“Dakota, can you do the coffee run this morning? I want to get these files ready for Dr. Withers. He should be in shortly.”
Denise set the files on the counter at the nurses’ station and reached for her purse. She handed Dakota cash and then added, “Oh, grab one for Dr. Withers too. He takes his black with three sugars.” Denise paused for a second. “Hey, just like you.”
She returned Denise’s smile. We have one thing in common so far. Dakota scooted across the road to Vinegrove’s best coffee house in town. Well, the only one in town. She loved the name of it. The sign hung above the door and the large bay window at the front of the shop. It read Morning Sunshine with a smiley face. It’s just too adorable. Her hand reached for the brass door handle and she pushed the door open. The aroma of caffeine drove her senses wild and carried her to the counter to place her order.
“Morning there sunshine, how’s Vinegrove treating Miss Dakota?”
The older man behind the counter had just finished brewing a fresh pot of coffee. Like everyone else in Vinegrove, Dave and Vera Johansson were always kind to her.
“Good morning, Mr. Johansson. Vinegrove is treating me like I’ve lived here my whole life. I love it!”
She meant it too. She couldn’t believe she’d only lived there such a short time. But it felt like it was meant to be. She hoped it would be the place for her wishes to come true. One being a white Christmas which she was pretty certain would happen. The other depended on how he took the news. She wondered how he’d react—if he’d be shocked, and if he’d accept her as his daughter. So many questions raced through her mind as she waited for the coffees to be prepared and listened to Mr. Johansson ramble on. She hadn’t thought about the other man on her mind since the Love List pick the night before. But even then, her thoughts of him hadn’t lingered like the week before.
“It’s Dave. Remember, this is Vinegrove; we’re all on a first-name-basis here. Isn’t that right, Ethel?”
Dakota laughed, nodded in agreement, and then turned to greet her dear friend.
“Morning Ethel”
“Morning child” Ethel placed her hands on either side of Dakota’s face and pulled her down closer so she could kiss her on the cheek. “I missed you this morning for tea. I had a rough night tossing and turning.”
Dakota laughed as Ethel used her hands so dramatically. The cute short old lady spoke as much with her hands as her mouth.
“That’s okay, Ethel. I missed you too. But when I checked in on you, I heard you snoring and crept quietly down the stairs.”
Ethel laughed. “Checked on me, uh? That’s so sweet of you. I did finally fall asleep in the wee hours of the morning and then slept like a baby until nine o’clock. I must have needed the rest.” She shook her head and chuckled.
Vera Johansson called out to Ethel from the kitchen to have a seat and she’d bring the tea out.
Ethel agreed with a wave of her hand in the air and then turned to Dakota. “Join us dear?”
Dakota would have loved to if she hadn’t been on shift. “I’m only on a coffee run but I’ll see you tonight for tea.” Ethel agreed and patted her on the arm. Dakota smiled as she made her way to the corner table. Vera and Ethel had been having tea for a number of years every morning about this time. The table always held a reserved sign on it for the ladies.
“Here you go, Miss Dakota.” Mr. Johansson handed her the tray of coffees and then added with a quick wink, “I wrote each name on the top for you.”
Dakota thanked him and with so much on her mind, turned too quick. Someone almost knocked the tray from her hands. She knew it was him before she looked up to confirm. His scent triggered her memory. A fresh, clean scent with hints of mandarin and jasmine, teased her senses. She knew instantly it was Mr. Stetson.
“Whoa! You almost hit me again!” This time she said it with more humor.
Tristan tipped his hat, “I’m sorry. It’s never been my intention.”
His bashful smile followed the apology. “Can I be forgiven twice?”
Dakota nodded and then warned him. “But three strikes and you’re out.”
The corners of his mouth curved into a grin. He appeared amused but thankful. His next comment forced her to laugh.
“I’m just here for a grab-and-go.”
She figured he’d meant for his words to come out differently. Again, he apologized.
“I’m sorry, that didn’t come out quite right. I meant to say I was just going to grab a coffee and run. I have a plane to catch.”
He seemed distracted in thought, but also appeared somewhat nervous, like a school boy attempting to ask out the girl he liked. It could have just been hope that made her think that, but she smiled and accepted his apology.