Page 3 of Wanting Happily Ever After

“Oh, I know what you were doing,” Sarah continued, a sweet smile on her face. Only her crossed arms over her chest gave away her true feelings about the woman.

Brody couldn’t help but be impressed by her self-restraint.

“And yes, if you’re unable to host the wind-up party, by all means, I’d be more than happy to take it off your plate.”

“Oh, that’s not…I wasn’t saying that—”

“No, no,” Sarah continued. “I don’t mind at all. I know how busy you are with…” She tilted her head and innocently asked, “What is it that keeps you so busy?”

Brody couldn’t help it; a chuckle slipped out of his mouth. He tried to cover it with a cough, but he couldn’t be sure it worked. Not that anyone paid him any attention. All eyes were on Audrey.

“Well.” The other woman pulled herself up and pushed her shoulders back. “I don’t think—”

“Don’t worry about a thing.” Sarah waved her hand casually. “I’ll take care of all the details.” She beamed at the other parents, who were all watching the little drama unfold. “I’ll sort out some details on my end and send out an email. Have a great day, everyone.” And just like that, she spun on her heel and, with her head held high, walked away.

Like all of the others, Brody watched her go with sheer amazement on his face. He couldn’t help but notice the way Byron Smith was watching Sarah particularly closely. Brody forced himself not to let it bother him. Of course there’d be men interested in her. After all, she was an amazing woman. Strong, hardworking, and gorgeous—even though she clearly had no idea how good-looking she was. He’d been spending more and more time with Sarah since moving to Glacier Falls, and he was really enjoying getting to know her.

He’d been attracted to her instantly, but it didn’t take long to learn that she was a dedicated single mom whose entire life was devoted to her little girl. It hadn’t put Brody off, though; it had only made him more cautious. Maybe too cautious, because he’d clearly been friend-zoned. Hell, from what he could tell, every man had been friend-zoned. Sarah didn’t seem the least bit interested in dating. But at least he had her as his closest friend. And that was something. But as much as Brody did know about Sarah, she still had a few surprises up her sleeve. And dealing with mean moms was an impressive skill, to say the least.

He made small talk for a few more minutes, gave high fives to all the kids and took his own leave shortly after.

It was hot, and he would have loved to spend the rest of the day sitting in the shade somewhere, preferably with his feet in the water, underneath the cool branches of a pine tree in the forest, but it was not to be. He had a restaurant to run, and despite his wildest dreams, Birchwood wasn’t yet running itself.

The moment he stepped inside the restaurant, he knew something was wrong. If it was hot outside, it was an absolute sauna inside the walls. He went immediately to the thermostat on the wall, and groaned. He tapped at it, the extent of his knowledge of how to make it work again.

“Shit.”

The last thing he needed was one more thing that wasn’t working. Not when his list was already growing beyond the scope of things he would be able to handle—or afford. But air conditioning was going to have to go on the list. When he moved to Glacier Falls from his small town in rural Saskatchewan, he never would have expected it to get so hot in the middle of the summer. After all, wasn’t it supposed to be cool in the middle of the mountains? Apparently not so much. Not that he minded. At least, he wouldn’t have minded the heat if the air conditioning wasn’t broken.

How was he supposed to serve customers when it was so hot?

He pushed his way into the kitchen, where it must have been at least ten degrees warmer, if it were even possible.

“Tell me you brought a repair guy?” Amy, his head chef, greeted him from behind the stove. “I feel like I’m going to pass out.”

“How long has it been broken?” Forgoing his usual chef jacket, Brody grabbed an apron and tied it around his waist. “This is crazy.”

“You’re telling me.” Amy wiped her brow and leaned against the counter. “I was going to get some stock started, but I think I might just abandon that plan altogether.”

“Agreed. Try not to use the stove or the oven for anything. Maybe we can offer a special cool summer menu?” His brain started to spin with ideas as he spoke. “We can do a gazpacho, and salads, of course. Maybe a ceviche and some sushi rolls.”

“I like it.” Amy switched off the stove and her attempt at stock. “Especially if it keeps me even a little bit cool.”

“And for dessert, I’ll whip up some sorbets and maybe another ice cream cake.”

“Anotherice cream cake?” Amy wiggled her eyebrows.

Brody had hired her about three months ago, and they’d become quick friends. She was a few years younger than he was, fresh out of a basic culinary program in the city and she’d proved to be not only a lot of fun to spend his days with, but also an incredibly talented chef. It was only a matter of time before he lost her to bigger and better things. He would miss her on a professional level and as a close friend when that day came.

“Don’t think I didn’t notice that cake in the freezer,” she continued. “I also noticed the note on it that said not to touch.”

“It was a test cake.”

“Riiigght.” Amy rolled her eyes. “Atestcake. Interesting that it also happens to be mint chocolate chip.”

“Why is that interesting?”

“Oh, only because I happen to know that mint chocolate chip is a certain little girl’s favorite flavor.”

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