Free Ready to Wed by Melody Carlson Page A

very nice.”
    “And you, Belle?”
    “Oh, that’s so sweet, you even remember my name.” Belle smiled. “You know what, Hope, I would love to give you a free facial. What do you think?”
    “You think I need a facial?” Hope looked distressed. She automatically patted her dark hair, as if to improve her appearance. Hope cared a great deal about her looks, and Alice hoped she wasn’t insulted by Belle’s offer.
    “She’s an Angel Face beauty consultant,” explained Alice. “She gave my sisters and me facials last night.” She purposely didn’t mention Ethel.
    “Really?” Hope looked interested. “Sure, I’d like that, Belle.”
    Belle slipped a pink business card to Hope. “Invite a couple of your friends, if you like. It’s more fun with a few girls to giggle with.”
    “That sounds like fun. Now, what kind of pie would you like?”
    “Oh my … let me think. How about coconut cream? Do you have that?”
    “We do.”
    “Yummy. And a cup of coffee, with cream, please.”
    “Coming right up.”
    Alice noticed Lloyd Tynan coming through the door. He must’ve been feeling positive about the weather when he dressed this morning, because he looked ready for some May sunshine in his pale blue seersucker suit and jaunty red silk bow tie. Lloyd spoke briefly with Fred Humbert, then waved toward Alice and Belle, making Alice suspect that Ethel had already spoken to him, just as Jane had promised.
    “Good day, ladies.” He wore his mayoral smile as he approached them. “This must be Miss Belle Bannister.” He extended his hand. “I am Lloyd Tynan.”
    “Oh my,” said Belle as she put her hand into his. “I just can’t believe that people already know my name. Goodness, I feel almost famous. It’s a genuine pleasure to meet you, Mr. Tynan. But how did you know me?”
    “My good friend Ethel Buckley told me about the inn’s most recent guest. I merely assumed it was you.”
    Belle looked nervous as she lowered her voice. “And how is dear Ethel doing?”
    “A bit under the weather, I’m afraid.” He frowned. “Apparently she had an allergic reaction to something yesterday.” He looked at Alice. “I understand she had dinner with you folks.”
    Alice suppressed the urge to set her aunt’s beau straight.
    “Oh, I’m sure it wasn’t anything she ate last night,” said Belle quickly. “Jane’s cooking is perfectly exquisite.”
    Lloyd smiled at Belle. “Well, as the mayor of Acorn Hill, I officially welcome you to our fair town.”
    “Why, thank you ever so much, Mayor Tynan.”
    “Call me Lloyd,” he said amicably.
    “Would you like to join us, Lloyd?”
    “Don’t mind if I do.” He slipped in next to Alice, keeping his eyes on Belle. “I understand that you’re a Southern belle, Belle.”
    She giggled. “That’s right, sir. Born and raised in Georgia. I’d guess I’m about as southern as they come.”
    Hope came over with their order. “Anything besides coffee for you, Lloyd?”
    He looked at Belle’s pie and actually smacked his lips. “Is that coconut-cream pie?”
    Belle nodded. “It looks yummy, doesn’t it?”
    “I’ll have a slice of that too, Hope,” he said.
    “Are you sure?” queried Hope.
    “Well, make it a small slice,” he said. Then he gave Alice a warning glance. “And you don’t need to tell anyone that I cheated on my diet today.”
    She laughed as she remembered how many times he’d sneaked sweets from Jane’s kitchen. “Goodness, Lloyd, ifI’d wanted to tattle on you, I could have done so many times over.”
    “Yes, I suppose that’s true. But just so you know, I had oatmeal with skim milk for breakfast this morning.”
    “Good for you,” said Alice.
    Lloyd, as usual, dominated the conversation, directing most of it toward Belle. But Alice was relieved for this reprieve. It wasn’t that she didn’t enjoy Belle’s company, but the idea of the impending wedding was beginning to wear on her.
    “I’m pleased to hear you like our