Page 40 of Carly's Heart

“You’re kidding right? Didn’t you and Mike go on dinner dates?”

“Certainly. But to casual places. Usually, chain restaurants. Nothing like this. It wasn’t in our budget before we moved to Elk Valley. After we got here ... things changed.” He didn’t comment, only nodded and for the life of her, she couldn’t figure out what that meant, if it meant anything at all.

A tall broad-shouldered man strode into the room. He had dark hair, a thick five o’clock shadow and wore a chef’s jacket. “Good evening, Miss.” His smile was broad and welcoming. “I’m Vince Gamble. Welcome to Flax and Fig.”

“Hi. Nice to meet you. I’m Carly.” Vince’s high energy poured off him in waves.

“Carly, I’ve heard a lot about you from my friend here.”

Heat rose in her face. “Oh?” How did she even answer a statement like that?

“Birch and I grew up together. I went to culinary school, and he went to university to learn how to be a better rancher. I source all my beef and pork from his family’s ranch.”

“Wonderful. Someday you’ll have to tell me all the embarrassing stories from his childhood.”

Vince laughed. “You better believe it.”

“Come on, Vince. This is supposed to be the perfect date. Don’t go and ruin it on me. I’m trying to impress a lady.” Birch grumbled lightly.

Vince laughed again. “That’s why I’m not letting you order. I’ll feed you myself.” He turned to Carly. “Any allergies, sensitivities or dislikes?”

“I’m not a huge fan of fish, but I adore shellfish. Other than that, keep your kale away from me.” She pretended to gag. She’d eat kale and probably not hate it, if it was served, but she would never choose it. Since Birch declared this the ‘perfect date’ she wouldn’t ruin it with kale.

“I can work with that. Let me pour you some wine.” He turned to Birch. “First bottle is on me. After that, you pay for the wine, and I’ll pay for your cab home.” He uncorked the bottle with ease and poured them each a small taste.

Carly rarely drank and wouldn’t know a high-end wine from iced tea, but when Birch said it was fine, she agreed. After a moment of small talk, Vince left them alone. She sipped her wine and spun the glass between her finger and thumb.

“You look uncomfortable,” Birch said. “I don’t bite.” His smile was soft and understanding.

“It’s weird. I’m nervous. I don’t know why.”

“Thank heaven,” he exclaimed. “I’m nervous too. I’ve known you for years. But this feels like a date with a stranger. I don’t know what to say or do.”

“What if we start fresh?” She thrust out her hand. “Hi. I’m Carly. I like long walks in the forest, but not difficult hikes. I like animals and children. I prefer Star Trek to Star Wars, but baby Yoda is just about the cutest thing ever.”

He took her hand and shook it. Instead of letting go, he lowered their joined hands to the table. His thumb caressed hers making it hard to concentrate on his words.

“I’m Birch. I love kids and dogs, but my passion is horses. I don’t like movies or shows where the bad guys win. I’ll watch a chick flick if I have to. I love police procedurals and mysteries. The best Christmas movie of all time is White Christmas. I like listening to music, any kind. But what I love best is sitting outside, watching the stars and roasting marshmallows.” He paused. “Oh, my dog’s name is Francis.”

“I didn’t know you had a dog. When did you get him? Tell me all about him.”

“Her. Francis is a her. She’s a Heinz 57. A bit of everything. A full on mongrel, rescue dog. So far, she’s scared of my horses, but she’s a great watch dog for the house. She loves kids. She’s still a puppy. Eight months, so she can be exuberant.”

“Oh, let me see a picture. I know you have a picture.” He pulled out his phone and flipped to a picture of his pup. Francis was long-legged and shaggy. She looked like a golden retriever collie cross and was quite small. “She’s adorable. Why did you call her Francis?”

“Francis because I was going to buy a pure-bred cattle dog, and I probably still will. The other day, passing through Valleyview to deliver a horse, the town’s rescue center was having a meet and greet. I found Francis; she was free. So, a bargain.”

“A Bargain for Francis!” she exclaimed. “I loved that book as a kid.”

“Me too. Mom used to read it to me every night. She read different things to my siblings. They’re a couple years younger than me. My sister is twenty-five, my twin brothers are twenty-three. Just for informational purposes,” he grinned, “I’m thirty-six.”

“That’s a big age gap. I guess I didn’t really think about it before tonight.” She was curious why the gap but it wasn’t something she’d ever ask about.

“Mom lost a couple babies in between us. I’m not sure why. We don’t discuss it because it makes her sad.”

“I could see that. Thanks for telling me.

Vince came into the room with a tray. “We’ll start tonight with ham and cheese puff pastries with a cordon blue sauce for dipping.

---