More Than a Touch (Snowberry Creek #2) Read Free Page A

good-sized crowd tonight.” Callie held out her hands. “Why don’t you let me take that for you? Grab a drink and relax. We’ll be eating as soon as we finish reheating the last few casseroles.”
    Zoe surrendered the lasagna. “Careful. I took it out of the oven just before I left, so it’s still hot.”
    While Callie found a spot for the pan on the table, Leif appeared at Zoe’s side with her drink. “I hope you like amber ale; this is one of my favorites. Ever since we got here, Nick and I have been working our way through all of the local microbrews.”
    “This is fine. Thank you.” She took a sip and looked around the yard. “That gazebo looks new. Was that part of the plan for the B and B?”
    “Right on both counts.”
    A catch in his voice hinted that there was more to the story, but she didn’t press for details. Still, it did make her curious. “Mind if I take a closer look?”
    “No, go ahead.”
    He looked hesitant about following her, but then Callie called his name, which settled the matter. Zoe stopped a few feet away from the gazebo to admire the gentle curves of the roof and the lacy look of the latticework that formed the sides of the structure. The design was simple but elegant. She stepped inside and immediately wished it was hers. For sure, Callie’s future guests would love it.
    As she turned back to see if Callie could use a helping hand, she noticed some writing on the back wall. Stepping closer, she read the words written there in black paint. As soon as she did, she almost wished she hadn’t. Leif and Nick had built the place as a memorial for their friend and fellow soldier Spence Lang. It was a lovely gesture, one that also explained the odd note she’d heard in Leif’s voice when she’d asked about it. It was tempting to find the man and give him a big hug.
    Soldiers were a tough lot, but she knew firsthand how much they suffered when they lost a friend in battle. She immediately took a mental step back from the sign and the painful memories it triggered. Now wasn’t the time for any dark thoughts. It was an evening for celebrations. She stepped out of the gazebo just as Callie picked up a pan and banged it with a wooden spoon to summon the hungry crowd.
    They came pouring around from the front yard, pushing and jostling one another like a bunch of kids. The women immediately took refuge on the far side of the table. Zoe thought that showed good sense and joined them. Picking up a serving spoon, she began dishing out the food as the line filed by.
    When it was Leif’s turn, he smiled at her. “Can I save you a seat?”
    “I’d appreciate it. I’ll be along as soon as the line dies down.”
    “Want another ale?”
    “That would be great.”
    A pair of teenagers right behind Leif grew restless. “Leif, get a move on. We’re hungry. Besides, we want to get in the dessert line early to make sure we get some of Mom’s pie.”
    Leif rolled his eyes. “I don’t want to hear about it. You two get to eat her pie all the time. Do the decent thing and let the rest of us have first dibs.”
    Bridey joined the conversation. “Leif, I’m disappointed. Here I made a point of bringing my strawberry cheesecake because you like it so much.”
    He gave her a guilty look. “Aw, come on, Bridey. We’re talking blueberry pie here! Besides, I planned on having a piece of your cheesecake, too.”
    Looking disappointed, Bridey shook her head. “Sorry. Too late.”
    Although Zoe was sure Bridey was kidding, she intervened on Leif’s behalf. “Can’t he have both? I’m sure he’s put in a long day doing all kinds of manly things.”
    Leif looked hopeful. “That’s right, I have. I personally took down at least a dozen light switch covers and knocked a big hole in the wall. I also checked things off a list.”
    The other woman wasn’t buying it. “Seriously? You think checking things off a list warrants a piece of my cheesecake AND a piece of pie?”
    The Reed brothers