Page 9 of Mail-Order Avis (A Mail-Order Mystery #3)

Nine

“ O h, Reed, this is beautiful,” Avis gushed.

Reed grinned ear to ear. “I knew you’d like it. I’ve been wanting to bring you here, but there’s been no time.” He picked up a small, flat rock and skipped it across the lake’s surface. “It’s called Aubrey’s Lake.”

Avis drew in a breath and let it out slowly. “It smells good here.” She looked around, then bent and plucked a wildflower. “I wish I’d come sooner.”

She turned to him. “I’m afraid there won’t be any time for pleasantries once we open tomorrow.”

He smiled down at her. “Don’t worry. You’ll have time to come and enjoy it.” He turned toward the water. “There’s a small dock down the trail where folks can take boats out.”

“Can you fish here?” she asked.

“You could, but you won’t catch much. We haven’t stocked it, and I’m not sure how many fish are in it. I’ve never tried, just heard things.”

She nodded as she took in their surroundings.

When Samuel and Alicia first brought him here, the sight had taken his breath away.

Willow trees were naturally spaced along the lake’s edge, and large grassy areas broke up the landscape here and there.

A trail wound itself around the entire lake, and at one end stood a massive rock formation you could jump off into the water. That, Reed had tried.

“What are you smiling at?” she asked.

“I was just thinking what it must’ve been like for Samuel and Alicia when they first saw this spot.”

“Why is it called Aubrey’s Lake?”

“Because Sheriff Cole was the first one to discover it. As the story goes, he didn’t let anyone know. He thought it was his little secret. Over time, other folks found it but didn’t tell him, so for months, maybe years, he believed he was the only one who knew.”

She giggled. “Oh, that’s too much.”

“It is funny,” he agreed. Reed liked her laugh and wanted to hear it again. “Would you like to take a canoe out?”

“Could we?”

“Certainly.” He placed a hand at the small of her back and steered her toward the trail. When they reached the dock, he helped her into the canoe, got in himself, and they were off.

“This is heavenly,” Avis said with a smile. “Thank you so much for bringing me here.” She closed her eyes, breathed in the fresh air, and turned her face to the sun. “This feels good.”

“I’m glad you like it. It’s a nice place to come and relax and forget about whatever trouble you’ve had during the day.”

Her eyes sprang open. “Are you expecting trouble?”

“Not at all. I just mean if you do have a bad day, this is a great place to come. Even in winter it’s beautiful here when the lake freezes over.” He waggled his eyebrows at her.

Avis’ face broke into a wide grin. “Are you talking about skating? How wonderful! I love to skate.”

“Do you? Then we’ll have to give it a go this winter. In the meantime, we can walk around the lake, canoe, and swim.”

She gazed at a fluffy white cloud. “So all this was turned into a park. What a lovely idea.”

“The townsfolk think so,” he said. “You know, when Samuel first told me about this place, Iknewhe was using it to coax me into coming here.”

Avis gave him a lopsided smile. “Are you telling me the reverend bribed you?”

He laughed. “That’s exactly what he did. But he knew I liked the outdoors. We used to walk in the parks back in Philadelphia. After he and Alicia left, those walks were never the same. They’re very wise people, the Murrays. I’m glad you leased the café and bakery from them, Avis. I really am.”

She dipped one hand into the water and moved it in slow circles. “So am I.”

They rowed around the lake a few times, then put the canoe away and walked back to town. “Care for some lunch?” he asked as they reached the café.

Avis laughed. “Lunch would be lovely. But where do you suppose we’ll get some?”

“I have an idea.” He smiled and led her into the kitchen, and surprised her by putting on an apron.

“What, you’re going to cook?”

“I am. Is that so shocking? You should know by now I enjoy it as much as you do. It’s fun seeing people’s faces light up after they’ve tasted what you made. I’m hoping to put a smile on your face.” He disappeared into the pantry to gather supplies and headed for the icebox.

“But Reed, we don’t really have anything to make lunch for just the two of us.”

He turned, arms loaded with ingredients. “I beg to differ. Now go make yourself useful and set the table.”

She looked around the kitchen. “Which one?”

“The one in here, silly.” He rolled his eyes with mock exasperation and dumped his ingredients onto the worktable.

Avis giggled, went to one of the hutches, and began pulling out plates and silverware. As soon as the table was set, she joined him. “What are you making?”

“I’m not telling, it’s a surprise.”

“Very well. What can I do?”

“Why don’t you make some coffee or tea to go with our lunch?”

“Iced tea?”

“Yes, that would be nice.” He started to whistle as he worked, hoping she liked the sandwiches he was making. They’d served similar ones in a restaurant back in Philadelphia that his parents loved.

When he finished, he brought the platter to the table and set it down.

Avis stared at the sandwiches. “What exactly are these?”

“It’s called a Union Club. A combination of ham and turkey, among other things. I think you’ll like it.”

“Ham and turkey together? Well, isn’t that something.” She picked one up and set it on her plate. As soon as Reed said a quick blessing, they began to eat.

“My goodness,” she said. “This is good. I like how you seasoned everything.”

“Thank you. I tried to get as close as possible to the original.” He took a large bite of his sandwich, chewed, and smiled.

They ate in comfortable silence for a while, though Reed caught himself staring at Avis more than a few times.

Thankfully, she didn’t seem to notice, but he was going to have to be careful.

It wouldn’t do to be caught admiring the café’s new manager in front of customers.

Rumors would start, and who knew what kind of damage that might do?

When they were finished, he cleared the dishes and brought out a few cookies for the two of them to enjoy.

“Where have you been hiding these?” Avis asked incredulously.

He grinned. “I have a secret stash in the pantry.” He took a bite of his cookie and shook his head. “Don’t even try to find it.”

She laughed, whether at the fact he was talking with his mouth full or his hiding spot, he wasn’t sure. He was usually more gentlemanly, but around Avis, he relaxed enough to forget his manners now and then.

They ate their cookies, then looked around the kitchen.

“Well,” Avis said, “tomorrow’s the big day. I’ll see you here at six?”

“You’ll see me tonight at dinner first. But yes, tomorrow, 6 a.m. sharp.” His whole chest warmed at the thought, and Reed knew this was the beginning of trouble.

The next morning, Avis and Reed, along with Hattie and Cora Belle, gathered around the open-and-closed sign and flipped it to OPEN . The four clapped and cheered before Avis ushered them all back into the kitchen.

“Now, Cora Belle, don’t worry, you’ll be fine. Hattie, you’ll help her if you see her falter, won’t you?”

“Right away,” Hattie said.

“Are there enough menus in the stack?” Avis asked for the third time.

Hattie laughed. “Land sakes, Miss Prescott, if you don’t stop fretting, you’re going to make all of us nervous.”

“I’m sorry. I’m just so excited, and I want our first day to go well.” She wrung her hands together.

Reed reached over and took them in his. “It’s going to be fine. There’s nothing to be nervous about.”

“Easy for you to say—you’re not the one cooking today.”

“No, I’m not. But I’ve had your cooking, and it’s wonderful.”

The bell above the door rang at 8:03. Sheriff Cole, his wife Penelope, and their children stepped inside.

“Well, look at this,” he said with a wide smile. “Are we your first customers?”

“You certainly are,” Avis replied with a smile. “Come this way, and I’ll seat you.” She led them to a table, got them settled, and handed menus to Aubrey and Penelope. That done, she headed back to the kitchen. “The dining room’s all yours, Hattie.”

“I’ll take care of it,” Hattie called as she headed for the Coles’ table.

In the kitchen, Avis looked over the dishes she’d already prepared. Poor Cora Belle looked nervous as a cat. “Really, dear, you have to calm down.”

“Begging your pardon, ma’am,” she said as she fidgeted. “But I’m not sure who’s more nervous. You or me.”

Avis laughed. “Both. But like Reed said, we don’t need to be.” She glanced around. “Where did he go?”

“The office, I think,” Cora Belle said.

Avis rolled her eyes, then jumped when Hattie entered the kitchen. “Merciful heavens, you took their order already?”

“I sure did,” Hattie said with pride. “This here is our official first order.” She handed it to Avis and disappeared back into the dining room.

Cora Belle’s eyes widened. “I think I heard the bell ring again.”

“Good! More customers.” Avis smiled and got to work.

The morning flew by. Soon it was lunchtime. She hadn’t expected a large crowd, most folks would be at work on their farms or ranches, but more came than she’d anticipated. Even the Palmers, who ran the hotel, stopped in for lunch.

Avis was so busy, she hardly noticed when a dark-haired woman sauntered into the café and went to the bakery case. She looked to be in her early forties and was well-dressed.

“What a darling little place this is. Why, it smells like cinnamon and…” She leaned closer to the case. “Oh dear, a few bad decisions. I don’t see any loaves of bread.”

“I’m afraid we didn’t bake any bread for our opening,” Avis said. “Just cookies and pastries.”

“Oh, that’s too bad. Men love fresh-baked bread, you know.” She extended her hand. “I’m Lola DeWitt. I heard there was a new manager for this place and thought I’d come check it out, seeing as how I haven’t been to Fiddler’s Gap in ages .” She smiled prettily and blinked a few times.

Avis smiled back and shook her hand. “I’m glad you were able to make it in. I’m sure you’ll find something on the menu to your liking. Would you care for a table?”

“Why yes, thank you for asking.”

Avis led her to a table and watched as the woman sashayed after her.

Miss DeWitt sat and removed her gloves. Her traveling outfit was a lovely lilac, matching her hat and accessories. Avis had never seen anything so fine. “May I have a menu, please?” Miss DeWitt asked, flashing another pretty smile and blinking again. Was something in her eye?

Avis fetched a menu and brought it to the table. Lola ordered a water and some iced tea, which Avis brought herself. When she returned, Miss DeWitt eyed the iced tea. “So, you’re the new manager?”

“That’s right.”

The woman gave her a long, slow once-over. “Hmmm. Well, Ihopeyou take better care of this place than the last manager. That Mr. Penrose washorribleat business.”

Before Avis could say a word, Lola added, “I hear you’re the lucky bride. Well, well. You managed to take over a business and gain a husband all in one fell swoop. However did you do it?”

Avis’ eyes went wide. “What? I’m afraid you’re mistaken. I’m not married.”

“Oh, but youcouldbe,” Miss DeWitt drawled.

“Then again, if what I hear is true, you were stiffed when you got off the train.” She shook her head with mock sympathy.

“Isn’t it funny how some men look for wives like they’re placing catalog orders?

Reed hardly seems the type, but I guess I was wrong.

But then, I don’t recall him being the settling-down sort. ”

Before Avis could respond, Reed entered the café, having gone to check on something with Samuel. He smiled as he spotted them. “Lola. I didn’t realize you were back in town.” He gave Avis a sidelong glance, and she noticed his jaw tighten ever so slightly.

“My, my, Reed. I didn’t know I needed your permission to visit Fiddler’s Gap.”

He chuckled lightly. “You don’t, of course. I just didn’t think there was anything here that would draw your attention.”

“Isn’t this place enough?” she asked. “It’s under new management, after all. I had to come see if it would be better run than it was under the previous manager.”

“You’ll find Miss Prescott is most qualified for the job,” he said, then smiled at Avis and even winked.

Avis’ cheeks heated. She hoped Miss DeWitt wouldn’t assume something was going on between her and Reed. But then…she was his mail-order bride.

Wait a minute. Did Lola say she’dheardReed had sent away for a bride? Had he told her that? Where was this woman from? Baker City?

“I’ll have the ham on rye with the tomato soup, please,” Miss DeWitt said sweetly.

Avis blinked, gave her a curt nod, and turned on her heel, marching toward the kitchen. She wasn’t supposed to be taking orders, she was cooking, but both Cora Belle and Hattie were out serving when she stepped into the dining room.

She peeked around the kitchen door and saw Reed still speaking with Lola DeWitt. Were they friends? Acquaintances? And why did she care?

Avis ducked back inside and got to work on the order. What did it matter if Reed and the woman knew each other? She was far too busy to think about it.

So why, then, could she not shake the sharp, stinging ache of jealousy now pounding in her chest?