Temptation Trails (The Haven Brothers #3)

I let out an awkward laugh. “A booth is great, thank you.”

She led me to a booth and set the menu on the table. I slid into the bench seat and fixed my low ponytail, but didn’t even look at the menu, already excited about the soup I was suddenly craving.

A few moments later, the server came to take my order.

“What can I get you?” she asked.

“Chicken noodle soup would be great.”

“I’m sorry, we’re out. We have a lentil soup or lemon chicken and rice.”

My shoulders slumped a little. I’d really been looking forward to the chicken noodle. Bad luck strikes again.

“The chicken and rice is fine. And just water to drink.”

She smiled. “I’ll get that going for you.”

“Thanks.”

With a deep breath, I leaned back against the cushion. My eyes felt heavy again. It was so strange. I’d been working in bakeries for years. I was accustomed to the hours. Sure, I woke up early and was at the bakery by four—basically the middle of the night for most people—but I went to bed super early to make up for it. And I’d been living that way for so long, it didn’t bother me at all. Why did I suddenly feel like I wasn’t getting enough sleep?

The hum of activity in the restaurant was oddly soothing. The scent of food, the clink of dishes, the low buzz of conversation. I found myself staring at nothing, my head resting against the cushion. The booths in the Copper Kettle were awfully comfortable.

I wondered what Garrett was doing.

“Harper?”

The female voice startled me, and I opened my eyes.

Wait, when did I close my eyes? Sugar cookies, I’d fallen asleep.

I blinked a couple of times and Marigold Haven’s face came into focus. She stood at the side of the booth in a lavender flutter-sleeve blouse with a cream-colored skirt, and she smiled at me with concern in her eyes.

“Hi. Oh my gosh, were my eyes closed?”

She nodded. “Sorry to bother you. We noticed you sitting here when we came in and I thought I should make sure you’re okay.”

Another woman stood next to her, dressed in a white blouse and gray pencil skirt. She had long brown hair in a ponytail and the friendliest smile.

“This is my sister-in-law, Audrey,” Marigold said. “Have you met?”

“I don’t think so,” I said. “I’m Harper Tilburn.”

“Audrey Haven,” she said. “I’m married to Josiah, one of Garrett’s brothers. It’s so nice to finally meet you. I keep thinking I should stop at Angel Cakes sometime and say hello, but I didn’t want to make it weird.”

“Why would that be weird?” Marigold asked.

“I don’t know. I’m good at making things weird.”

“Me too.” I liked her already. “Do you want to join me?”

“Do you mind?” Marigold asked.

“Not at all. I’d love the company.”

The two of them slid onto the seat across from me.

“This is so serendipitous,” Marigold said. “Audrey texted to see if I could get away for lunch today, and here you are.”