me and went, chatting about their lives or commenting on the colorful arrangements in the shop. But n

on Ha

symbol of wealth and influence in Haven's Ridge. They were at the center of every major event, always giving genero

led from the counter, i

rine said, settin

op since this morning." Dorine smiled, b

d, though her hands fidgeted

e said gently. "I'll ha

f the shop. She poured herself a cup of tea from the thermos her moth

r shop felt so different from the picture-perfect reputation of the Hartman fami

d leaned back, trying to

atherine asked when her mot

replied, sitting d

rtman," Cat

standing. "Everyone knows about t

ine said carefully. "Not like wh

e? Of course, that's all people see. But everyone

ned. "What kin

"But I've lived long enough to know that

led over her

His sermons are broadcast all over the country. He started countless charities, helped rebuil

uld be..." Catherine hesitated,

Dorine suppli

rine

are human, just like us. Do

tea and stood. "I sho

ng more, letting her daughte

s determined to push thoughts of Brandon aside. But as the afternoon wore on,

inally allowed herself to wonder. Who was Brando

*

he shop early. Dorine was already th

atherine said, ty

dear," Dor

greeted each one with a smile, but her mind was only half in the moment. She couldn't he

her friend Kimb

s she walked in, her bright

ied, glad for the distract

" Kimberly said. "She's having o

y. "Of course she is. L

y leaned on the counter. "So, I heard a ce

used. "What

d, grinning. "I heard Brandon

ghed. "Word

own, Cat. Everyone talks about th

isies and shrugged. "I don't kno

al. He's like, the golden boy of Haven's Ridge. Rich, handsome, he

didn't act like some big deal.

er tone teasing. "Are you

led her eyes.

t Catherine could tell she

raight. "If he comes back, you bet

miling despite herself. "Su

Brandon. She hated how much space he was taking up

*

ed, Catherine and Dorine sat toge

"do you think the Hartmans are

om the cash registe

. "I guess I'm just trying to

a different world, Catherine. But at the end of the day, they are still people.

hough her thoughts

ke the feeling that her mother's words held more truth than she r

their encounter was the