“Yes, Daddy.”
Chapter Ten
True to her word, Bonnie rejoined them in only a little over five minutes, a little winded and pink-cheeked from hurrying, but still looking very pretty in her more typical top, skirt and flats. They walked down the wide, paved road together to the Bride Mountain Café. The road dead-ended at the inn, so there wasn’t a lot of traffic most days, Bonnie explained, but the café did a good business from her guests, tourists and locals alike. On the outside the diner was plain, though bright green canopies provided an air of welcome. Inside, though, the décor was more inviting—simple, clean and bright—with delicious aromas that made Paul realize just how hungry he was.
Once they were seated by a slender brunette who greeted Bonnie familiarly, then introduced herself to Paul and Cassie as the owner, Liz Miller, they all ordered the dinner special—chicken and dumplings with bacon-seasoned green beans, a small side salad and cornbread which Bonnie assured them was “to die for.”
Cassie made sure there were no awkward silences during the lively meal. Not that Paul and Bonnie had ever had trouble talking anyway. Cassie showed off the photos on her phone and chattered about the bike ride, and of course the subject then turned back to her wedding festivities, starting with the wedding shower the coming Sunday.
“I’ve had nothing to do with it,” she said with a laugh. “My maid of honor—my friend Noelle, who has been my bestie since high school—she’s taking care of everything.”
Bonnie nodded, having met Noelle several times while making arrangements for the shower. “Noelle knows exactly what she wants for the shower. She’s given me very specific directions about the hors d’oeuvres I’m preparing and serving to the guests. She’s been very pleasant about it,” she added quickly when Cassie gave a little wince. “It’s actually easier for me to have clear instructions about what the clients want.”
“I have instructions, too,” Paul said with a chuckle. “Noelle informed me I’m to show up at the end of the shower and help Cassie transport the gifts to my house so she can get them packaged and shipped off to London.”
Cassie rolled her eyes comically. “I told everyone they didn’t have to bother with gifts, but you know how friends can be…”
“They want to give you things for your new home,” Bonnie said. “It’s only natural that your friends would want to do that.”
“Don’t worry, honey, we’ll get everything packed and shipped,” Paul assured his daughter. “Your mom and I will help you with it.”
“I know. Just so much to do.”
“And you like it that way,” he teased her, making her dimple and admit that he was probably right.
They indulged in peach cobbler after the meal, though Cassie and Bonnie shared an order. Paul wanted his own dessert. With ice cream. He laughingly assured them he had calories to spare, thanks to yesterday’s bike ride.
When they’d finished, they walked back to the inn where the fundraiser was winding down, most of the guests beginning to pile into cars. Cassie almost immediately announced that she had to go, giving her dad a wink as she spoke. “Thanks for dinner, Dad. And, Bonnie, I enjoyed seeing you. I’ll see you again Sunday, okay?”
Paul stood back and watched as his daughter and Bonnie exchanged quick cheek kisses. “Thank you again for the dress, Cassie. It’s so beautiful. I know you’ll get full
credit from your class.”
Cassie laughed and turned toward her car. “I have no doubt.”
“There’s that modesty again,” Paul muttered loud enough for his daughter to hear even as she hurried away, so that she left them with a laugh.
Paul turned back to Bonnie, who was looking up at him with a smile that didn’t quite seem to reach her eyes. “Tea?” she offered.
“I’d like that.”
She nodded. “Let’s go through the inn to the back so I can make sure everything is okay.”
“Of course.”
Fifteen minutes later she closed her apartment door behind them, pushing a hand through her hair in a slightly weary gesture. Seeing that, he reached out to lightly squeeze her shoulder. “Tired?”
She dropped her hand. “A little. Crazy week.”
“Why don’t you sit and I’ll make tea for us both?” She kept her kettle on the stove, and he’d seen her take tea bags from a wooden box on the counter, so he thought he could handle that.
Smiling up at him, she placed her hands on his chest. “Actually, I don’t really want tea.”
He slipped his arms around her, his heart starting to thud against his chest. “Neither do I,” he confessed. “But if you’re too tired…”
Laughing softly, she tugged his head down to hers. “I think I can find just enough energy for this.”
The kiss was explosive, heated by all the pent-up frustration of the past few days. He held her tightly against him, and she crowded even closer as if it still wasn’t enough for her. It certainly wasn’t enough for him.