A Wedding in Apple Grove Read Online Free PDF Page A

Trudi said with a smile. “He played on the varsity team in college.”
    â€œReally?” a deep voice called out, joining them. “I like watching soccer almost as much as racing. Can’t always find a game on TV, though.”
    Dan smiled as Meg introduced him to the latest newcomer. “Dan Eagan, meet Robert Stuart. He owns Bob’s Gas and Gears and is the man you want to know if you’ve got car trouble. He can fix anything under the hood.”
    â€œNice to meet you, Robert.” Dan grasped the other man’s hand and shook it.
    â€œCall me Bob.”
    â€œBob used to race stock cars, had a winning season back in ’81,” Sheriff Wallace told him.
    â€œMy dad’s a huge NASCAR fan,” Dan said. “I grew up beneath the hood of his ’65 Corvette. In my spare time, I like to tinker with engines.”
    Bob’s eyes narrowed as if he were concentrating. “Big block… carbureted or fuel-injected?”
    Dan grinned and Meg’s belly did that fluttery thing again. There was something so boy-like about Dan’s open smile, as if he hadn’t a care in the world and was ready to experience everything all at once. Her dad got that way about cars too.
    â€œMy grandfather never liked a fuel-injected engine,” Dan answered. “He preferred carbureted engines; dad still does.”
    â€œFully restored?” Bob asked.
    â€œCherry condition,” Dan answered.
    â€œCar talk,” Meg said to Honey B. and Miss Trudi. “Good thing my dad’s not here or else we’d never talk about anything else.”
    The ladies laughed and made room as the McCormack sisters joined them. “Dan, I hate to interrupt your manly discussion,” Meg said, “but I’d like you to meet Peggy and Katie McCormack.”
    He nodded to the sisters. “Owners of the Apple Grove Diner?”
    When they smiled, he confided, “I’m real partial to pecan pie.”
    Peggy’s smile was friendly and flirtatious, a combination that baffled Meg. She herself could never manage to pull off that particular look; Meg was either friendly or she was flirtatious. “I’m sure we can save you a slice if you want to stop by the diner later,” Peggy said.
    â€œWe’re going to be open later than normal,” Katie added, “on account of closing up for Bill and Edie’s wedding.”
    Dan smiled at the sisters. “It’s good to know there’s a place to eat nearby.”
    â€œPeople come from miles around for a piece of pie and our biscuits and gravy,” Peggy told him.
    â€œBut they come back because of Apple Grove,” Katie added. “There’s just something about Apple Grove. Even if you’ve only been here a few years, you feel as if you’ve always lived here. People care about each other here—always have, always will.”
    Dan hung on every word and was quick to agree. “I can see why people would be tempted to stay.” He glanced at Meg and added, “I’ve met some intriguing people so far.”
    Warmth spread from her belly to her heart. It felt good to have Dan pay her a compliment—intriguing wasn’t quite what she hoped for, but it was still good, wasn’t it? Before she could decide, Sheriff Wallace’s sister Beatrice walked over to say hello. “Beatrice runs the library. It’s open three days a week,” Miss Trudi proudly proclaimed.
    Meg nodded. “We have a huge selection of classics and a first-class reference section.”
    â€œThat’s right,” Beatrice agreed. “If the book you want isn’t on our shelves, we’re connected to three other libraries in Licking County and have an extensive online catalogue. We can have the book you need sent over from any of the libraries in our group.”
    Dan’s brow was furrowed when he asked, “Do you have cookbook and automotive sections?”
    His question