Page 37 of Love In Harbor Falls

“Hey, Colin. Is Adalyn home? I need to speak with her for a moment.”

“Yeah. She’s in the kitchen. We’re just about to eat. There’s plenty of pizza if you’d like a piece.”

“Thanks, but Annie made me a great dinner, and I’m stuffed,” he said as he walked into the kitchen.

“Hey, Jerry,” Adalyn said.

“Hey, Addy. I’m sorry to interrupt your dinner, but I just wanted to come over and thank you while Annie was in the shower.”

“For what?”

“For what you said to her earlier. She told me everything, and I think it’s a wonderful idea. I haven’t seen her this happy and excited in a very long time. It’s like I have my old Annie back.”

“Aw, Jerry. That’s great. I’m happy you’re on board with the idea.”

“I’m spending the rest of the night working out the financials, and we’re going to make it work. Anyway, I just wanted to thank you. I’ll let you get back to your dinner.”

“You’re welcome, Jerry. If you or Annie need any help, let me know.”

“Thanks, Addy. I’ll see you later.”

“What was that all about?” I asked after Jerry left.

“Annie found out she isn’t pregnant again. She came over earlier to have me try some chocolates she made. Wait until you taste them. Anyway, I could tell she had been crying and was visibly upset, so I sat her down and told her she should open up a sweets shop in town and showcase all her amazing desserts. I know it will help her get her mind off the pregnancy troubles.”

“Wow. You are an amazing woman, Adalyn Richards.” The corners of my mouth curved upward.

“I wouldn’t go that far. I just told her she needed to put her talent to use, and what better way than to provide the residents of Harbor Falls and tourists her baked goods.”

“I agree, and I’ll be her first customer.” I winked.

“You need to try this chocolate she made. It has peanut butter in the center.”

Adalyn walked over to the counter, grabbed the tin, and opened it. Reaching in, I took a piece of chocolate and put it in my mouth.

“She made this from scratch?” I asked.

“She said it was an old recipe of her grandmother’s, and she tweaked it.”

“This is like heaven in your mouth.” I closed my eyes for a moment and savored the taste.

“Right? That’s exactly what I thought.”

“Do you mind if I have another one?” I asked.

“Not at all. Have as many as you like.” She set the tin on the table.

Adalyn took the plates off the table and put them in the dishwasher while I put the lid back on the tin and set it on the counter.

“I should probably get going,” I said, tucking my hands into my pants pockets.

“Yeah. Sure. Okay. Thanks for bringing the pizza. It was delicious.”

“It was my pleasure. Thanks for wanting to have dinner with me,” I spoke as I lightly grabbed Adalyn’s hand and held it for a moment. She instantly pulled it away.

“I’m sorry.” I looked down. “I shouldn’t?—”

“No. It’s fine,” she said.

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