Kate's Kisses (Sweet Treats Bakery) Read Online Free Page B

memories. “It’s good to see you again, too.”
    Logan bent to plant a kiss on his mother’s cheek. “Where’s Dad?”
    “In the kitchen, harassing the new cook. He thinks no one can manage the menu as well as he does.”
    “Retirement won’t come easy for him.” Logan laughed. “Hope he doesn’t chase the guy away.”
    “Me, too.” She turned to Kate. “Hungry?”
    “Very.”
    “Your table’s waiting.”
    She led them across the crowded room to a table overlooking the creek. Flowering Bradford pears bloomed brilliant white along the rocky bank. Kate’s breath caught. How many afternoons had she and Logan sat here talking about their future?
    As they settled into their seats, the restaurant lights dimmed and small lanterns flickered on at each table, bathing the room in a warm glow. Kate had forgotten the seven o’clock evening ritual, and her breath hitched again as Logan studied her across the muted light.
    He didn’t bother with a menu. “Would you like the regular?”
    Kate nodded. She knew exactly what he meant. “Shrimp platter for two?”
    “With grilled vegetables—minus the mushrooms—and extra yeast rolls.”
    “That’s right.” Suddenly her throat felt parched. “You remember.”
    “Of course I do.” He placed his elbows on the table and leaned into her. His breath warmed her neck. “How could I forget, Katie?”
    “I…um…” She reached for her ice water.
    “I gave you my class ring right…here.” He took her hand. “The trees were brilliant with fall colors, and you said they looked like a patchwork quilt.”
    “Don’t, Logan.” She saw the ring now, back on his finger. She’d returned it to him along with the engagement ring he’d given her the night before he left for California. “It’s in the past. Let it go.”
    “We’ll see.” He lifted his head and turned as the server arrived to take their order. “We’ll see, Katie.”

 
     
     
     
     
    4
     
    “This is becoming a habit.” Kate tossed a potholder on the stainless steel pastry table and blew a stray strand of hair from her eyes. “That oven has always worked perfectly.”
    Logan’s eyes smiled over the rim of his coffee cup. “Let me take a look-see.”
    “Go ahead, but I’m going to have to call the technician. I’m sorry, Logan, but I’m not going to be able to get that bread baked for you today.”
    “Not so fast,” he said. “Maybe I can fix it.”
    He fell to his knees and surveyed the underbelly of the oven. “Has someone been messing around back here? It looks like the heating elements have been disconnected.”
    “That’s impossible.” Kate stooped to peer over his shoulder. “How could that happen?”
    Logan shrugged. “Your guess is as good as mine. Maybe it just jostled loose over time.” He popped an element into place, then another. “Try it now.”
    She turned a knob and stifled an oath. The oven began to warm almost immediately. “I’m starting to think we have a prankster afoot.”
    “Maybe one of your sisters?”
    Kate pondered a moment, and then shook her head. “The business is far too important for any of them to mess around like that. It’s our livelihood.”
    “Adam?”
    Again, she shook her head. “Too young, and we never let him back here alone. It’s far too dangerous.”
    “Just coincidence, then,” Logan agreed. “Anyway, it’s fixed. Anything else you want me to take a look at?”
    Kate shook her head. “That’s it…for now. I’ll start that bread. I’m sure glad you stopped by.”
    He reached for her hand. “Me, too.”
    She felt rough callouses on his skin, borne of hard physical work. Not only had he designed the new library, but he carefully oversaw each step, pitching in wherever he was most needed. “I should get to work.”
    “What time do your sisters come in?”
    “Mattie’s usually here by now, and Grace arrives around eight. As for Tessa, your guess is as good as mine. She comes and goes like the wind.”
    “Have one of