Page 39 of Love In Harbor Falls

“That’s so good to hear.” I smiled. “Fingers crossed, more people want to buy.”

“They will. One Almond milk Honey Flat White,” Delilah spoke as she set the cup on the counter.

I pulled out some cash, handed it to her, and grabbed my coffee.

“Thanks, Delilah. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“See you tomorrow, Addy.”

Delilah Strom was a delightful woman in her fifties with sandy blonde hair she wore up in a bun on most days. She and her husband, Rob, first opened Rooster’s twenty-five years ago. Sadly, a heart attack took Rob’s life a couple of years ago, leaving behind his wife and two children. He’d always wanted to have the best coffee around, so he worked hard on creating the perfect blend, which he succeeded in doing. Once word got out of his passing, many major corporations came knocking on Delilah’s door, offering to buy her and the blend recipe out. But she wasn’t interested. Rooster’s was a huge part of her and Rob’s life, and he wouldn’t have wanted her to sell. Plus, it was the only part of Rob she had left.

As I unlocked the door to the gallery and stepped inside, my phone dinged with a text from Colin.

“Good morning. If you need any help with anything today, let me know, and I’ll be there in a flash.”

A smile crossed my lips just like it did every morning when I received a message from him.

“Good morning. Thank you. I will definitely call you if something comes up. Have a good day.”

“You too.”

* * *

Colin

I stood on the deck of the boat with my phone and a smile. It was the little things that jumpstarted my day. One thing was the messages Adalyn and I exchanged in the mornings. It was enough to set my mood for the day, even if it was nothing but a good morning. I knew Adalyn’s family and friends were flying in today, and I wanted to welcome them to Harbor Falls in a proper way, so I called my Aunt Rosie.

“Good morning, Colin,” she answered.

“Good morning, Aunt Rosie. You know that Adalyn’s family and friends are flying in today, right?”

“Yes.”

“I was thinking maybe we could welcome them to Harbor Falls with one of your delicious home-cooked meals. I could bring some things from the bar.”

“That is a wonderful idea. I’m angry at myself for not thinking about it sooner. We’ll have a welcoming and celebration dinner around seven o’clock. You don’t need to worry about bringing anything. Just make sure Katherine and Scott can come, and I’ll call Adalyn myself.”

“Thanks, Aunt Rosie. I’ll see you tonight.”

“See you tonight, sweetheart.”

“Are you just going to stand there on the deck all day, or are you going to do some work?” Katherine smirked as she stopped by the boat.

“I’m working, sis. Hey, listen. Aunt Rosie is having a welcome dinner for Adalyn’s family and friends tonight. Can you and Scott make it? Aunt Rosie told me to make sure you’re there.”

“Of course, we’ll be there. I’m excited to meet her mom and sister.”

“Me too.” Colin smiled. “Although I’m a little nervous.”

“Nervous about what?” Her brows furrowed.

“What if they don’t like me or something.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. You’re the most liked person in town. Everyone loves you.” She lightly slapped his chest. “Ah, wait a minute. You’re worried her mom won’t think you’re good enough for her daughter.”

“The thought did cross my mind even though there’s nothing going on between us.” I shrugged.

“Not yet, anyway.” She smiled. “I think once the gallery is open and things settle down for her, there will be more opportunity for the two of you.”

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