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horrible.”
    “This one wouldn’t have gluten in the normal ones. It’s a special energy bar that’s packed with antioxidants. You’ll like it. It’s a blueberry bar. Sweeter than the cranberry ones.”
    “Gag,” Julia muttered. “I’m not trying it.” She stopped and stared toward the green clock at the town square. “Here comes Carson. Maybe he’s reconsidered what you said.”
    Heat sprang to Natalie’s cheeks. Was she blushing at the thought of talking to him? Julia gave her a curious glance, but she ignored it.
    Carson appeared to be a man on a mission. A frown crouched between his brows, and his eyes were cold. As the women approached, he gave them all a nod, then focused on Natalie. “I need to talk to you,” he said.
    “I’m all ears.” She kept her tone light and turned to her friends. “I’ll catch up with you at the coffee shop.”
    Carson waved a hand toward the park bench next to the flagpole, and Natalie walked with him toward it. She sank onto the bench and tugged her jogging jacket a little tighter.
    He stared down at her. “I want to talk to you about your ideas.”
    His face did not just turn red. Natalie stared at him. He definitely seemed discomfited. “My ideas about what?”
    He dropped beside her on the park bench. “My fishing camp. I-I’ve reconsidered. I’m going to do some renovations.”
    She wasn’t sure she’d heard him right. “Renovations?”
    He nodded. “You know, the romance stuff.” A pained expression haunted his eyes.
    She would not laugh. She would not . “I see.”
    He shifted uneasily. “I wondered if I might get that list from you? Of suggested changes. I’m going to get started right away, and I need to get some quotes for materials.”
    “No problem, Carson,” she said. “I’m glad to help.” She wanted to ask him what had changed his mind, but looking at his tight lips, she didn’t think she’d get an answer.
    “I realized we need to work together on this,” he said. “We’re both selectpersons, and we’ll need to present a united front if we want this to be successful. I need to be all in if we have a hope of making it work.”
    The very thing she’d wanted to say to him yesterday but hadn’t had the chance. “Our first committee meeting is tonight at Smitten Community Church. I’d hoped to enlist your help.”
    “I’ll be there.” He stood. “Can we get that list now?”
    She was dying to find out what had brought about his decision. Maybe he would spill the beans over coffee.

    Carson glanced at the list Natalie had given him. The things his cabins should have were all well and good, but he had no idea how they should look. What made a rustic cabin into something luxurious? Not just the items on this list.
    His office was a jumble of papers and fishing gear. Even this place would have to be brought up to elegant standards. He had no idea where to begin. Maybe he needed to hire that designer Brian had mentioned.
    He heard a door slam and saw Natalie get out of her small red Dodge. The thrill that shot through him at the sight of her dark hair was downright alarming. He met her at the door. “Natalie, I wasn’t expecting to see you.”
    She tossed her hair away from her face and smiled up at him as she extended a cup of coffee. “I brought a peace offering.”
    “I thought we’d made up already.” He took the coffee. “Come on in, and don’t mind the mess.” She followed him inside. He scooped old fishing magazines off the chair on the other side of his desk.
    She settled onto the chair. “I probably should have called, but I wanted to ask you what your timetable was for the renovations. Sawyer called about an hour ago, and his agent thinks having the wedding here is a terrific idea.”
    “I know. I talked to him too.” He ran his hand through his hair. “I just don’t know that these cabins can be turned into what his friends will expect. It’s pretty overwhelming.”
    “I thought it might be.” She pushed the