“So you didn’t take the ferry this morning with Hannah?”

“Well, yes but—”

“And you didn’t spend the day with her?”

“Yes but—”

“And did you enjoy your time together?”

“Yes but—”

“Then it sounds like a date to me.”

“But it was work. I mean we went to an estate sale together to find things for the bakery.”

“And?” Greg arched a brow.

“And…it wasn’t a date.”

“What is a date?”

“You know.” Why was Greg being so difficult? He’d expect this from one of Hannah’s girlfriends but he hadn’t expected it from Greg. “Dates are dinner and a movie and that kind of stuff.”

“I don’t know. I kind of think a date is spending time together and enjoying yourselves. And that sounds like it’s what you and Hannah shared today.”

It was true. They had had a great time. It was so good he wouldn’t mind doing it again. But was it the beginning of something? He wasn’t so sure about that. And he wasn’t ready to examine it too closely right now because his life felt like one big question mark.

“Anyway”—Greg’s voice interrupted his thoughts—“I just wanted to let you know that my offer still stands to help out at the bakery. If you can show me what to do, I can do it. In fact, the whole fire department wants to help out. Between you and me, I think they’re anxious to get the bakery open so they can get some more of Hannah’s cupcakes on a regular basis.”

“Thanks. I’ll let you know if I need the help.” He appreciated the offer, but he felt like he was cheating on his agreement with Hannah if he was to take outside help. After all, she was doing most of the Spring Fling plans on her own. But he tucked the offer in the back of his mind.

His thoughts turned to Hannah. He wondered how the shower was going. She sure looked radiant tonight. He wanted to rush back to the bakery in the hopes of running into her again, but that would be rude to his new friend, and besides he’d see her tomorrow. Why did that seem so far away now?

Chapter Seventeen

Lunch at the farm.

An unexpected invitation.

After the debacle at the auction, Ethan had been worried that he’d permanently messed things up with Hannah. But then she’d surprised him by accepting his apology. Mary had never been that quick at forgiving him.

And then this morning, Hannah had surprised him with an invitation to join her at her brother’s farm to meet the baby goat and have lunch. He didn’t have the time with so much to do at the bakery, but when he opened his mouth, he uttered his agreement.

Pre-accident him never would have agreed to a leisurely morning and lunch when there was so much work awaiting him. Mary used to accuse him of being a workaholic. He’d denied it. To him a workaholic was someone who constantly found things to do. He didn’t seek out his obligations; they’d somehow always found him.