Chances Are by Kellie Coates Gilbert

Author:Kellie Coates Gilbert [Gilbert, Kellie Coates]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781734459807
Publisher: Amnos Media Group

After dinner on Friday night, Deacon Ray pushed his chair back from the table. “Well, Allie. You outdone yourself on that lasagna. That was pretty tasty. Garlic bread was good too.” He turned to Cam. “She knows that’s my favorite.”

Allie stood, began clearing the table.

“No, ma’am. Here, let me.” Deacon Ray rushed to her side, pulled the nearly empty lasagna pan from her hands. “I’ll take care of this.” He motioned for Ryan to help him. “Let’s say we get this kitchen cleaned for your mom and then we’ll challenge those two to a game of poker.”

Allie shook her head. “Oh, I don’t think—”

“Nonsense. The boy’s got to learn to play. A man’s not a man unless he knows the difference between Texas Hold ’Em and Seven-card stud.” He placed the lasagna pan by the sink. “I may not be able to sew, but I’ve won my share at the table.”

Ryan’s eyes lit up. “Sounds fun, Dad.”

Allie pondered how to shut down the idea when Cam spoke up. “You know, much as I’d like to join in, I’m going to have to pass. My dad’s birthday is coming up and I wanted to shop for him a gift.” He looked over at Allie, reached, and touched her hand. “You’re welcome to join me.”

“Sure, I’d like to—”

Deacon Ray flipped around. “That’s a great idea. You know, my boy had a birthday recently. We need to go get you a gift, right buddy?”

Ryan’s eyes lit up. “Sure, Dad!”

Disappointment immediately flooded Allie. “Oh, okay.”

“Yes, come on along,” Cam told them, looking like he could easily spatter Deacon Ray’s sugar if he had a mind to. “More the merrier.”

Allie looped her arm with his, leaned close. “Thanks. You’re a good sport.”

Cam drove them to a shop located on Highway 101 which was the main thoroughfare through town and the road travelers took if they were driving north to Astoria or south to Bandon. The shop was owned by a friend of his and had been in business for over twenty years.

The proprietor’s name was Susan Wilson. She welcomed them as soon as they stepped inside the door. “Where’ve you been keeping yourself, Cameron Davis?” She turned to Allie. “This man has missed more Bunco nights in the past two months than in the prior two years.” Her eyes held a hint of suggestion.

“I’m Susan,” she said, taking Allie’s hand in her own. “And you must be the sweet girl who moved in to take over her uncle’s place.” She glanced at Deacon Ray, smiled warmly. “That house was a real mess. Everyone in town is talking about how she fixed the place up. That’s not all. She’s earned a lot of admiration in these parts. It takes a lot of guts to take on a commercial fishing boat and make a go of it.” Clearly, she admired Allie and her efforts.

Her flattery had Allie laughing and blushing at the same time. She gave the woman’s hand a squeeze, knowing she’d found a friend.

“Mom, can I go check out the electronics?” Ryan inclined his head toward the back of the store.

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