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Would he?

“What the doctor say?” Luke asked, once again proving how small Laurel Creek was.

“That I need to change my eating habits and that I worked my chest muscles to hard.” Tobias replied. “Guess I’m not going to die yet.”

They continued in silence until arriving at the stables. Once the horses were brushed down and loosed into the corral, they walked toward the house.

Luke went to his truck and looked at his phone. “I’m going to pick up a few things for dinner. Leah wants you to come over.”

“Yeah. Okay.” Leah seemed to be the only one who accepted Mimi, so he welcomed the time over at Luke and Leah’s house.

From inside thecoffee shop Mindy’s heart skipped a beat whenever Eric came into view through the front windows. He walked across the street heading to the shop. So much had gone wrong in the last year that to have a bright spot was something she relished. It was hard to keep negative thoughts at bay and accept that, for once, something wonderful was happening.

The bell over the door jingled and she looked up with a bright smile, only to allow it to dim when noting it wasn’t Eric, but an older couple who lived outside of town. “Hello Mr. and Mrs. Barnes. Haven’t seen you in a while.”

The woman neared the counter. “I have a doctor’s appointment and convinced Gordon to come early so I could come here and then stop over at the flower shop.”

“What a good idea. It’s always fun to walk around this street. Did you see the new gift shop that just opened?”

Something about Mr. Barnes’ expression made Mindy stop talking and take a closer look at Mrs. Barnes. She was especially pale.

“Are you feeling all right?”

The woman’s warm smile was endearing. “As well as can be expected. Today, I find out how many rounds of chemo I have to go through. Gordon is worried, but I’m not. I have faith it will all work out just fine.”

“Of course it will,” Mindy said with a firm nod. “Coffee and muffins are on me. Let’s start off the day with a gift.”

The couple placed their orders and sat by the window. Moments later, they were laughing about something and Mindy couldn’t help but smile. Teresa and Gordon Barnes had been together as long as she could remember. Mrs. Barnes had taught elementary school and he’d been everyone’s dentist. They were the best example of a wonderful marriage.

She let out a sigh.

“Good morning.” Eric’s deep voice cut through her like a hot knife into butter and her knees weakened. She glanced up at him.

Tall, broad-shouldered and in uniform, he was definitely eye candy. His hazel gaze moved over her, but he didn’t meet hers.

“I didn’t realize you’d arrived. How are things in town this morning? Is Laurel Creek safe and protected?” She was babbling.

There was a slight lift to the corners of his mouth. He nodded and reached for the refilled travel mug that her helper handed to him. “Yep, all is safe and well.” He didn’t seem particularly happy to see her, nor did he act his usual flirty way.

Mindy touched his sleeve. “Is everything all right with you?”

“Couldn’t be better.” Eric met her gaze for a beat, then turned and walked out. That was also not like him. He usually found excuses to linger. Something was definitely wrong.

They’d been on three dates so far. Hadn’t slept together yet, but the last date things had gotten especially steamy. Could it be that he was upset that she’d put a stop to things? She blew out a breath. Actually, it had been him who’d pulled away. He’d gotten a radio call or something. So their lack of intimacy wasn’t it. Whatever it was, she’d have to find out.

Allison strolled in with a vase of flowers in hand. There was an “Enchanted Garden” card sticking out the top. “Hey, there. Got something for you.” She grinned at Mindy. “It’s from me. Advertisement.”

Of course. She’d held her breath for a moment thinking they were from Eric. “I was hoping you’d realize your true feelings for me. No need to make excuses.”

Allison giggled. “You see right through me.” She looked around. “Where should I put them for the most visibility?”

“What about the table there?” Mindy motioned a table just inside the door. It was decorated and staged to look like a meal. It had a cup and plate on which there was a folded napkin across it. There was a small chalkboard with the special coffee flavor of the day. Allison rearranged everything, adding the small vase, and automatically it looked especially beautiful.

“You have such a touch with things,” Mindy told her. “I have something to ask.” She tugged her friend just outside the front door.

Mindy looked up and down the street to ensure that she would not be overheard. If one was going to be neurotic, it was best not to have witnesses. “Has Taylor said anything about Eric? He’s acting strange.”

Allison’s eyes widened. “Strange like what? I thought you said your last date was fantastic.”

“He barely said a word to me just a bit ago when he came in for coffee. Then he left. He never just leaves. He normally lingers for a bit and kisses me.”

Allison frowned. “No idea what that’s about. But I promise to interrogate my man and report back.”

Biting her bottom lip, Mindy couldn’t help but worry. “Find out what you can, please, but don’t make a big deal about it. It may just be me being paranoid.”

“You’re the sanest person I know. If you sense something wrong, that’s because something is up with him.” Allison pushed a stray strand away from her face. “Then again, they are in the type of job that brings all kinds of stress.”

Allison walked across the street back to her flower shop with the usual flair of a self-assured woman. Mindy lowered to a wooden bench she kept just outside her shop. It was a nice day, the sun shining brightly and the breeze was just enough.

Why did she feel so off? She had to not put so much stock in a man’s attitude. It could be that perhaps Eric was just having a bad day.