Temptation Trails (The Haven Brothers #3)

The server came with my soup and set it in front of me. “That’s hot, so you might want to give it a minute. Do you two need menus?”

“Yes, please,” Marigold said with a smile.

She brought menus for Marigold and Audrey as I idly stirred my soup, not sure I liked the way it smelled. They perused the menus for a few minutes until the server came back.

“Do you need more time, or are you ready to order?” she asked.

“I’m ready,” Marigold said. “Harper’s soup looks good. I’ll have a bowl and a side salad with the huckleberry vinaigrette.”

The server wrote down Marigold’s order and turned to Audrey. “And what can I get started for you?”

“I’ll have the chop salad with chicken. And a side of waffle fries.”

Marigold laughed softly.

“What?” Audrey asked as she handed the server her menu. “It’s called balance.”

“Waffle fries do sound good,” I said.

“I’ll share if you want some.”

“Thanks.” I blew on a spoonful of soup and tried a sip. It probably wasn’t bad, objectively speaking, but somehow, it wasn’t doing it for me.

Apparently I’d really wanted that chicken noodle.

“So how are things at Angel Cakes?” Marigold asked.

“Good. Busy, which is great. I appreciate the job security.”

“I hear that,” Audrey said.

“What do you do?”

“I work for the local newspaper, the Tilikum Tribune. I know, you’re probably thinking, wait, newspapers still exist? Amazingly enough, ours does.”

“That’s because you’re brilliant and full of good ideas,” Marigold said.

“You’re so encouraging,” Audrey said, leaning her head on Marigold’s shoulder. “Everyone needs a Mari in her life.”

Marigold smiled and gave her a side hug. “Thank you.”

Watching them share a brief sister-in-law moment—one so clearly filled with love—made my heart ache. I thought about my recent conversation with Holly. She was definitely not the encouraging type.

But what if—

No. I needed to stop that kind of thinking. I hadn’t been seeing Garrett long enough to think about what it might be like to join his family.

But sugar cookies, having Audrey and Marigold as sisters-in-law? Could you blame me for the tug of longing? I’d liked Marigold from the first time we’d met. And I’d known Audrey for all of five minutes, and I wanted to be her best friend so bad I was about to suggest we all get matching T-shirts.

That said Haven on the back, like jerseys.

Thankfully, I had to stifle a yawn before I could actually verbalize that awkward idea.

“Are you okay?” Marigold asked. The concern in her expression was back.

“Yeah, just tired today.” I paused, because that wasn’t quite accurate. “Actually, I’ve been tired for the last week or so. It’s weird. At first I thought I was coming down with something, but I feel fine. Just like I’m not sleeping well, except I am.”

“Is it your schedule at the bakery?” Audrey asked. “You must be up early.”