Home to Sparrow Lake (Harlequin Heartwarming) (13 page)

The handsome police chief most certainly had something to do with that.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

K
RISTEN
ROSE
EARLY
on Sunday morning to help her aunt bake several dozen rolls. The house smelled heavenly.

“You never go empty-handed to an event in a small town,” Margaret told her. “But this will be enough for both of us.”

While they packed the rolls into containers, Kristen thought about the résumé she’d finally sent out that morning. She’d also answered another email from a newspaper reporter who wanted to interview her about Sew Fine—a follow-up from publicity releases she’d sent out. She was happy about the latter but still more thoughtful than excited about the job opportunity.

“Alex should be here any minute, right?” asked Margaret. He had volunteered to pick up both of them.

“He’s usually on time.”

“You already know his habits, hmm?”

Margaret raised her brows meaningfully, making Kristen wonder who was setting up whom. Supposedly, she was fixing her aunt up with John McClintock today. From the way her aunt was acting, though, Margaret thought Alex and her niece spending more time together was just peachy.

She
had
had a good time with Alex in Lake Geneva, Kristen thought, remembering their parting kiss. She shivered. However, she didn’t think it was a good idea to have her head completely turned around when she was looking for a new job and trying to figure out what else to do with her life.

The doorbell rang and Margaret ran to answer it. “Alex! We’re ready. Wow, is that our ride? Pretty snazzy.” She obviously approved of the Jaguar convertible.

Kristen turned out the kitchen light and scooped up the large containers. She felt Alex’s warm gaze sweep over her as they went out the door.

“Can I help you with those?” he asked.

“Sure, thank you.”

The day was beautiful, bright and sunny but with a cool breeze. Light glinted off the lake as they drove toward downtown. Alex looked handsome in a dark blue T-shirt and jeans. Kristen had chosen to wear casual khakis, a matching summer-weight sweater and a casual pair of designer wedges.

“It looks like half the town is at this party,” mused Aunt Margaret as they neared the fish and tackle store. Cars lined the nearby blocks and filled a vacant lot across the street.

“I can drop you off and find parking,” offered Alex.

“Nonsense, walking will give us some exercise,” said Aunt Margaret. “How about you, Kristen?”

“Sure, let’s walk.”

A few minutes later, Alex found a spot, parked, and helped the two women out. They strolled down the sidewalk, Kristen and Margaret carrying the bread containers, Alex bringing a case of soft drinks.

Not that there wasn’t already plenty to eat. The concrete courtyard next to McClintock Bait and Tackle swarmed with townspeople, the women in colorful summer outfits, the men in short sleeves. Several large picnic tables had been set up in the center and were covered with plastic tablecloths. Platters of golden fried and grilled fish filets, corn on the cob, sliced fresh tomatoes and lemons, various salads, chips and dipping sauces sat under fly screens. As soon as the pile on one platter became low, someone put a full one in its place. Partygoers ate from paper plates and helped themselves to drinks from coolers and ice on one side of the space. Clumps of folding chairs and tables with shady umbrellas lined the courtyard, but many people stood.

“Hey, Alex!” John McClintock called out as he worked one of the grills at the edge of the party.

Alex waved.

Margaret admired the food tables. “Very generous,” she murmured. “I like a generous host.”

Kristen grabbed one of the rolls Aunt Margaret had brought, even as she placed the big container on the table. She couldn’t wait to take a bite. She indicated one of the overflowing platters of filets. “Did John catch all this?”

“Hardly.”

John had left his spot at the grill and joined them. “Hi, Alex. Oh, and this must be Kristen.” He shook the hand that was roll-free. “Hope you’re liking Sparrow Lake. I hear your family lived here a few years back.”

“Some of her family still does live here.” Alex indicated Aunt Margaret. “I’m sure you two already know each other.”

“I’ve passed the bait and tackle store,” agreed Margaret. “I think I’ve also seen you guys out fishing on the lake.”

Kristen thought about the boat she’d noticed on the lake a few days ago. Had it been Alex?

“It’s nice sitting out on the water in the early morning,” said Alex.

John nodded. “Real peaceful. Extra special when you share those moments with friends.” He gestured to the tables. “But back to the fish we’re cooking up today—I bought local, so most of it is from Lake Michigan.”

Alex laughed. “We’d have to fish for weeks to catch enough to feed this crowd. Besides, we usually let ours go. I think because John feels sorry for them.”

“They’re too small,” John insisted. “You have to let them grow.” He had a nice smile and looked dapper in a striped pullover and navy pants. He had a decent head of white hair and bright blue eyes. And from the way Aunt Margaret was furtively inspecting him, Kristen decided she just might be interested.

“Letting fish go sounds kindhearted to me,” said Margaret.

“Eating them sounds tasty. Shall we help ourselves?” Alex grabbed some plates and handed one to Kristen. Then he found a couple of empty chairs at one of the tables with an umbrella to protect them from the sun.

Margaret swirled away, her draped summer pants and loose blouse a bright magenta-and-orange print that made Kristen’s eyes want to cross.

“Save me a place,” her aunt called back to them. “John says he has something in his office he wants to show me.” She winked knowingly. “Have fun.”

Kristen again wondered what Margaret had in mind. Her aunt didn’t need to work so hard, since Kristen had been spending time with Alex for more than a week. He pulled out a chair for her, then sat down himself.

After they’d eaten, he leaned back and asked, “How are things going at Sew Fine?”

“You mean the improvements I’m trying to make? The computer order system is great. It’s going to make things a lot easier.”

Now she just had to find someone to input the larger number of orders when they got them. Brian wouldn’t be around once he started college at summer’s end. And he’d been dragging his feet getting to work again after she’d caught him coming in so late.

“I contacted a newspaper in Milwaukee,” Kristen went on. “They want to interview us.”

“That’s great.”

“Yeah, it sure is.”

If a news release worked that well and so fast, what else might she be able to do? And who was going to keep up the momentum when she left?

Kristen thought about the résumé she’d sent out. The person to whom she’d emailed it was someone she knew, someone she thought respected her. If she got the job, though, how soon would it start? Hopefully not right away. She wanted to make sure the business was in good shape for her aunt.

Her thoughts were interrupted by Alex saying, “Maybe you’ll make the store a famous attraction for this part of the state.”

“Right. Really famous.” She felt herself flush. Why? He always seemed to throw her off balance. She hedged, “I’m joking. I’m sure I can make some improvements, but I’m not a rock-band promoter.”

“You’re not trying to compete with the cow parade, huh?”

Kristen quirked her brows. “The
what
parade?”

“Cows.” Alex explained, “Wisconsin is the dairy state, remember. On the Fourth of July, some of the farmers around here dress up their best cows and run them down Main Street. After the floats and farm equipment roll by.”

“Dress cows up in what?”

“Flowers, hats, beads.”

Kristen couldn’t help herself. She snickered.

Alex laughed. “Whoa, we’re not talking complete costumes. It’s not
that
elaborate. But everybody enjoys the fun. Well, except for the street cleaners who tidy up afterward.” He added, “The cow parade is officially listed as a traditional summer event for this area, and it has been for several years, second only to the county fair.”

“They must have started having the parade after I left town. But I have to admit that I can’t wait to see it.”

“Hey, some of those cows cut quite a figure.”

Kristen grinned at Alex. She had to admit that she liked his combination of humor and sarcasm. She remembered not so long ago, she’d thought of him as snarky. Now she saw his sarcastic side as part of his charm.

“I heard you talking about the Fourth of July parade,” Gloria said, as she pulled up a chair. “Mind if I join you?”

“Please,” Kristen said.

Gloria slid into a seat next to her. “Hmm. We should decorate a car or small float from Sew Fine for the parade, you know. A couple of women from the quilting circle in my class used to help with that. So did I. That’s a good old-fashioned local way to advertise.”

“Why don’t we talk about it in the next class?” Kristen noted the mint-green ribbons scooping up Gloria’s thick dark curls. They matched her sundress. “You look cool. And very festive.”

“Thanks.” Gloria gave her a brilliant smile. “How are you doing on your quilt?”

“You’re making a quilt?” Alex asked.

“Well, hardly,” Kristen said. “It’s only big enough to be a place mat.”

“Expand it a bit, and you’ll have a nice light throw,” said Gloria, always encouraging.

Alex seemed impressed. “Hmm, a quilt already. You’ve been here how long? Two weeks? You’re taking the town by storm.”

Two weeks? Right, it had been only two weeks. Kristen had to admit things were happening pretty fast in such a short time.

Gloria winked at Alex. “Kristen does make a nice addition to Sparrow Lake, don’t you think, Chief Novak?”

“She sure does,” he agreed with a big grin.

Though she was starting to get uncomfortable, Kristen forced a smile.

Gloria went on, “She’s already made her mark on Sew Fine. Very impressive.”

“I agree.”

Kristen thought Alex’s expression was a little too proprietary as he reached across and patted her arm.

“I need another drink.” He nodded toward the coolers and buckets of ice. “Can I get you ladies something?”

Gloria said, “I’ll take an iced tea.”

“Kristen?”

“I’ll have a diet soda. Thanks.”

As soon as Alex left, Gloria leaned closer. “Nice catch, Kristen. The ladies have been eyeing that hunk for quite some time.”

Growing seriously uncomfortable now, Kristen stirred in her seat. “I wouldn’t say I’ve ‘caught’ him.” And she didn’t want to talk about it, either.

“Well, I’ve noticed the two of you hanging out around town together.”

Kristen admitted drily, “I’ve had some run-ins with the law.”

“Whatever it takes, girl.”

It certainly wasn’t as if Kristen had gotten arrested on purpose. About to say so, she stopped when a couple of older women approached the table. They seemed mildly familiar but she couldn’t recall their names. However, they both knew Gloria and greeted her warmly. Obviously aware Kristen might need her memory nudged, Gloria made introductions all around.

“Welcome back to Sparrow Lake, Kristen,” Mrs. Roberts said. “I love to see younger people returning to their roots.”

“Well, I’m here for the summer anyway,” Kristen told her. “Did I meet you one time in the past? Did you know my mom?”

“Sure did. We both worked at Unique Food Market with her,” the other woman said. “I hear you’re now running Sew Fine.”

“And doing a great job of it, too,” Gloria said.

“Actually, my sister, Heather, is the manager. She deserves most of the credit for the store’s success.”

“
Well, of course we want everyone to have credit.” But Mrs. Roberts gave her an odd look.

“Kristen is just being modest,” Gloria said. “She’s making improvements that will grow the business.”

Kristen’s neck warmed with her discomfort. She didn’t know why, but suddenly everything seemed to be getting on her nerves. Her aunt had pushed her at Alex. Her sister had teased her about him, and Gloria had indicated that people already pegged her and Alex as an item. And now Gloria and Mrs. Roberts were acting as if they expected Kristen to stay in Sparrow Lake to run Sew Fine.

She’d only been here two weeks, as Alex had reminded her.

Suddenly things were moving way too fast for her.

It was as though everyone thought she was here to stay. In some ways, even she seemed to think so. It had taken her three whole days after getting her friend’s email before she’d managed to send out a résumé.

Kristen gazed around the courtyard and thought it looked like a perfect scene from a movie about a happy small town: colorful, friendly, laid-back. Everyone seemed to know everyone else’s business.

They all seemed to know what was best for her, pressuring her to make decisions she wasn’t ready to make.

As if her doubts about returning to her childhood home suddenly manifested, she caught sight of a dark figure standing in the grill area. She stared, and Brian, dressed all in black, glared back for a moment before turning and sliding into the shady area behind the store. Andy Eccles, a paper plate loaded with food, followed. Neither young man bothered to return her wave. Maybe things had happened too fast for Brian, as well.

“Something the matter?” Alex was back with the drinks.

“Uh, no.” She straightened and smiled. She was being ridiculous, trying to find something wrong with a day that was absolutely right, something wrong in people who seemed nothing if not kind and encouraging. “Did you see Aunt Margaret? She said she would join us.”

“She and John went inside. I think he’s showing her something.”

“His etchings?” she joked.

“I don’t know if he has etchings, but I think he has art of some sort.” Alex obviously hadn’t heard the funny old story about a man who promised to show a woman his etchings just so he could get her alone.

“I’m sure they have plenty to talk about, even without art. They’re both interesting,” he pointed out.

“Well, Aunt Margaret is plenty interesting. I don’t know John all that well.”

“He’s a good guy.”