Christmas on 4th Street (Fool's Gold #12.5)(18)

Noelle hadn’t thought of that. “I’m more worried that he’s leaving. I want something more traditional. A husband who plans to stick around.”

Karen nodded. “I understand. Speaking as a woman who’s been married for thirty-five years, when it works, there’s nothing better.”

“And when it doesn’t?”

Karen chuckled. “It helps to have girlfriends who are willing to listen. Are you free for Thanksgiving?”

The change of subject startled Noelle. “What? Yes.” Each of her friends had invited her over, but she’d declined. They were all newly in love and forming family traditions. She wasn’t comfortable being a part of that.

“Please join us for Thanksgiving dinner,” Karen told her. “Felicia is cooking and I’m going to help. It’s just the six of us. Very casual. You seem to understand Gabriel, and I think he would like a friend around.”

Noelle wasn’t sure if she could be considered a friend, but she liked the assumption. With Felicia’s future in-laws and Gabriel in the house, not to mention Carter, Felicia and Gideon weren’t expecting a romantic evening. In truth, Noelle wouldn’t mind being with other people and hanging out with Gabriel would be interesting.

“Thank you,” she said. “That would be nice.”

She made a mental note to call Felicia and let her know about the invitation.

* * *

Gabriel returned about three minutes after his mother left. Noelle put her hands on her hips. “You were lurking.”

“Maybe,” he said, sounding unrepentant.

“She’s your mother and she loves you. Talk to her.”

“We talk.”

“All evidence to the contrary?”

He ignored that and put his coat away. When he returned to the main part of the store, she wanted to say more, but several customers chose that moment to step in from the cold.

A little after noon Ana Raquel Hopkins breezed in with a basket of sandwiches. Ana Raquel, a young and talented chef, had run a food trailer all summer. She’d fed locals and tourists alike out by the park. The changing weather and an unfortunate accident—a car backed into her trailer—had ended her seasonal business prematurely. Now she worked up at the Café with her fiancé and did a sandwich delivery to the local businesses in town.

“So, you’re new,” the petite blonde said as she walked over to Gabriel.

Noelle held in her humor as she watched him deal with the larger-than-life personality that was Ana Raquel.

“Yes,” he said slowly.

“But you look familiar.” She snapped her fingers. “Oh, right. You’re that old guy’s brother. The one on the radio. Gideon.”

“We’re twins,” Gabriel said drily.

“I’m one, too.” Ana Raquel apparently missed the point of his tone as she studied his face. “Not identical, right? Because you don’t look alike. Fayrene and I are identical. Less now than when we were little.”

“Because you’re so big now?”

She grinned. “You’re upset because I said you were old. I’m sure your wife thinks you’re totally hot.”

“I’m not married.”

“Huh. Not ever?”

Gabriel drew a deep breath. “No.”

“Wow. You’re brave. Because seriously, you’re reaching the age when people start to ask questions if you’ve never been married. Like is there something wrong with you.” She paused expectantly.

Noelle stayed by the counter, where she could keep an eye on customers while watching the show.

“There’s nothing wrong with me,” Gabriel said, his teeth clenched.

Ana Raquel tilted her head. Her long ponytail slipped across one shoulder. “If you say so,” she murmured, her voice making it clear she wasn’t convinced. She turned back to Noelle and handed over two bagged lunches. “Be careful with that one,” she said in a loud whisper. “I think he might not be right in the head.”

Noelle nodded solemnly. “Thanks for the warning.”

Ana Raquel left.

Noelle did her best not to burst into laughter as she passed over one of the bags. “I forgot to mention I provide lunch, or she does.”

Gabriel stared at the bag. “She cooks?”

“Yes, and incredibly well. She and her fiancé wrote a cookbook. A Fool’s Gold Cookbook. You can buy it anywhere in town.” She pointed to the small display in front of the cash register.

He walked over and picked up the book. “This is her?”

She waved the sack lunch. “Trust me, you’ll love it. Their sandwiches are always so interesting. And there’s yummy salad.”

“Not just any salad? Yummy salad?”

“I accept that you have to mock me to regain your sense of power because she called you old.”

“She called my brother old,” he clarified.

“You’re the same age.”

“Not the point.” He took one of the lunches. “You’re sure she’s able to do this without adult supervision?”

“Very funny. You’re going to love it.” She paused. “By the way, your mother also worries that you’re too old to never have been married.”

He groaned. “Please be kidding.”