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With Luke shrieking with delight and Jessie barking around their feet, Hayden walked toward the kitchen. “Let’s see what kind of ice cream Isabella has for us in the fridge.”

He had a son to look after. There was no time for lusting after a gorgeous blonde with blue eyes and soft skin and the most kissable mouth…

Damn, this wasn’t helping.

Chapter Eight

Tuesday night inEllie’s Yarn Cove was a loud and lively affair. Annie, her sister, Vivian, their sister-in-law, Riley, and the O’Sullivans’ aunt, Janice, were all there. And Maria, Laura’s colleague from school, also showed up.

When Laura had picked up Arlene, a smiling Willow also got into her car. Turned out, Annie had wandered into the yarn shop the previous day, heard about the book club, and brought the women in her family along.

Apart from a soft, “I’ve heard about Saturday night,” Ellie hadn’t mentioned Laura’s date with Becket again.

In between gossiping and talking about yarn, they talked about possible books they’d want to discuss. Jane Austen’s books were mentioned and Ellie, who seemed to know everything about all things Austen, gave them some interesting background detail.Pride and Prejudicewould be the first book they’d discuss.Middlemarchwould be a project for later in the year.

“Oh, I love this!” Ellie said as they all got up at the end of the evening. “I’ve so enjoyed tonight.”

“I can talk books all day long. Since I’ve discovered audiobooks, I can bake and listen to stories at the same time,” Annie added with a grin.

“Thanks for all the interesting background information, Ellie,” Vivian said, and they packed up their knitting and moved toward the door. “I, for one, am happy I wasn’t born during the late 1700s. I can’t imagine not having the freedom to choose whom I want to marry or what I want to do with my life.”

“Getting married was just about the only option for women back then,” Janice added. “Not because you loved someone, but because your father or brother decided it for you. I’m very glad that has changed.”

Ellie grinned, opening the door. “I’m happy that I have the choice to not get married. After my last relationship…” She visibly shuddered. “Let’s just say I prefer being on my own.”

“See, Mom?” Willow laughed. “I’m not the only one who isn’t interested in love and marriage.”

“Until the right person comes along.” Annie laughed. “I’m telling you, there is something about this town…”

“I’ve warned Laura,” Vivian said.

“Don’t make the same mistake I did,” Janice said. “Don’t let love pass you by. Life is so very short. Will we see all of you at the Winter ball?”

“Yes, we’re all going,” Arlene said. “Cooper is taking Laura.”

Ellie frowned. “Cooper? But didn’t you go on a date with…Becket, was it?”

“And she kissed Hayden.” Willow grinned.

Maria smiled. “I’ve been trying to get more details out of her at school about the kissing everyone is talking about, but she just clams up.”

Janice’s eyes were twinkling as she looked at Laura. “Oh, I’m so glad to hear that. I love hearing about romance and kissing.”

“No romance. We are all just friends,” Laura said quickly. “Are you going to the dance, Ellie?” Time to change the topic.

Groaning, Ellie shook her head. “Oh, please, no! I can’t think of a worse way to spend an evening. I have a new book and new yarn—so I have everything that makes me happy.”

Janice gave Ellie a hug. “I can predict that, sooner or later, you’re going to lose your heart to someone in Marietta. I do believe in the magic of Copper Mountain.”

Riley groaned. “Seriously, Aunt Janice, I thought you were done with matchmaking.”

“I’m just saying,” Janice said innocently.

Vivian took her arm. “Yeah, right. Let’s get you home before you start meddling in other people’s lives.”

Laughing, they all left.

Driving back to drop off Willow and her mother, Laura was quiet, thinking of Janice’s words: Don’t let love pass you by.