Page 98 of Knot Convenient

Summer

Audrey’s bakery was quickly becoming one of my favorite places. The shop was bustling and yet calm, filled with people but not suffocating. It was warm and smelled like so many delicious baked goods that it was impossible to keep my mouth from watering. The soft brown walls were littered with open shelving that held as many plants as they did bags of coffee, flour, and spices. The case at the front was packed with treats, and there were even smaller upright displays of croissants and cakes next to the register.

“Hello! How are you doing today, no little one?” Audrey asked after she spotted me behind the counter.

“Not today, he’s at the park with Emmett. I’m meeting someone for coffee.”

“Annie?” Audrey cocked her head to the side with a smile. “She’s over there. What do you want to drink? I’ll bring it over.”

“Iced hazelnut latte and some variety of baked goods?”

Audrey nodded. “That I can do. Go sit!”

I turned, glancing in the direction she was pointing. I hadn’t actually met Annie in person. Stuart had given me her number, and we had agreed to meet up for coffee. I was excited at the prospect of meeting another mother in town.

“Summer!” A short, red-headed woman waved me over to a booth in the corner. Her hair was cut short, chin-length, and her eyes were a bright blue. She wore a pair of leggings and an oversized sweater that looked like it belonged to Stuart.

“Hi! You must be Annie.” I beamed, walking over. The woman didn’t hesitate and pulled me into a hug. Her scent was hard to put my finger on, but it was warm and comforting, the kind that just screamed mom.

“I am. It’s so nice to meet you!”

“Thank you for coming. As soon as Stuart said Marshall had found someone, I knew I simply had to meet you. Come sit down. Have you already ordered?”

I nodded, setting my bag down on the table. “Yes, Audrey said she’d bring it over.”

“That woman is a ball of sunshine. Have you tried her cinnamon buns? They are a religious experience. When I was pregnant, I swear I had one at least every two days.”

I took my seat in the booth, nodding as I scooted along the surface of the smooth pleather.

“How long have you been in town? I swear that mate of mine has lint instead of a brain at times.” She laughed, her eyes crinkling. “I love him, though.”

“A few months. I’ve just been settling in, slowly getting to know the place.”

After a sip of her drink, Annie asked, “How are you finding Willow Grove?”

“Beautiful!” I replied honestly. “Compared to the hustle and bustle of California, this is dreamy.”

“That’s where you’re from?” she asked, eyes lighting up.

“Yep.” I nodded. “I’m not from the glamorous part, though. This is a wonderful change of pace.”

Annie nodded, but before she could speak again, her eyes caught someone behind me, and I turned in time to see Audrey approaching with a tray loaded with cups and plates.

“I bring caffeine and baked treats!” she declared, placing the tray on the table with a flourish. “I really wish I could stick around and chat with you guys, but…” She trailed off, looking toward the door where a line was forming.

Annie snorted lightly. “I know, how rude of you to have a wildly successful business and be the boss.” We all chuckled, and she added, “We’re not going anywhere.”

Audrey rolled her eyes, returning to her counter.

“I went to high school with Audrey,” Annie explained. “She’s been a friend for a while.”

“Oh, that’s nice. I don’t speak to anyone from those days. It’s hard to keep tabs on people when we all scattered to the wind.”

“Totally makes sense.” Annie munched on a danish. “Stuart mentioned that you guys have a son?”

A smile spread across my face. “We do! His name is Milo.”

“Aww. How old?” she asked with her brows up.