Olivia nodded. “Next thing you know we’ll start playing bridge.”
“I actually like bridge,” Harper said. She sighed. “Fine. I see your point. No Latte Ladies.”
“How hard can it be to name a group?” Olivia said.
Harper looked at her. “Not that hard ifsomeonewasn’t so picky.”
“I’m not picky. I’m discerning.”
They all laughed, and Anita smiled. It was good to relax with her friends again.
When they finished their coffees, everyone started to leave. “We don’t want to keep you,” Riley said. “You have a big day tomorrow.”
“Don’t fib, Mrs.Price.” Harper arched a brow. “We know you’re in a hurry to get back home to your husband.”
Riley blushed.
“Ugh, newlyweds. You should be over that stage by now.” Olivia turned to Anita. “Do you need help cleaning up?”
“No, it won’t take me long. Thanks anyway.”
“See you tomorrow.”
A few minutes after her friends left, she’d started to clear away the coffee cups and dessert plates when the door opened. Her heart leapt. Tanner.
“I thought they’d never leave.” He went straight to her and gathered her in his arms, not stopping to take off his jacket. Instead of kissing her on the lips as he usually did whenever they were alone, he nuzzled her neck.
“Tanner, what if anyone sees?”
“It’s after eight. Ninetypercent of Maple Falls is probably in bed by now.” He winked and went to shut the door. “You need to lock this when you’re the only one here, okay?”
“I will.” She smiled, filled with love that made her feelings for him before they became a couple pale in comparison.
“Ready for tomorrow?” he asked, grabbing the rest of the dishes and following her into the kitchen.
“I think so.” She set the mugs in the sink and turned to him. “I’m anxious, though.”
“Everything will be great. Fred and Mabel have the diner covered, so I’ll be here if you need me.”
She went to him. “Thank you. I couldn’t have done this without you.”
He grinned and slipped his hand into the pocket of his jacket. “I got something for you.”
She almost fainted on the spot. They’d been inseparable since Riley’s wedding, but theMword had never been mentioned.
Oh my goodness. He’s going to propose.
He pulled out a box, and she barely noticed that it was a little on the large side for a ring. “It’s a little good luck for the opening tomorrow,” he said.
She lifted the lid. Inside lay a delicate silver bracelet with two tiny coffee-mug charms hanging from it. “Oh,” she said, irritated with herself that she was a little disappointed. She picked it up. “It’s beautiful.”
“Do you like it?”
“Yes. Can you help me put it on?”
He took the bracelet and fastened it on her wrist. She smiled, the little charms shining in the light of the kitchen. “Thank you. I love it.”
“Whew. I was hoping you did.” But when she reached up to kiss him, he put his finger on her mouth. “Wait. I almost forgot.”
