LITMIR.BIZ

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Megan looked hopeful.

      “There are two—the Astor Library, used primarily for research, and the Lenox Library, which has mainly rare, religious books. I don’t visit either one, since our estate houses a grand library with both classics and recent works.”

      “What a treat to have all those books at your disposal. Why, I doubt I’d get much else done if I lived there!”

      “What type of books do you like to read?” Kate asked. “I brought a crate full with me. You’re welcome to borrow as many as you’d like.”

      “Honest?” Megan seemed pleased with the offer.

      “All she reads are love stories.” Nicole rolled her eyes.

      “Nothing else.”

      “That’s not true,” the other girl protested. “I like adventure stories, too.”

      “If I have to hear about Mr. Darcy and Miss Bennet one more time,” she exclaimed, “I think I’ll be sick.”

      “Nicole!”

      Kate dipped her head to hide a smile. Their drinks arrived then, along with a plate of gooey, pecan-sprinkled cinnamon rolls.

      Josh held up a hand. “We didn’t order these, Mrs. Greene.”

      “Consider it an engagement gift.” The lady’s smile encompassed Kate and Josh. “Congratulations.”

      Before they could correct her, she disappeared into the kitchen.

      “Oh, dear.” Cheeks burning, Kate lowered her gaze to her lap.

      When she felt his touch on her shoulder, she looked up and got lost in his impossibly blue eyes. “Forget about it,” he said quietly. “It’d be a shame to let these go to waste. I’ll clear things up with Mrs. Greene later.”

      “Here you are.” Megan set a roll in front of her. “That woman is an amazing cook. You have to try one.”

      Nicole was already biting into the pastry, an expression of rapture on her youthful face. “Mmm.”

      She supposed she could set aside her self-imposed aversion to sugar-laden treats just this once. “Fine. But just so you know, I don’t normally do this.”

      All eyes were on her as she lifted the first bite into her mouth. The rich, cinnamon pastry melted on her tongue. She stifled a moan of appreciation.

      She attempted a stern expression. “Now I’m in trouble. I will have to make a point of avoiding the Plum Café from now on and maybe even this entire side of the street.”

      The sisters chuckled. Even Josh managed a smile.

      “Want to know what I think?” He set down his coffee mug. The teasing light in his eyes was unexpected, stealing her breath. “Now that you’ve tasted them, you won’t be able to resist.”

      “I disagree,” she challenged with a lift of her chin. “When it comes to sweets, I happen to have unwavering willpower.”

      His gaze dropped to her mouth. His eyes darkened, all emotion hidden. “You, um, have a spot of cinnamon.” He indicated the corner of her lips.

      Self-conscious, Kate used her napkin. “Better?”

      “Yes.” Shifting in the chair, he addressed Megan. “I was at the post office just now and picked up a letter from Juliana.”

      “Oh?” She exchanged a pointed glance with Nicole. “What did she say?”

      Nicole giggled.

      “I haven’t read it.” He stared hard at them. “What’s up?”

      “Juliana’s expecting!” Nicole blurted.

      “You weren’t supposed to tell,” Megan admonished in a hushed whisper.

      Beside her, Josh went very still. “Why keep it a secret?”

      Eyes averted, Nicole toyed with her teacup. Megan met his gaze head-on.

      “It’s not a secret, of course. It’s just that, well, Juliana wanted to tell you herself. No doubt it’s in your letter.” To Kate, she explained, “Juliana is our eldest sister. She was married last month and now lives with her husband, Evan Harrison, in Cades Cove. She and Josh were best friends.”

      Gulping the last of his coffee, Josh set the cup down with a thud. “Are you two going straight home after this?”

      “Yes.”

      “Would you mind walking Kate home?”

      “Not at all.”

      Grabbing his hat, he looked at her. “Is that okay with you?”

      “Certainly.”

      Standing, he slipped Megan a banknote. “This will take care of the bill and tip.”

      “Josh—”

      He silenced his cousin with a look.

      The three sat without speaking as they watched him leave. As her seat was facing the window, she could see him striding purposefully down the street. He was obviously distraught by this sudden news. Her heart went out to him.

      “Kate, did your sister call off the wedding?” Megan’s troubled countenance revealed how deeply she cared about her cousin.

      “Yes. In fact, she has already married someone else.”

      Kate cringed at Nicole’s shocked gasp. Megan’s eyes glistened with unshed tears.

      “He must be heartbroken,” she whispered. “He was already sad about Juliana’s leaving.”

      “She and Josh were practically joined at the hip.”

      “He lost his best friend,” Megan confirmed. “And now his bride …”

      Lounging on a sun-warmed rock, Josh stared unseeing at the water coursing past. The fish weren’t biting today.

      He’d been in his workshop since leaving the café, working most of the day to finish Mr. Wilcox’s dining table. His hands ached from the amount of sanding and polishing he’d done, but it was a small inconvenience. The table was finished. The money he’d get from it would bring him one step closer to his dream.

      If someone else didn’t beat him to the punch, that is.

      A twig snapped. Josh whipped around, his hand going to the pistol in his holster. Spying Kate, he relaxed.

      She’d abandoned her stiff jacket and wore only a long-sleeved, ruffled black blouse with her deep purple skirts. Slung over her shoulder were an odd-shaped bag and a leather strap attached to a square box. With the other hand, she carried a tripod stand.

      Her porcelain skin was flushed pink. Chocolate curls had escaped confinement to brush against her cheeks. It was obvious she hadn’t seen him. Her gaze scanned the woods, occasionally dropping to the ground as she maneuvered fallen logs and uneven terrain.

      “Kate.”

      Her hand went to her throat. “You startled me!”

      “Sorry.” Standing, he removed his hat. “Do you need help?”

      “I can manage.” Changing direction, she headed his way.

      He met her halfway and took the tripod.

      With careful movements, she set the box and bag on the leaf-strewn ground.

      She held out her hands for the tripod.

      “I’m sorry about earlier,” he said. “I shouldn’t have left.”

      “I survived,” she huffed. “Although you could’ve warned me about Nicole’s propensity to talk endlessly of fashion.” If it weren’t for the teasing light dancing in her eyes, he would’ve thought she was serious.

      Again,

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