Daffodils and Danger Read Free Page B

blend of exhaustion and anticipation. Wyatt had come home. His return was a good thing, because it was no secret that Hattie Cutler was in dire need of help at the nursery.
    But, by the scowl plastered on Wyatt’s face, he was none too happy about the homecoming. Last Kami heard, he was hip deep in some high-powered job at a big-time marketing agency. Had he relinquished that indulgent lifestyle? And, if he had, how long would he last here in modest Clover Cove before he grew restless and took to the road, heading north to the Big Apple once again?
    And why did the thought of him leaving a second time make Kami feel as if a family of mice was dancing along her spine? She blew out a breath as she filled a mug with coffee. There was no earthly explanation—except exhaustion must be sucking all common sense right out of her.
     
     
     
     
     

3
     
    Sunlight spilled through the open service door as Kami tugged off her apron and hung it on a hook beside the back door. “I’ll be back in a few hours, Dad,” she announced as she turned to kiss his flour-dusted cheek. “Jada will handle the after-lunch crowd. Don’t work too hard while I’m gone, OK?”
    “Work is my elixir.” He gave a bundle of bread dough a few smacks with the flat side of his fist before reaching for a rolling pin. The rich aroma of yeast hung in the air, reminding Kami she’d skipped lunch again.
    “Well, even too much of a good thing can be a detriment. You need to rest, too.”
    “I’ll rest when I’m in the grave with your mother.”
    “Dad!” Kami’s throat tightened as her heart skipped several beats. “Don’t say that. You’re going to live forever, right?”
    “Sure, honey.” He turned from the dough long enough to layer lasagna noodles along an abundance of vegetables in oversized pans. His movements, honed through years of practice, were like a dance. Butter and olive oil mingled with the sweet smell of rising bread while more chopped zucchini sizzled in an oversized frying pan. Veggie lasagna was on the marquee as tonight’s specialty, along with the ever-present complimentary garlic knots. “Go buy yourself some plants and get that pretty little house of yours looking all spring-like. Take your time. It’s too nice to be stuck inside today. I sense the first hint of spring in the air. Your mama always loved spring with so much warm sunshine and the robins singing to one another.”
    “I know, dad…she loved flowers, too. I’m going to plant a bed of daffodils and cook you dinner one night this week. It’s about time someone prepared you a good, hot meal instead of the other way around. Let Fred handle the cooking once in a while. He’s almost twenty-two now and nearly finished with culinary school. He wants to help us get things done around here.”
    “Maybe I’ll do that.” He turned back to the flour-coated butcher-block table. “I’ll have a talk with him.”
    “I’ll hold you to that. I love you, Dad.” Kami kissed his cheek once more and straightened the collar of his polo shirt before brushing flecks of flour from the fabric. “Don’t work too hard while I’m gone. I’ll be back in a bit to brew iced tea and prepare the salads for tonight.”
    She pulled open the door and stepped into the alley. The dumpsters were overfilled, and she was glad garbage pick-up was scheduled that afternoon. So many details to tend to, and all her dad wanted to do was hide in the kitchen. She supposed it was his therapy—she felt like hiding, as well. But she couldn’t. The proverbial ship would sink, dragging both her and Dad down with it. Maybe her cousin Fred could help shoulder a bit more of the burden once his final classes were finished, only a few more weeks away. If Dad forgot to follow through, she’d have a heart-to-heart with Fred instead and see what she could finagle in that department.
    Kami rounded the corner of the pizzeria and sunlight spilled over her, warming her shoulders as she stepped from the