Free Wishing on Willows: A Novel by Katie Ganshert Page B

not one, but two amazing talents that, on occasion, wreak havoc on my self-esteem.” Bethany squeezed her shoulder. “Everything will work out. You’ll see.”
    Caleb popped up from the floor. “Can I play in here?”
    “Unsupervised? I don’t think so, dude.” Maybe after ten years of no broken bones, she could forgive herself for letting him out of her sight yesterday.
    With Bethany’s arm around her, and Caleb’s hand tucked in hers, she could let go of the uncertainty swirling like chaos. Taking a deep breath, she stepped into the crowded café. Groups of people huddled together over cups of coffee, munching on homemade goodies, filling the room with laughter. Her throat tightened. This was the dream she and Micah shared all those years ago, when Willow Tree Café had been nothing more than some sketches on paper. Not empty space. Not losses that outweighed profits. But this. People brought together over coffee and conversation. Her smile took full shape.
    Bethany patted Robin’s shoulder and joined Amanda at the espresso machine. Evan sat at a table near the door talking with Kyle, baby Elyse gumming his knuckles. With a tuft of fuzzy brown hair, big dark eyes, and a trademark pointy chin, the little girl was a miniature version of her mother.
    Caleb moved toward them, but Robin tightened her grip on his hand, a reminder that he needed to ask permission first. He looked up. She nodded and he tore through the crowd. When he climbed onto Evan’s unoccupied knee, a dull ache stirred inside Robin’s chest. She closed her eyes and let herself imagine it was Micah sitting across from Kyle. Micah with his arms wrapped around Caleb.
    Is a mommy and a loving uncle enough for my son, Lord?
    She pushed away the pointless question. Micah was dead. It would haveto be enough. She bypassed the counter and walked toward Kyle, eager to get their first postdate encounter over with. Halfway to her destination, the scent of rain traveled through her café and Mayor Ford stepped inside, followed by the man who was everywhere.
    Something inside her sparked to life. Mayor Ford coming was one thing, but Ian? Huh-uh. No way. She wouldn’t let them use this meet and greet to further their plans, especially when those plans were a threat to the very ministry everyone was gathered to support. She marched toward the front door with every intention of giving him a piece of her mind, but the Crammers intercepted her and all the words she had for Mayor Ford and Mr. McKay fell away.
    She wrapped Carl and Mimi in a tight hug. “I’m so thrilled you came.” She had tried numerous times to get the Crammers to utilize One Life’s services, but the couple—Mimi especially—didn’t accept charity easily. An occasional free scone or cup of coffee was one thing. Free meals, clothes, and job training services were something else altogether.
    “We promised we would,” Carl said. “We don’t break our promises.”
    She beamed. “Does this mean you’ll let me introduce you to Kyle?”
    Carl glanced at his wife and rubbed the scruff on his leathery cheeks. “We’ll meet him so long as it’s understood we’re not asking for no handouts.”
    “Of course.”
    A throat cleared behind her.
    Robin wanted to swat the sound away. She knew who it belonged to. But Carl and Mimi stared over her shoulder, so she pivoted and sure enough, there he was. The condominium man.
    “The place is hopping,” he said.
    Robin set her hand on Mimi’s. “Why don’t you and Carl get a cup of coffee? Maybe a cappuccino. I’ll introduce you to Kyle in a minute.”
    Mimi looked relieved. Carl’s shoulders perked. The two were obviously not in any hurry for the introduction. He led his wife toward Bethany and Amanda, her two baristas, and as soon as the couple fell from earshot, Robin turned to the man beside her. “May I ask why you’re here?”
    “Mayor Ford invited me. I couldn’t turn down the invitation.”
    “Sure you could. Instead of saying yes,