He had become a regular at The Lighthouse Café for breakfast. So much so that when they saw him come through the door, they started his order. He even had a regular seat at the counter. And if that wasn’t enough, he was co-coordinating Spring Fling. And now the ink was drying on the papers making him an official Bluestar firefighter. He didn’t even recognize his life anymore.

When he stepped inside the bakery, he was surprised to find Hannah sitting in the middle of the showroom floor. “What are you up to?”

She scurried to her feet and brushed off her jeans. “I was just trying to envision this place as something more than it is now.”

Ethan released Peaches from her leash, and she went to curl up in the bed he’d made for her. “And what do you think?”

Hannah’s face lit up as her eyes reflected her anticipation. “That I can’t wait until it’s finished.”

“It’s not going to happen overnight, but it’s getting there little by little.”

She shoved up the sleeves of her long-sleeve T-shirt with Bluestar 5K emblazed over the front. “And I’m here to help.”

His eyes widened. “Are you sure?”

She nodded. Then she bent over to pick up a white pastry box. “And I brought breakfast.”

“Breakfast?” He smiled. It seemed there wouldn’t be a need for him to visit the café that morning.

She stepped up to him and opened the lid, revealing two big muffins with a crumble topping. Immediately his mouth watered.

“Are both of those for me?” he asked.

She laughed. “I thought we’d share. But if you want them both, that’s fine. I have more upstairs.”

“What are they?”

“Blueberry crumble muffins. I hope you like them.”

“I’m sure I will.”

If she kept baking for him, he’d never want to leave. When his gaze shifted from the sweet treat to her, he found her smiling at him. It filled his chest with a warm fuzzy sensation. Oh yeah, it was going to be hard to leave when the time came.

Chapter Fourteen

What was it like to live in a grand estate?

Hannah pondered the possibilities.

Early Saturday morning, the sun’s rays shined down over the earth, making the dew glisten like fine jewels. If she didn’t know better, she’d say the owners of this sprawling estate had strategically placed crystals throughout their manicured lawn to have this dazzling effect.

Yet, the morning’s beauty couldn’t compare to the excitement Hannah felt at being a guest here at this grand estate. When Ethan had first mentioned a sale, she’d thought he meant a yard sale. This was definitely not a yard sale.

In the center of the perfectly green carpet of grass was a slight grade and at the top sat a white stately mansion, which looked as though it had been around for centuries. Each of its many windows were adorned with black shutters. Behind its towering columns stood double red doors that beckoned to her.