I’m touched by her offer. “That’s really kind, Cameron. Thank you.”
“How far along is she in her treatment?”
“Today is the final day of the second cycle.”
“Will she be home by dinner or so?”
“Yes.” Unless I stand here and talk all day.
“I could stop in and check on her tonight, if you like. You’ll be at the café, right? I could make sure she has everything she needs.”
“My daughter will be there, but that would be great. Actually, Una’s in the car now, parked right downstairs.”
“Then I’ll come down and introduce myself.” Cameron takes another drink of the mimosa then hands it to an astonished Colin before following me down the stairs.
Mike is talking to Una. I guess he saw the car. Maybe he was watching for me. Either way, my heart is happy that he’s there. I’m checking my watch again, fearing we’re going to be late, and making fast introductions. Mike cups my elbow in hishand and guides me a few steps away, leaving Cameron talking to Una.
“Tell me,” he says, bending down so he can drop his voice low. I love that he can tell at a glance that I’m anxious. I also love that I have someone to ask for help.
“Muriel isn’t feeling well. She was supposed to take Una to Havelock and back, then pick up Sierra at the bus depot. I’m taking Una to the hospital, but then the café will be open for dinner and I can’t abandon Merrie.”
“Or be in two places at once. What time will Una be done?”
“Four-ish. The bus gets in at five.”
He nods, tapping on his phone. “We’ll be done here by two at the latest, according to the rep.”
“Could you…”
“Done, Sylvia.” Mike smiles at me and my heart melts. “I’ll be there.”
“Thank you!”
His gaze flicks as the crane settles into position. “Kiss for luck?” he asks, his tone teasing but his gaze serious.
I know what he’s really asking. “Everyone in town will know inside an hour that we’re together.”
Mike looks up and down the street at the gathered spectators, as if assessing the possibilities. “I’d put it closer to fifteen minutes.” Then he meets my gaze steadily, his eyes glowing.
Do I want everyone to know that I’m with Mike?
Of course, I do.
“It’s not exactly a secret,” I tell him.
“Good. I wasn’t sure.”
“Be sure,” I whisper with heat and he smiles as I stretch up to touch my lips to his. His arm closes around my waist and he lifts me to my toes, deepening his kiss so that I forget everything but Mike.
Someone whistles.
Someone else clears their throat.
They can all do whatever they want. I’m busy.
“Cavendish!” a guy shouts. “Are we doing this thing?”
Mike lifts his head and smiles down at me, his gaze hot. “Yeah,” he says with quiet conviction, his gaze unswerving. “We are doing this thing.” One more time, I know he’s talking about something different than the guy with the crane.
