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He should have noticed that they didn’t call much

Andin for his weekly ho else to do Or dropping by after an evening function when he needed to whine

He watched as their gazes scanned the crowd gathering around theular coffee custoood wishes Both of his partners were grinning from ear to ear Gabi noticed him first, elbowed Marie and nodded in his direction Their shock at his presence was obvious Their gazeswas said They didn’t know he’d just lost the only life he’d ever known They’d just been glad to find him there

And he was glad he’d come

PEOPLE STAYED FOR over an hour Eating cake Drinking coffee Conversation flurried As some of the older residents drifted upstairs to their horatulatory es Police officers A couple of board members from a don historical society The district state representative

Theyto turnthey’d purchased was valuable to the community At least in a historical sense

And Liauest list Gabrielle had just learned that froood thing was happening at the Arapahoe He thought if people knew, they’d be more apt to support Marie’s shop

He’d wanted that for her

He’d alanted as best for them

Gabrielle couldn’t reood thing, her and Marie and Liaoofy name for their business, but it fit them

Her partners, ere bothfroroup while Gabi h to drink Liam had stood back until she and Marie finally noticed hi up for his reticence And see had been unwarranted

Grace was keeping the coffee flowing The shop was still open to the public and business went on even in the midst of celebration Sa orders and serving organic sandwiches as well as coffee

Gabi had to get back to work, too While she’d kept her afternoon clear of appoint an estate dispute between siblings and had notes to prepare She’d brought everything with her to work from home where she wouldn’t be interrupted

She was surprised Liam hadn’t left