Wanda E. Brunstetter by Twice Loved Read Free Book Online Page A

can develop.’ ”
    She pursed her lips. “Your point is well taken. I do have a tendency to worry.”
    He wiggled his eyebrows. “Still want me to carve that bird?”
    “Absolutely.” She turned toward the door leading to the hallway. “While you do, I think I’ll change into a comfortable pair of slacks.”
    “Good idea.” Dan winked at Bev, and she scurried out of the room.

    The rest of the afternoon went well, and Bev felt more relaxed wearing a pair of tan slacks and a cream-colored blouse than she had in the dress. After they’d stuffed themselves on turkey and all the trimmings, Bev, Dan, and Amy played a game of dominoes in the living room.
    Soon Amy fell asleep, and Dan carried the child to her room. When he returned a few minutes later, he took a seat on the sofa beside Bev. She handed him a cup of coffee and placed two pieces of apple pie on the coffee table in front of them. It was pleasant sitting here with him. Bev hadn’t felt this comfortable with a man since Fred was alive. Dan seemed so kind and compassionate, and he was a lot of fun. If she were looking for love and romance, it would be easy to fall for a man like him.
    She glanced at Dan out of the corner of her eye. Was he experiencing the same feelings toward her? Had he enjoyed the day as much as she had?
    As if he could read her thoughts, Dan reached over and took Bev’s hand. “Thanks for inviting me today. I had a nice time, and the meal was delicious.”
    “You’re welcome. I’m glad you came.”
    “I’d like to reciprocate,” he said. “Would you and Amy go out to dinner with me some night next week?”
    Bev moistened her lips, not sure how to respond. If she agreed to go to dinner, would that mean they were dating?
    Of course not, silly. He just wants to say thank you for today
.
    Bev leaned over and handed Dan his plate of apple pie. “A meal out sounds nice, but you’re not obligated to—”
    “I know that, Bev.” He forked a piece of pie into his mouth. “Yum. Apple’s my favorite.”
    “Thanks. My grandmother gave me the recipe.”
    They sat in companionable silence as they drank their coffee and ate the pie. When Dan finished, he set the empty plate and cup on the coffee table and stood. “Guess I should be going.”
    “Amy will be disappointed when she wakes up and finds you are gone.”
    He reached for his coat, which he’d placed on the back of a chair when he first arrived. “Tell your daughter I’ll see her bright and early tomorrow. Since she has no school until Monday, you’ll be bringing her to work with you, right?”
    Bev nodded. “The day after Thanksgiving should be a busy time at the store.”
    “Which is why I plan to give you a hand, at least for part of the day.”
    “I appreciate that.” Bev walked Dan to the door, and when she opened it, he hesitated. She thought he might want to say something more, but he merely smiled and strolled into the hallway. “See you tomorrow, Bev.”

Chapter 9

    B ev plugged in the lights on the small Christmas tree she and Amy had picked out this morning for Twice Loved, after Dan had given her some money to purchase it. Amy could decorate the tree with silver tinsel and shiny red glass balls, while Bev waited on customers.
    The decorations would look even better if the toy train were here
, Bev thought as she scrutinized the window display.
I wonder why Ellis hasn’t come by yet. He was supposed to have it ready last week. If he doesn’t show up soon, I may give him a call
.
    “Isn’t the tree pretty?” Amy asked, pulling Bev’s thoughts aside.
    “Yes, it’s very nice. Now be sure to drape the strands of tinsel neatly over the branches,” Bev said as Amy dove into the box of decorations.
    “I will.”
    The bell on the front door jingled, and Bev turned her head to see who had entered the store.
    A young woman with platinum-blond hair piled high on her head swept through The door holding a cardboard box in her hands. She wore a black wool coat