Chapter 4

Turning his face into her hand AJ kissed her palm. "No comparisson Cassie and no competition either."

"That's good to know," she said slightly breathlessly.

They were right outside the Bistro that their walk had taken them by, AJ asked her, "Would you like to get a cup of coffee?"

Looking at where they were she nodded and agreed that would be nice. They found a table and AJ ordered coffee while Cassie asked for tea. Once they were served AJ said, "Becayse you look so much like Mac it's hard not to feel like I already know you. But I do want to know you cassie. Won't you please tell me more about you? Do you have family here? I can't believe that someone as lovely as you is single."

Smiling sadly Cassie admitted, "I was married. Jake was a police officer and was killed in the line of duty. He had two children from his first marriage. Of my step children, Brandon is the oldest and is a police officer like his father. Lori is a traveling journalist. Jake and I also had a daughter, her name is Grace, she is fourteen and you will meet her tomorrow. Today she has been at a friends house for a birthday party and sleep over. Will you tell me more about your daughter?"

"Marchella and I divorced when she was quite small and they returned to Italy where Marchella was from. Francesca was raised there and even had her last name changed when her mother remarried. It wasn't until a few years ago that Francesca contacted me and wanted to begin to get to know me as her father. We have had several visits with each other, we email and phone each other often and really are developing a good relationship now that she is grown."

"I'm glad to hear that. Nothing is more important than a good relationship with your children. I am very lucky that Jake's children and I got along well and we still have a good relationship even though their dad is gone."

"I'm looking forward to meeting your daughter tomorrow. What does one talk about to a fourteen year old girl?"

Cassie grinned and said, "Well she likes music and movies. She is also a good student and takes her school work very seriously. Grace also likes working in my shop when she had time after school."

"You have a shop? Is is close by?"

"Yes just down the street a short way. It's called Bell, Book, and Candle."

"An interesting name, what kind of things do you sell there?" AJ seemed very interested.

"We carry an eclectic inventory. I try to have something for everyone. I could show it to you tomorrow, maybe after the vow renewal?"

"What about tonight? Unless you think it's too late?"

"No I guess not, tonight would be okay. Are you finished with your coffee?"

"Yes I am. Let me pay the bill and we can go."

Once they were out on the street AJ hesitated a moment and then held out his hand for her to take if she wished. Cassie smiled and placed her hand in his as they walked down the street together. At her shop she opened the door and turned on the lights as they walked in.

He stood there for a moment, his eyes taking everything in before saying, "This place is amazing!"

"Thank you, I love helping people find just what they need whenever they come in."

Walking slowly around the shop AJ stopped when he got to the counter and asked, "What are all these little bottles you have here?"

"Those are 100% pure essencial oils that I use for aroma therapy," Cassie explained.

"What is aroma therapy?"

"Aroma therapy does so many different things. It can relieve pain, help you sleep better, ease a hangover, also help with medical issues like brocitis or shingles. Its amazingly verisatal."

"Wow I had no idea there was such a thing!"

"Most people don't but I assure you that it really works."

"Oh I'm sure that it does. I never meant to imply that just because I didn't know about it that it wouldn't be true!"

To Be Continued…