Lakeshore Secrets: The McAdams Sisters - Kate McAdams (By The Lake Series Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page B

long road parallel to the lake, lined with prideful businesses alongside a long, wooden boardwalk, inviting visitors off the road and onto public benches and tables.
    Nestled into areas on the sandy beach, sat ice cream stands, yogurt shops and food huts, all currently closed for the season.
    When the quaint, old fashioned bakery came into view, Kate pulled her rental into one of the slanted, free parking spots.
    She wanted a hot strong boost of java to get through the rest of the afternoon. Plus take a tray of takeout coffees to meet her sister’s and dad at the funeral home.
    Facing the beach, she stared at the highlights of her childhood: the large sandy shoreline flanking the long sparkling lake, currently covered in a blanket of white snow. Folks journeyed from all over the province to inhabit Willow Valley for a holiday escape. However, for the McAdams, it had always been a short fifteen-minute walk from home or a quick jaunt from Gran’s place. It was beautiful even on this cold November afternoon as a light snow danced in the air to the sound of the outdoor speakers tuned into the local radio station. Much more beautiful than she remembered. The town had planted tall grass between wood boardwalks that teased the falling snow. The water park was also new offering guests an alternative to playing in the water.
    Home sweet home.
    She climbed out of the car, wind whipping against her face and quickly crossed the road, pushing open the old wooden glass door. The captivating aroma of freshly baked bread lured her tummy. The glass cake displays brought back memories of being served a delicious slice of Gran’s pie. Although she didn’t expect a slice now, the familiar, warm feeling filled her body regardless.
    Mrs. Calvert spotted her right away. “Well,” she greeted, placing her hands on her round hips. “Look how gorgeous you are,” she said. “I mean I have seen pictures, but honey they did you no justice. What a beautiful woman you have become Miss Katherine McAdams. Here sit, sit.” She motioned to the stools lining the lengthy antique counter. “Have a coffee.” It wasn’t a question as she flipped a mug onto the counter and filled it before Kate even took a step.
    She thanked the older lady, warming her cold hands around the mug. There had been no problem keeping warm at the Resort. She nudged the notion away.
    Mrs Calvert reminded Kate of Gran. They both carried a spark for life and nothing had slowed either of them down, especially not their age. She was aware their bond had grown after Mrs. Calvert’s daughter and granddaughter died almost two years ago in a car crash−the unfortunate result of a drunk driver. A rare, ill-fated bond two elderly women could share and push through together.
    Mrs. Calvert finished some business at the end of the counter with two younger girls and then settled herself across from Kate, her arms folded and her elbows leaning on the counter. “How are you doing sweetheart?” she asked sincerely.
    Kate smiled at her. “I’m okay.” She was as okay as she was going to be under the circumstances.
    She cast a warm smile. “Gran used to brag about you little gal,” she continued. “She was so very proud of what you have become and what you have accomplished. She would return from her trips to visit you and babble on and on telling all kinds of stories. She would look forward to every Christmas, when your family would all stay at Peyton’s for a week. That was her favorite time of the year,” she whispered quietly as though Gran might walk through the door and catch her giving away her little secrets. “Because she would always sneak another day or two with you girls and sometimes a week.” She laughed out loud. “She thought she was being so smart, tricking you girls into more quality time.” Slowly shaking her head, her eyes travelled to a blank space off in the distance, obviously remembering her own memories of her dear friend. Kate let her be, enjoying that