“It was just two old friends spending an evening together, Mary-Lou. I’m not looking for a relationship, and I doubt he is, either.” And that, she thought, was just one of the many reasons the evening had been so perfect. Neither of them had expected anything of the other. There was no pressure. They’d simply enjoyed each other’s company in the moment and this morning he’d returned to his place.

Where was he now? Probably serving customers with a smile that might be just a little less wide this morning on account of the fact he’d had less than three hours sleep, something he’d pointed out when he’d pulled her into the shower with him that morning.

Was he thinking about her?

Mary-Lou raised an eyebrow. “Seeing an old friend doesn’t usually make me glow the way you’re glowing, but sure, let’s pretend that’s what this is if it makes you more comfortable. We’ll see how that works out. Now what can I help you with this morning? You’re looking for books on relationships? One just came in yesterday, First Love, Second Chance.”

“Seriously?”

“No, I was kidding.” Mary-Lou raised her hands. “Sorry. You came in here for something, and probably not to give me the chance to tease you.”

Joanna smiled. It had been so long since anyone had teased her in a friendly fashion. So long since she’d felt this comfortable with the people around her. “I want to buy books for Ashley’s baby.”

Mary-Lou stared at her. “The baby she’s carrying? Not that I know much about child development, but it will be a while before it’s reading.”

“My earliest memory was of my dad reading to me. I was on his lap on the porch of Otter’s Nest and I remember the sound of his voice, and the excitement as he turned the pages, and the feeling that this was an adventure we were taking together.”

Mary-Lou sniffed. “He was a good man, your dad. We all miss him. Now let’s find you some books.”

“I want to make her a library. It’s my gift to her.” She was going to clear the bookshelves in the second guest bedroom and turn it into a nursery. Even if Ashley wanted to move to a place of her own, it would be somewhere that could be hers and the baby’s when they came to visit.

“She’s lucky to have you in her corner.”

Joanna thought about Ashley’s spirit and patience. “I’m the lucky one.”

“Maybe. She was out with Eden last night. The two of them laughing so hard into their ice cream sundaes that everyone in the place was smiling, too. Do you know which books you want, or are you browsing?”

Joanna pulled out her list. “I have ideas, but suggestions are always welcome.”