Cafe on The Bay

After organizing a reunion that brought her friends back to Sapphire Bay, Kathleen Armstrong thought she’d found her perfect new beginning. At sixty-five, she’s living in her charming but unfinished Victorian home overlooking Flathead Lake, surrounded by the friends who matter the most.

Patrick, a skilled foreman working on the tiny home project, became Kathleen’s friend soon after she moved to Sapphire Bay. With his twinkling eyes and hands that can build anything, he’s become a special person in her life.

When an unexpected expense blows out Kathleen’s remodeling budget, Patrick offers to help her complete the renovations on her dream house. Their friendship grows over paint samples, morning coffee, and evening walks along the lake. 

But when the foundation repairs reveal a hidden room in Kathleen’s basement, their bond deepens as they work together to protect the secrets of the past.

Both carry the wisdom—and wariness—that comes with decades of life experience. When Patrick’s family obligations threaten to pull him away from Montana, and Kathleen’s own fears about opening her heart again create distance between them, they must decide if this unexpected love is worth fighting for.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Flathead Lake, Kathleen and Patrick’s tender romance proves that it’s never too late to find your forever person.

Cafe on the Bay is the third book in Leeanna’s A New Beginning series and can easily be read as a standalone. All of Leeanna’s series are linked. If you find a character you like, they could be in another novel!

Kathleen Armstrong stood behind the polished counter of The Lakeview Café, watching the morning mist rise from Flathead Lake. It reminded her of delicate fingers, reaching toward a never-ending Montana sky. 

At sixty-five, she’d learned to appreciate these quiet moments before the day truly began. Especially when the coffee was brewing, filling the air with its rich aroma, and golden sunlight streamed through the windows.

“The cinnamon rolls are almost ready, Kathleen,” Chloe called from the kitchen, her voice bright with enthusiasm. “The blueberry muffins are in the oven, too.”

“That’s perfect timing,” Kathleen replied, smoothing her apron and checking that everything was in place. The daisies on each table still looked cheerful in their mason jars, and her daughter’s artwork looked incredible against the recently painted walls. 

In many ways, the café felt like an extension of her home. It was warm and welcoming, a place where neighbors became friends over shared meals and gentle conversation.

She flipped the sign to “Open” just as Bob Henderson approached the front door, right on schedule. For the past year, Bob had been her first customer, arriving at seven-thirty sharp for his black coffee and whatever pastry caught his eye.

“Morning, Bob,” Kathleen said, already reaching for his usual mug. “How’s Margaret feeling today?”

“Much better. Thanks for asking.” Bob settled onto his favorite stool at the counter. “The soup you sent over yesterday worked wonders. She said it was almost as good as her mother’s, which is high praise indeed.”

Kathleen smiled as she poured his coffee. “I’m so glad. Give her my love, and tell her I’ll bring some cheesecake with me tomorrow.” It wasn’t that long ago that Margaret had been busy working at her family’s bookstore. 

Retirement was supposed to give her and Bob a chance to travel and spend more time with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. But after excitedly planning a vacation, Margaret had slipped on the dock and broken her hip. Thankfully, her recovery had been steady, but difficult for someone who wasn’t used to sitting still.

As Bob sipped his coffee, Kathleen’s gaze drifted to the window. Across the street, the construction crew was already hard at work on what would soon become the new community arts and crafts center. The church-led project had been Pastor John’s idea. It was a place where local artisans would be able to sell their work and offer classes to visitors and residents.

“They’re making good progress over there,” Bob commented, following her gaze. “The foreman knows what he’s doing.”

Kathleen nodded, trying to ignore the flutter in her chest at the mention of Patrick Devlin, the person in charge of the construction crew. She’d met him when he first arrived in Sapphire Bay, and since then, they’d been good friends. 

For the last two months, she’d taken coffee and cake orders to everyone on site. When Patrick wasn’t there, he made a special trip to the café to see her. His twinkling eyes and gentle teasing always made her feel younger than she had in years. Not that she was looking for romance, of course. At her age, friendship was more than enough.

By eight o’clock, the morning rush began in earnest. Tourists staying at the local bed-and-breakfasts wandered in for food to take with them while they were hiking or fishing, and locals stopped by for their caffeine fix and the latest town gossip.

“Kathleen, dear!” Mrs. Peterson waved from her corner table, where she sat with her sister, who was visiting from Billings. “Could we have two of your delicious lattes?”

“Coming right up,” Kathleen replied, steaming milk with practiced ease. When the lattes were ready, she took them across to Mrs. Peterson’s table.

“How are the renovations on your house coming along?” Mrs. Peterson asked.

“Slowly but surely,” Kathleen replied. “There’s always something unexpected that needs attention in a house that old.”

That was an understatement. The Victorian house she’d purchased had been her dream home since she was a teenager. But turning that dream into reality was proving more challenging and expensive than she’d anticipated. Still, every completed room brought her closer to the home she’d always imagined.

“It amazes me that you have the time to do any remodeling,” Mrs. Peterson continued. “You’ve been so busy, it was a wonder you had time to organize the reunion with your friends. It was such a wonderful idea to bring everyone together.”

Kathleen’s heart warmed at the memory. Organizing last year’s reunion had been one of the best decisions she’d ever made. Bringing Isabel, Lynda, and Susan back to the place where they’d first met as homesick teenagers at summer camp had given all their lives a new direction. 

Isabel now owned the bookstore and was getting married to Frank in a few weeks. Lynda had found love again with Matt, the town veterinarian, and Susan’s catering business was thriving in Georgia, despite her being worried about the workload.

Mrs. Peterson’s sister smiled. “I met Isabel at the bookstore yesterday. She seems like such a lovely woman.”

“All my friends are wonderful,” Kathleen said as she took away the dishes they weren’t using. “I don’t know what I would have done without their support over the years.”

Chloe appeared at her elbow with a coffeepot. “Speaking of friends, didn’t you say Susan was coming back today?”

Kathleen nodded and glanced at the clock. “Her flight arrived in Kalispell a couple of hours ago. She should be here soon.”

As if summoned by their conversation, the café door chimed and Susan Fletcher walked inside. She looked elegant as always, but with shadows under her eyes that spoke of too many early mornings and late nights.

“There’s my favorite café owner,” Susan said, but her usual bright smile seemed forced.

Kathleen studied her friend’s face with concern. After fifty years of friendship, she could read Susan’s moods like her own. Something was troubling her, something more than being tired after her flight from Georgia.

“Coffee first, then we talk,” Kathleen said firmly, guiding Susan to a quiet table by the window. “Chloe, could you handle the counter for a few minutes?”

“Of course,” Chloe replied, already moving to take an order from a family of tourists.

Kathleen poured two cups of coffee and then settled across from Susan. Her friend’s hands trembled as she reached for the cream.

“It’s wonderful to see you,” Kathleen said gently. “But you look exhausted. Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” Susan said softly. “I’m tired, that’s all. I’ve been working long hours to be here for the weekend.” 

Kathleen tilted her head to the side. “I’ve known you for more years than I can count. There’s more to it than that.”

Susan bit her bottom lip before speaking. “Can we talk later? I need a few minutes to catch my breath.”

Kathleen reached across the table and squeezed Susan’s hand. “Take all the time you need.” She gestured toward the steaming mug in front of her friend. “Try the coffee. It’s a new blend that Isabel discovered.” 

Susan wrapped her hands around the ceramic mug and took a sip. “It’s delicious.” When she was finished, she looked around the café. “This place is lovely, by the way. The pale yellow paint is gorgeous.” 

“I don’t know what I was thinking when I decided to repaint the interior,” Kathleen said with a frown. “Anyone would think I didn’t have an entire house to finish.”

“How’s your house remodeling going?”

Kathleen sighed. “My timeline is in shreds. It was supposed to be finished six months ago, but I’m still no closer to living there. If it weren’t for Lynda and Isabel, I would have given up weeks ago.”

“You can’t give up,” Susan said, her voice growing steadier. “Even without any of the changes you want to make, your home is beautiful. If it takes a little longer, it doesn’t matter.”

Kathleen knew Susan was right, but the time it was taking wasn’t the only thing that worried her. She had a tight budget, and the unexpected structural issues they’d found had eaten into her savings. 

A truck stopped opposite the café, and Kathleen smiled at the man climbing out of the cab. 

Susan saw her expression change and looked through the window. “That’s Patrick, isn’t it? Is he still a foreman on the tiny homes project?”

Kathleen nodded. “He’s still there, but he’s also managing the remodeling of the building behind the fence.”

“I remember him from the last time I was here,” Susan said. “Are you still friends or have you taken the plunge and told him how you feel about him?”

Kathleen took a sip of coffee, stalling for time. Admitting that Patrick felt like more than a friend would open all kinds of issues she wasn’t ready to face. 

Susan leaned forward and touched Kathleen’s arm. “It’s okay to be attracted to him.” 

“It’s not that simple.” Kathleen set down her cup, watching Patrick organize his crew. They’d been friends since he’d moved to Sapphire Bay. He’d helped her when her car broke down, when she was sick and couldn’t work, and when she needed someone to talk her through fixing a leaky faucet. “What if I tell him how I feel, and everything changes? I’d lose my best friend.” Kathleen gestured helplessly. “I can’t risk messing up our friendship because I have feelings for him.”

Susan sighed. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that life is too short for regrets. Don’t let what you think might happen affect your future happiness.”

“That’s what Isabel and Lynda keep telling me, but that’s easier said than done.” Pushing all thoughts of Patrick out of her mind, Kathleen focused on why Susan was here. “Are you looking forward to finding the perfect wedding dress for Isabel?”

Susan’s smile was more genuine this time. “I can’t wait. From what Isabel said, the store in Bozeman is amazing.”

Chloe came over and left a plate holding a small quiche and a sandwich on the table. “This is for you, Susan. I thought you might want something to eat after your flight.”

“That’s really thoughtful of you, Chloe. Thank you.”

Chloe nodded. “You’re welcome, but it’s not the only reason I’m here.” With a regretful glance at Kathleen, Chloe continued. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but Mrs. Jones wants to order lunch for her gardening club. Would you be able to help her?”

“Of course, I can,” Kathleen replied instantly. Reaching into her pocket, she handed Susan a key. “This is for the front door of my house. Make yourself at home.”

Susan smiled. “I will. I’ve missed you.”

Kathleen hugged her friend. “I’ve missed you, too. I’ll see you later this afternoon.”

After discussing sandwich, pastry, and beverage options with Mrs. Jones, Kathleen focused on refilling coffee cups and taking orders. Susan had left the café while she was finalizing the gardening club’s lunch options. Hopefully, whatever was bothering her friend would solve itself while she was staying in Sapphire Bay. 

As Kathleen worked, she noticed Patrick’s truck was still parked across the street. Despite her worries about their friendship, she hoped he’d stop by for a cup of coffee. She enjoyed spending time with him, even if it was only for a few minutes.

With a deep sigh, she wondered if Patrick felt the same way about her.