Abigail anticipated a busy morning so she asked Yolanda and Doug to show up at five-thirty to prep the shop. Yolanda was right on time, her dark hair tucked into a neat bun, her white blouse and dark slacks crisp and clean. Abigail thanked her for making the effort.

“No problem! This coffee thing is a great idea. I—oh, here comes Doug. Gee, he’s only like, two minutes late, which is amazing, considering.”

Abigail laughed. “Sure is. Hey, Doug! Thanks for getting here so early.”

“You bet.” He shrugged out of his coat. His blond hair was wet, his shirt was wrinkled and the hem of his jeans looked as if he’d plowed through snowdrifts on his way to the shop. “I’m excited about this coffee deal. So are my friends. They’ll be in.”

“That’s great. Thanks.”

“I can’t wait until Ingrid trains me to be a barista.” He snapped his fingers in the air as if he had castanets. “Love the concept.”

Abigail laughed. “Good.”

“This is the best job I ever had and it’s getting even better.”

Yolanda nodded. “I so agree.”

“Me, too!” Ingrid called from over by the coffee machine.

A knock came at the front door and Doug glanced toward it. “Holy crap! What’s that?”

“Has to be one of the Whine and Cheese ladies, but I can’t tell which one.” She hurried to the door.

Someone stood outside in a red parka, red mittens and red ski pants. The shape was female but the parka’s hood covered her hair and she’d drawn big lipstick hearts on each cheek. A giant heart sprouted from the top of her head, secured by a plastic headband jammed over the hood.

Abigail peered at the person’s eyes. McGavin blue. “Kendra?”

“Yes, ma’am!”

“Great outfit.”

“Isn’t it? I would’ve sewn white lace on the parka but it’s not mine. I borrowed it from Luke’s mom.”

“I’ve seen Virginia in that.”

“Me, too, which is why I thought to ask if I could borrow it. And the pants.” She glanced back toward the street. “Let me get the others. They didn’t want to climb out until the door was open. Wusses.” She beckoned to the occupants of a white van with a Wild Creek Ranch logo on the door.

The van door slid back and four women carefully eased out. Three of them wore pink coffee cups with holes cut out for their arms, legs, and faces.

Once they came inside and the staff gathered to admire the costumes, Kendra explained that Judy was small, Deidre was medium and Christine was large. The cups bore sayings like I love you a latte and Espresso your feelings.

Jo was a giant coffee bean covered in lacy valentines and the slogan I’ve always bean yours.

Doug grinned. “Awesome creativity. You ladies are cool.”

“Wonderful costumes,” Yolanda said. “But they don’t look very warm.”

“Never fear,” Deidre said. “We have on thermal underwear.”

“And I have a hat.” Judy pulled on one with earflaps. She’d attached a cardboard disk to the top and piled it with cotton. “Whipped cream.”

“Not bad,” Deidre said, “but I have steam.” The white crepe paper streamers attached to her knit hat came alive and danced in the air above her head.

Judy stared at the fluttering streamers. “How’d you do that?”

“Professional secret.”

“Now I feel lame,” Christine said. “I didn’t embellish the top of my cup.”

“Hang on, hang on,” Ingrid said. “We still have the white packing paper this beauteous coffee machine was shipped in. Let me get it.” She came back with an armful of the wrinkled paper and stapled it around the rim of Christine’s cup. “There you go. Foam.”

“Excellent. Thanks.”

The bell on the front door jingled and Ellie Mae Stockton, the eighty-something clerk from Pills and Pop walked in. “What in the name of all that’s holy is going on here?”

“Hi, Ellie Mae.” Abigail smiled at her. “These lovely ladies have offered to take turns standing on the sidewalk with a bullhorn to bring in customers.”

Ellie Mae glanced around. “Damn, wish I’d known you were doing that. I could’ve rigged up some outfit or other. And there’s nothing I like better than using a bullhorn. Takes me back.”

Doug perked up. “Yeah? To what?”

“Crowd control in Hollywood, sonny boy. Loved that job. The idea is to keep a large crowd from turning into an unruly mob. Once that happens, it’s almost impossible to restore order.”

“We don’t want an unruly mob,” Deidre said. “Any tips?”

“You won’t have an unruly mob in Eagles Nest. Folks around here don’t panic easily. But I would love to get my hands on that bullhorn.”

“Then you should kick this thing off.” Christine handed it to her. “It’s six o’clock. Let’s rock and roll!”

“Yee-haw!” Ellie Mae took the bullhorn and headed outside. In seconds, she was back. “I forgot to ask. What am I supposed to say, Abigail?”

“Just sell the product. Things like Wake up your taste buds! Tired of the same old grind? Hankering for a better morning joe? One sip and you’ll be hooked! Like that.”

Ellie Mae nodded. “How about Get your butt in here or you’ll regret it?”

Doug snorted.

“That works, too.” She walked over and laid her hand on Ellie Mae’s arm. “You have the bullhorn. Use it as you see fit.”

“Oh, boy.” Ellie Mae grinned. “This’ll be fun. Eagles Nest, here I come!” She sailed out the door.

Abigail stared after her. “I hope turning her loose wasn’t a mistake.”

Kendra started to laugh. “You already have a shop full of middle-aged women in gonzo costumes. How much crazier can it get?”

Brakes screeched outside, followed by a shouting match. One of the participants sounded like Ellie Mae.

Barreling out the door, Abigail found her in the street nose-to-nose with an elderly man. His fifties Chevy sat there, engine idling and driver’s door standing open.

“I don’t care how great the coffee is, Ellie Mae!” the man yelled. “You can’t stand in the middle of the street hollering at folks!”

“He’s right, Ellie Mae.” Abigail put her arm around the woman’s shoulders. “You’ll have to stay on the sidewalk.” She glanced at the irate driver. “Sorry, sir.”

The man muttered something under his breath and got back in his car.

“He should have paid attention when I hailed him on the bullhorn,” Ellie Mae said. “He ignored me. Didn’t turn his head or wave. No acknowledgment whatsoever. And we used to date, too. That stuck in my craw.”

“I can tell.” Abigail gave her a squeeze. “Promise me you’ll stay on the sidewalk, okay?”

She sighed. “I will, but it won’t be as much fun.”

“Want to trade off with somebody? I’m sure Kendra or Deidre would—”

“No, I want to stay out here for a bit. It might not be as much fun, but it’ll still be fun.”

“Okay then.” Shivering, she hurried back inside where everyone was peering out the window watching the action. “She’s promised to stay out of the street.”

“Good,” Kendra said. “But I can’t imagine what made her think she could go out there in the first place.”

“An old flame came by and ignored her when she called to him on the bullhorn.”

Doug just about killed himself laughing until Yolanda reminded him they had work to do and hauled him back behind the counter to get started.

“I understand why she’d be upset,” Deidre said. “But we’re here to help the cause, not fight with old lovers.”

Kendra gave her a light punch on the arm. “So we can count on you to stay out of the street if one of your old lovers ignores you?”

“Ha! They wouldn’t dare. But what should we do while Ellie Mae’s out there flagging down customers?”

“Drink coffee?” Ingrid stood by her precious machine looking eager.

Kendra slapped her forehead and almost dislodged her giant heart. “Duh! Yes, please!”

“I might take my coffee for a stroll,” Deidre said. “These thermals are heating up my girls.”

“Mine, too,” Christine said. “Since Ellie Mae has the bullhorn, what if the rest of us walk around town drinking coffee and spreading the word?”

“I’m so videoing that.” Kendra brought out her phone. “It’s not every day you see three pink coffee cups parading down Main Street.”

* * *

Luke got to see the whole show, although he didn’t stop at Pie in the Sky. He had Delilah in the truck and the bakery was a zoo. That was great, though. A line out the door, Ellie Mae Stockton wielding the bullhorn like a film director, and three coffee cups sashaying up and down Main Street accompanied by a giant coffee bean.

He figured Kendra was the one wearing the big heart over her head and taking the video. That red parka and ski pants looked familiar. Either she had the exact same set or his mom had loaned out hers.

He had an early appointment with the owner of the feed store. For years, the guy had kept track of inventory old school and was ready to computerize. He didn’t mind if Luke brought Delilah to the meeting.

That was convenient, because Kendra wasn’t available to dog-sit this morning. Luke didn’t want to take advantage of her generous nature, either. Fortunately, most of his clients were fine with him bringing Delilah. Some seemed happier to see the dog than they were to see him.

The meeting went long, nearly two hours. When it was over, the mob scene at Pie in the Sky had calmed considerably. The Whine and Cheese ladies had left and there was no line outside.

Luke figured he could stop by and take Delilah in without causing a problem. He even found a parking space in front. Leaving his hat on the dash, he clipped the leash on Delilah’s collar and made sure she didn’t step in any puddles before he took her inside.

The bakery was still humming with activity. This was his first glimpse of the two younger employees, Yolanda and Doug. They were clearly earning their wages today. They appeared tired but happy.

Ingrid looked completely exhausted, but she gave him a bright smile when he came in. “There’s the man of the hour!”

“Oh, I’m not—”

“The heck you aren’t. If you hadn’t suggested specialty coffee, we wouldn’t have this.” She swept a hand toward the coffee machine like a game show host showing off a prize.

“It’s a beauty.”

“Tell me about it! Performs like a champ, too. Want anything?”

“I—”

“Here you go, Ingrid.” Yolanda handed her three paperboard cups. “Two medium peppermint lattes and a double shot espresso.” Then she glanced at Luke and smiled. “Welcome to Pie in the Sky. Can I get something for you?”

“Thanks,” Luke said. “Maybe later. I’m here to see Abigail.”

“She’s in her office taking a break. I can go tell her you’re—”

“That’s okay. I’ll just go back.”

“But—”

“It’s okay, Yolanda,” Ingrid said. “This is Luke, the business manager who’s helping Abigail.”

“Oh. Pleased to meet you. Sure. Go on back. Although I’m not sure about your dog…”

“Oh, right.” Delilah had become such a part of him that he sometimes forgot that she couldn’t go everywhere he did. Taking her through the kitchen would break health department rules. “I’ll put her in the truck for a few minutes.”

He turned around and there was his mother. Lately he’d noticed how much Hayley was like her—blond, slender and vivacious. Whereas he took after his dad, which meant he could look forward to a receding hairline and a highly developed sense of humor. He’d take it.

“Hey, Mom! Here to get coffee?”

She smiled at him. “Yes, I am. But I overheard what you said about putting Delilah in the truck. It’s chilly out there.”

“I know, but—”

“Why don’t I take charge of her while you go see your client?”

Client. It was the right word but sounded wrong. Abigail was so much more. “That would be great.” He handed her the leash. “Was that your red parka and ski pants on Kendra this morning?”

“Sure was. I missed seeing how everyone looked, though. I had a consultation with my contractor.”

“Those ladies were amazing. And they brought in tons of business.”

“That’s great!”

“How’s the barn coming along?”

“It’s going to be fabulous. But I’ll tell you about it later. Go ahead and have your business discussion. Delilah and I will wait here.”

“I won’t be long. Just want to check to see how she’s doing and what the receipts look like from this morning.” He hoped that sounded official and businesslike. He had no intention of looking at receipts. Mostly he wanted to see Abigail’s happy smile.

“Take your time. I’m in no rush.”

“Thanks, Mom.” He walked through the kitchen and tapped on the office door. “It’s Luke.”

“Luke!” She flung the door open. “Did you drive by? Did you see the line?”

“I did.” He couldn’t help grinning. “I saw it all, the coffee cups, the giant coffee bean, Ellie Mae—”

“I know! It was epic!” Her gaze dropped. “Where’s Delilah?”

“Couldn’t bring her through the kitchen.”

“Oh, right.”

“My mom happened to show up. She has Delilah up front. Listen, there’s something I want to discuss, if I can come in.”

“Of course!”

He walked through the door and closed it behind him. “You did great!” And he swept her up in a hug.

She didn’t seem to mind. She gazed up at him, eyes sparkling. “We did great. All of us, you included.”

Now that he had her in his arms, he hated to let go. She looked so pretty, flushed and proud of herself.

Her breathing grew shallow. “We probably shouldn’t be doing this.”

“Probably not. Looks like I’m going to, anyway.” Lowering his head, he captured those smiling lips. Ah, so sweet. Shouldn’t stay long…but he lingered and she let him.

He’d never held her like this, cushioned against her soft breasts while exploring her warm and tasty mouth. His body warmed, especially the part below his belt. The kiss was going great until she braced her palms against his chest and pushed gently.

He lifted his head a fraction. “Don’t make me stop yet. You taste delicious.”

“Chocolate strawberry tart.”

“Baker ladies are awesome.” He nibbled on her lower lip.

“Your mom’s out there holding your dog.”

That doused his fire in no time. With a sigh, he let her go and backed toward the door. “See you Saturday, right?”

“That’s the plan. Luke, wait. You—”

“I need to go before I grab you again.”

“Yes, but—”

“See you Saturday.” He left the office and walked to the front of the shop to retrieve Delilah. The dog was enjoying herself. She sat regally beside his mother and allowed herself to be admired and petted by anyone who happened by.

“Ah, there you are,” his mother said. “She’s been a very good dog.”

“Glad to hear it. Thank you for hanging onto her for me.”

“You’re welcome.” She peered at him. “Come over here for a minute.”

“What?”

She took a tissue out of her pocket. “Hold still.” She dabbed at his mouth. “Lipstick.”

His gaze met hers.

“You can’t fool your mother. I knew you weren’t going in there to discuss receipts. You had that look in your eye.”