an art project or a puppy snuggle session.” Her eyes are gleaming with excitement.

“She’s going to want to take a puppy home, and I’m not sure Michael has time for that.” The whole point of the widower’s wish was to make time for his daughter. Something he struggled with since the death of his wife. His business takes most of his time and attention.

“Right. We’ll do something fun and creative that they can take home and put up on the fridge. Something to help them remember their special day together.”

My lips twitch. “I thought that’s what the filming was for.”

Sophia laughs, the sound traveling through the entire loft. Heads turn. “You know what I mean. I want them to have a memento.”

“I do.” I watch her carefully and notice the moment another thought flashes through her mind. I can almost see it light up those deep brown eyes of hers, turning them an amber color.

She scribbles fast and furious before taking another sip of her coffee. “If the picnic works for you, I will get started on that while you call the director about a tour.”

I recognize a challenge when I hear it. Rising to my feet, I pick up my phone and my coffee. “I’ll call Brenda right now.”

“Good luck,” Sophia calls as I walk into the back room that’s employee access only. I can’t shake the feeling that she thinks I can’t pull this off.

“I’m about to prove you wrong, woman,” I mutter while scrolling through my contacts.

“Then, after the tour of the museum, we’ll take you down to the park. I’ll have a picnic waiting for the two of you. Does Lily have any dietary restrictions?” Sophia asks.

Michael has a glazed look over his eyes. My new partner in crime has been talking non-stop since we’ve been seated at the diner close to his office.

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