Page 6 of Seeing You

“And a bookstore,” his father chimed in. “It’s a good setup. Lots of little seating areas, a wide variety of books, and if there’s a title you’re looking for that’s not in stock, Jade will order it for you.”

Color me surprised…

“I wouldn’t think that was your kind of place.”

His father shrugged. “Once a week I’ve got a home health person who comes and takes me out. We stopped in there one day about a year ago, and now it’s part of our weekly schedule.My back was really bothering me yesterday, so Ron—the health person—picked up a box of cookies and muffins for me. And a James Patterson book I had mentioned a few weeks ago. He’s a good kid.”

“Patterson?” Max teased.

“Ron,” his father corrected. “Anyway, you need to try one of the cookies for dessert. Or maybe the brownie. They’re all amazing.”

“I always stop and get a box to take home with me,” Max told him. “The crumb cake and chocolate chip cookies are my favorites, but honestly, I haven’t had a bad thing yet.”

“Impressive. Sweets aren’t really my thing anymore. I try to eat healthy.”

“Boring,” his brother said with a laugh. “One cookie won’t kill you. But you should definitely go there in the morning for your coffee. Dad’s got a Keurig, but nothing beats the coffee you can get from the coffee shop. Trust me.”

“Jeez, I hope this coffee shop pays you a commission. The two of you sound like a commercial for them.”

“Nope. Just making conversation,” his father murmured.

After that, the conversation turned to their dinner and then back to what was new in Sweetbriar Ridge. Marcus knew nothing was going to get too deep tonight; they were just testing the waters. But he also had to admit that it wasn’t as awful as he thought it would be. It might just be the first night, but he owed it to his brother to genuinely try to be…well…less hostile.

As soon as they were done eating, Max jumped up and grabbed one of the bakery boxes and brought it over to the table. “Try the brownie. Trust me.”

“Max…I just finished eating…”

“One bite. If you’re not loving it after one bite, then I’ll finish it.”

Shrugging, he picked up the brownie. “It’s just a brownie, dude. How good could it possibly be?”

Then he took a bite.

Flavor exploded on his tongue. It was rich and decadent, with the absolute perfect amount of sweetness. The moan of pleasure was out before he could stop it.

“I knew you’d love it!” Max said giddily.

“Love it? Hell, this is the best thing I’ve put in my mouth in years.” Shaking his head, he took another bite. “Whoever made this must be an angel. If I ever met her, I might just ask her to marry me.” Another bite. “Are they only here in Sweetbriar Ridge?”

Both his father and brother nodded.

“And you’re saying the coffee is fantastic too?”

More nodding.

“Then give me your orders tonight, gentlemen. Because first thing tomorrow morning, I’m going to this Books & Beans place and getting us breakfast!”

Chapter Two

The next morning, Billie went to work with an entirely new outlook on life. She was going to cut back on her hours a bit, and she was going to look into perhaps trying one of those dating apps.

At least that way she could see what she was getting into instead of going on a blind date and not knowing what the person looked like.

“No more crying on my brother—or on my pillow, or while I’m eating ice cream for dinner. New day. New attitude. Today is going to be a great day!”

And it definitely started out that way.

Yesterday’s chocolate croissants were such a hit that she completely sold out and had to make more today—plus a little extra for her sister since she had been patiently waiting years for them. Jade came in smiling, baby Calvin’s tooth had come through and his ears were better, and generally, Billie just felt lighter. Maybe yesterday’s mini breakdown was exactly what she needed to get in a better frame of mind.

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