At Zach’s prompt, she rejoined him at the counter. “I think I will add to my order.” She perused the contents of the glass pastry case. “I’ll take a piece of cranberry nut cake and a lavender shortbread cookie.”

He grinned and reached behind him for a waxed bag. “You must be in a splurge mood today.”

“They’re not both for me.”

“I wouldn’t hold it against you if they were. Everyone deserves to indulge once in a while.” He deposited the goodies in the bag and set it on the counter too. “Anything else?”

“What’s your most popular drink?”

“The caramel latte and classic Americano are neck and neck.”

“Give me a caramel latte.” Perhaps a sugary drink would help sweeten up that young woman’s life.

“You got it.” Zach set about preparing the drink while Beth retreated to the window again.

The woman hadn’t budged, thank heaven. Otherwise this impetuous act of kindness would be a bust.

As Zach fitted the cups into a carrying tray and deposited the bag in the middle, Beth returned to the counter and extracted her credit card. She tried to keep the bench in sight, but several people queued up behind her, blocking the view.

“You’re all set.” Zach tapped the chip reader.

She inserted the card, waited for the prompt to remove it, and picked up her order. “Thanks. I hope you have a great day.”

“You too. I know for a fact that the caramel latte and sweet treats you ordered will give some lucky person’s day a boost.” He motioned toward the tray.

“I hope so.”

She edged past the crowd and pushed through the door, fighting off a sudden attack of doubts as she hurried across Main Street. Yes, her intentions were benevolent—but she wasn’t the impulsive type. Nor was she in the habit of initiating contact with strangers. Unlike her husband, Steve, who chatted up anyone who crossed his path, she tended to wait for other people to initiate conversation. She and her husband were on opposite ends of the introvert/extrovert scale.

Which made today’s behavior totally against type. What in the world had prompted her to venture outside her comfort zone?

Beth stepped up onto the curb and gave the woman another assessment. No one else passing by was paying any special attention to her. Nor did they appear to feel any compulsion to let her know someone cared.

So why did she?

The answer eluded her.

Besides, any normal person would have every right to be suspicious if a stranger approached bearing coffee and sweets. The world today was filled with craziness. What if she—

“Morning, Beth.”

She swung toward Harbor Street. Charley lifted a hand in greeting as he strolled toward her from the direction of the wharf.

“Good morning.”