“Forgot what?”
From her phone, Whitney Houston’s voice belted the chorus of “I Will Always Love You.”
Tanner frowned. “Don’t answer it.”
She glanced at her purse on the counter. “It could be someone important.”
“They can leave a voice mail.”
“What if it’s Mom?”
He paused, then rolled his eyes and stepped back. “You’d better answer it.”
Sure enough. “Hi, Mom,” she said, winking at Tanner.
“Hello, sweetheart. Are you all set for tomorrow?”
“Yes, ma’am.” When she saw Tanner tapping his wrist, telling her to wrap it up, she added, “I’m busy now, though.”
“This won’t take too long. I want to discuss adding another coffee flavor to your menu.”
“Now? It’s too late for that.”
Tanner walked over, pushed her hair aside, and whispered in her ear, “Tell her you have to go.”
A pleasant shiver shot down her spine. “Mom—”
“The coffee is Parisian. Doesn’t that sound divine? I sampled it when I was in Dallas with Paisley, and you simply have to serve it soon. I finally found a place you can order from.”
“All right, I—”
Tanner took the phone from her. “Hi, Mrs.Bedford.”
“Oh, hello, Tanner, dear. How are you?”
“I’m good, Anita’s good, the café’s good, and we’ll serve Parisian coffee next month.”
“But—”
“Ta-ta for now.” He clicked the phone off and tossed it onto Anita’s purse.
“That was impressive.” She’d have to ask him for some pointers on how to put off her mother in the future.
“Now,” he said, grinning. “Where were we? Oh, right. We were here.” He opened his hand. A diamond solitaire ring lay in his palm.
Her hand went to her mouth, and she looked at him.
He took her hand and slipped the ring on her finger. A perfect fit. “Will you marry me, Anita?”
“Yes!” She hugged him. “You’re a stinker, you know that?”
“I’ve heard you use that language with your Sunday school class. I don’t know whether to be proud or insulted.” He held her tight.
“Both.” She whispered in his ear, “I love you, Tanner Castillo.”
“And I love you, Anita Castillo.” When she gave him a puzzled look, he added, “You might as well start getting used to it now.”
She laughed, her heart full. Nothing had ever sounded so good.
