Grandma Hester had been gone for over a decade now.

But maybe it wasn’t too late. Sadie was here now and Renee was here now. Together they could be unstoppable.

Grandma Hester could get her bakery after all.

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty

When others complained of long, tedious workdays, Renee was the type to shrug. She enjoyed her job, especially these past few months with Dan.

Today was not one of those days. After watching Lincoln, she made it to work before Dan and then sat anxiously at her desk waiting for his arrival. Would Essie drop him off, Moe cozy in the backseat wearing a jaunty bandanna and doggy sunglasses?

Et tu, Moe?

Would Dan be wearing designer loafers and suddenly asking her to pencil in tee times at the nearby country club? She imagined the Coastal Kids Medical Group turning into an old boys’ club of sorts, with wood paneling, hunter green walls, and cigar smoke wafting through the air. She coughed.

As it turned out, Dan arrived at the office in his own vehicle, having driven himself to work. He was wearing his signature dark slacks and a crisp button-up beneath his white coat, though he did look a little tired, a bit worn. His hair was especially tousled, and he hadn’t shaved that morning.

Considering the way Renee had tossed and turned last night, she must also be looking a little lackluster. All the lavender-scented lotion in the world and the hundreds of sheep that needed counting could not summon sleep.

Dan gave her a tight smile as he approached the front desk.

“Good morning,” she said, sitting up as straight as she could. She immediately launched into overly enthusiastic questions. “How was your weekend? Did you and Essie have a fun night at the dance? Fern outdid herself with those eucalyptus wreaths—did you see them?”

As if Dan cared to discuss the greenery decor.

He nodded absently. “Essie and I had a nice enough time. She took Myles and me to her condo afterward to show off her latest renovations. I didn’t realize what a great view she has of the harbor.”

While it was worrisome Essie had invited Dan back to her place after the dance, it was encouraging that Myles had gone with them. Of course, knowing Myles, he had lit the romantic candles and turned on the jazzy music himself before discreetly slipping away.

“Could you see your boat? From Essie’s place?”

“I could.”

“Cool.” She was jealous Essie could admire Dan’s sloop from her living room chaise. Maybe he had taken her on the boat that following Sunday, and they’d enjoyed a sunny cruise.

Which he had every right to do.

Even if the thought made her feel vaguely nauseous.

“How’s your head?” he asked.

She blinked. “My head?”

“Your migraine. The one you had Saturday night?”

Right. Her migraine. She must sound like such a ditz right now.