5-minute romance

As the annual spring festival starts in Serenity Shores, love is the last thing widow Arabella Reilly is looking for, but a handsome traveler may just change her mind A Moment for

“Lettie, I hate the Spring Sea Spree!” Arabella Reilly declared.

“You say that every year,” Lettie Adams smiled, eyeing her customer.

“Yes, and I’m saying it again!” The 70-year-old glowered at the café owner. “This is a resort town. There are too many people here already, but with this festival, I’ll have to be here the second you open the door just to get a seat!”

Lettie giggled. “You’re here before I open up as it is.”

“Because I want to be!” Arabella protested. “Changes things when I have to be.”

“You never know, Bella. Maybe you’ll meet a nice man on vacation here.”

“Fat chance,” Arabella laughed, waving the suggestion away, though the longing in her heart couldn’t be dismissed as easily. “I was married once before—trust me, the last thing I’m looking for is another man.”

Lettie smiled, wiping down the counter in front of her. “Well, Miss Arabella, the Spring Sea Spree is happening, whether you like it or not. And I’ve got to get back to the kitchen. You all set for now?” “You bet. I’ll be here reading my paper.” “Is this seat taken?” A deep voice interrupted, as Arabella looked up from her sudoku puzzle.

“No,” she said, her eyes darting up. All at once, her breath caught: He was the most handsome man she’d ever seen. In his mid-sixties, he towered over her with a full head of white hair and a neatly trimmed moustache below twinkling blue eyes.

“I never did figure out how to do that puzzle,” he said, flashing a dazzling smile.

“It’s not hard,” she said, trying to focus her eyes on the page as her pulse fluttered. “Lettie,” she squeaked. “Where are you?”

Lettie smiled coyly as she came out to the counter. “Ooh, a handsome new customer—what can I get for you, sugar?” “Let me see,” the older man said, picking up a menu. “What do you recommend?” Lettie named some customer favorites before the man spoke again, this time in Arabella’s direction. “What are you getting, Miss?” Arabella blinked, turning toward him. “Me?” “I think so,” he laughed. “I don’t see anyone else in here.” “Oh…” Arabella blushed. “Thank you, but I’m all set.” “It’s lunchtime. Wouldn’t you like something more than coffee?” Arabella’s stomach rumbled. “Sure. The bacon burger with steak fries is good.” “Well, it’s settled then: two bacon burgers with steak fries.”

“Her breath caught: He was the most handsome man she had ever seen”