“That is so sweet of her to worry about me when she has so much going on in her own life.”

“She’s worried about the Spring Fling.”

Hannah nodded. “The festival is popular with young and old alike.”

He arched a brow as the wheels in his mind started to turn. “You seem to know a lot about it.”

She nodded. “I should. I’ve been attending all of my life. It’s a Bluestar tradition. If you’re still in town, you should check it out.”

He shifted his weight from one foot to the other. “I’ll be doing more than that.”

Hannah’s fine brows drew together. “I don’t understand.”

“My aunt is all worked up and insisting on coming home against the doctor’s advice because she’s in charge of organizing Spring Fling.” He hadn’t meant to tell Hannah all of this and yet the words kept rolling out of his mouth. “She can’t come home yet. She isn’t ready.” He shifted his weight once more. “So I made her a deal. If she stays at physical rehab, I’d take over organizing Spring Fling.”

“That’s so sweet of you.” Hannah beamed at him with an approving smile. And then the smiled slipped from her face. “You don’t look happy. Didn’t Birdie agree to the deal?”

“It’s not that. She agreed.”

“But there’s another problem?”

He shook his head. “Don’t worry about it. You don’t want to hear about my problems—”

“I’m happy to listen. It’d be nice to focus on something besides my own troubles.”

His gaze met hers. “I had a look at the tentative plans for the festival, and it’s a lot more involved than I ever imagined.”

Hannah gave a nod of understanding. “Sounds like you have some learning to do.”

He raked his fingers through his hair. “Tell me about it.”

“I can try and answer your questions.”

He liked the idea of turning to her—for answers about the festival, of course. “You might be sorry you made the offer.”

“May I have your phone.”

He readily handed it over. Her finger moved rapidly over the screen. In no time, she was returning it to him.

“Now you have my number. Feel free to call me any time.”

If this were another place and another time, he might have taken her invitation in a more personal way. “Thanks. I’ll keep it in mind.”

“I should be going. I have some errands before I decorate a birthday cake.”

“It’s your birthday?” If it was, he’d insist they go out to celebrate.

She shook her head. “No. It’s for a client.”

“Oh, I see.” He couldn’t deny that he was a bit disappointed. He didn’t want her to go. Not yet. But in order to get her to stay, he had to think of something to say. “How are things going with the bakery?”

Her eyes widened as though she’d just remembered something important. “I’ve been meaning to thank you. I really appreciate all you did to keep me safe and saving the building from further damage.”