Cranberry Sage Miracle by Leena Clover

Author:Leena Clover
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Published: 2020-02-23T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 15

Anna couldn’t stop smiling as she broke eggs into a bowl.

The previous evening had taken an unexpected turn. Meg was busy working with her Seaside Lights committee. She had dragged Cassie along with her. Sofia had finally admitted she was feeling exhausted from all the holiday prep. She was going to take a bowl of minestrone soup to her room and lie in bed the whole evening.

Anna found herself at a loose end after a long time. She was debating between reading Julie’s latest romance or watching Downton Abbey reruns when Gino called. He wanted to know if Anna was free for dinner.

A sudden burst of energy propelled Anna to put on a nice frock and dress up. She observed herself in the mirror, wondering if the lines on her forehead had deepened. Feeling reckless, she applied the dark red lipstick Cassie had given her and dabbed some perfume behind her ears.

She was pulling on her winter coat, longing for warmer weather, when Gino arrived. He couldn’t stop staring at her.

“You’re so beautiful, Anna!” Gino sounded breathless.

Anna felt her pulse thrum against her throat as they drove to Gino’s stately home, set amidst the Mystic Hill vineyard. They stole glances at each other every few seconds but neither of them said anything. Anna felt giddy with excitement and couldn’t help the blush that stole over her.

Gino led Anna to his sunken sitting room and lit a few candles. A bottle of wine was breathing on the table and a tray loaded with assorted cheese, olives, fruit and crackers lay beside it. Gino poured the wine and they clinked glasses, toasting each others’ health.

“How long has it been since our last date, Anna?”

“It’s a wonder we could get away tonight.”

“You’ve been working really hard at the café and it’s paying off. People are talking about your cupcakes wherever I go.”

Anna asked after Gino’s family. His kids had to be overseas that year for work. They were celebrating the holiday abroad along with his grandkids. Gino tried to hide his disappointment.

“You will spend the holiday with us. I won’t let you wallow, Gino.”

“I’m grateful. I wouldn’t dream of being anywhere else.”

The talk inevitably turned to the Gardiners.

“I got a call from Edward’s estate manager today, Anna. It seems the old guy kept his will in the office safe. Basil had specific instructions regarding when and how to access it.”

“Has the will finally been opened?”

Anna told Gino about her meeting with Basil.

“His hunch may be right. The will is missing.”

“Are you saying someone stole it?”

Gino shook his head.

“Edward might have been working on creating a new one. He must have discarded the old one. My guess is it had something to do with that big announcement.”

“Do you think he was going to disown someone in the family?”

Gino gave a small shrug.

“Hard to say now, Anna. There are some rumors going around, of course. The police think George Pearson knew what was coming. He got nothing in the new will so he bumped the old man off.

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