Page 122 of The Strawberry Patch Pancake House

And in between dredging chicken in his secret bread crumb mixture and pan frying them and chopping veggies for Olive to dip in copious amounts of ranch dressing (another compromise), Archer paused to look at the woman he loved loving his daughter, and he could hardly believe he was the same person who landed here a few months ago. That guy had wanted to return to his old life as quickly as possible. He wanted to go back to the grueling hours and that cramped apartment and those toxic relationships. Archer didn’t feel an ounce of regret for the job he’d lost or the apartment he’d given away.

As he watched Iris’s fair head tilt toward Olive’s brunette one, he couldn’t help but feel sorry for his old self. That guy that wanted nothing more but to work himself to the bone, to spend countless hours striving for perfection in kitchens around the world, kitchens that were slowly draining him of the joy and fun of cooking.

When all he really needed to do was to perfect his chicken-nugget recipe and feed it to the people he loved most in the world.

‘Is it ready?’ Olive asked.

‘It’s ready.’ Archer carried their plates to the dining room and the girls followed him.Hisgirls.

Olive immediately dug in, but Iris caught his eye across the table. She was glowing.

‘I think you’re the best chef in the world, Dad,’ Olive said between bites.

Iris grinned. ‘I agree. Nuggets and pancakes. What more do we need?’

Archer smiled back. This food with these people. He didn’t need anything else.

ChapterThirty-Eight

Iris stood in front of the diner looking up at the new sign. It was still covered with a white tarp, waiting for the big unveiling. The building itself had been painted a bright red and strawberry bunting hung from the roof. Everything looked adorable, but other than the new exterior, Archer had been very quiet about the other secret changes. And against all odds, somehow even Olive was keeping the secret. Iris had moved back into Archer’s house, ortheirhouse as she was practicing thinking about it, a week ago, and she’d swear this kid had done nothing but talk to her since she got there.

Not that she minded. She loved being caught up on all that she’d missed. She was still anxious about the next steps headed her way, but between Olive’s attention during the day and Archer’s attention at night, Iris felt more loved than she had in a long time. It made her feel less terrified, especially when Archer told her he was scared, too, but promised they’d figure it all out together.

But despite all the love and attention the two of them had been showering her with, they had still managed to keep the big diner overhaul secrets to themselves. So now Iris was standing on the front sidewalk with the other Dream Harbor residents milling around and waiting for the unveiling, just as in the dark as they were.

‘Hey!’ Kira said, draping an arm over Iris’s shoulders. ‘This is a lot of fanfare for a diner.’

Iris laughed. ‘I know.’

‘This town…’ Kira shook her head, but her smile gave away how much she loved this quirky place.

‘Oh, you love it. And it’s this type of enthusiasm that will only help when you get that barn fixed up and ready for events.’

‘I know!’ Kira was nearly vibrating with excitement. ‘I forgot to tell you! I booked my first event.’

‘You did? Who?’

Kira leaned closer and whispered in her ear. ‘A certain farmer and a certain café owner are getting married at Christmas time, and we’re hosting!’

‘Really?’ Iris turned to face her friend and Kira grinned.

‘Yep.’

‘That’s amazing.’

‘I know! Sure to be the social event of the season.’ A frown crossed Kira’s face. ‘Now I just have a million things to do to get ready before then.’

Iris patted her friend’s shoulder. ‘It was very bold of Jeanie to book a venue with no roof.’

‘Shh!’ Kira glanced around wildly at the crowd surrounding them. ‘It’s a secret, and you know how these people talk.’

‘I sure do.’ The news that Iris had moved back in with Archer and that she’d been eating suspicious amounts of saltine crackers had already spread across town. She ran a hand over her lower belly, even though there was barely a bump there. Let them talk. She’d let everyone know when she was ready.

‘How are you feeling?’ Kira whispered.

‘Much better lately.’

‘Good.’