The Inn at Rose Harbor by Debbie Macomber

The coconut cake looked like it contained five or six layers, and it stood nearly as tall as a wedding cake. I scooted down the case and glanced at the cakes on display. “We have eight varieties today.” “Make that two dozen then to even everything out,” I said, completely disregarding Peggy’s warning. “ Mix and match, okay?” “Sure thing.” The girl behind the counter instantly brightened. “ I’ll take a dozen cookies,” I said before I could change my mind. Peanut butter cookies were another favorite of mine, and Paul’s, too. The macaroons looked amazing, as big as my fist and golden brown, just the way I like them. The glass-enclosed shelf contained row upon row of delectable delights. “ May I help you?” a young woman asked as I stepped up to the counter. I knew the way to a man’s heart, and he’d already captured mine so I used all my baking skills to woo him. Paul claimed that he decided to marry me the first time I baked him a loaf of homemade bread.

A scent like this was more hypnotic than French perfume. If I’dīread out of the oven because the smell filled the room. “ I’ve been so afraid and I shouldn’t have been. Snapping out of it, she looked up and smiled.

My family will back me.” “Good.” “My family,” she repeated softly, and again I don’t think she realized she’d spoken out loud. “I was so certain it would be a disaster … It still might be, but I doubt it. What I didn’t want was to return to Cedar Cove.” I waited for her to explain. “You didn’t want to attend your brother’s wedding?” “Oh, no.

“I would have given just about anything to avoid this wedding,” she commented softly, almost as if she was unaware that she’d spoken aloud. From Abby’s expression I could see that she hadn’t processed my question, which was fine. “ It’s good to see that those we deeply care about are well, isn’t it?” I asked instead. Considering how quickly my mouth got ahead of my brain, I decided it would be best not to ask. “ They’re happy and that makes me happy, too.” I didn’t know why her parents’ happiness should come as a shock. “We do we really do.” The thoughtful look was back. I couldn’t imagine what had made me ask something like that. Foolish things, don’t we?” The question was out before I had a chance to censor it.

The Inn at Rose Harbor by Debbie Macomber