“Well, let’s see how the event goes first and then see what you think,” Hailey said, speaking carefully even though inwardly she felt like she was walking on air. “I’ll only want your support if you think the place is just right.”
“If it’s not just right, we’ll help you figure out how to make it just right,” Mal said. “I promise.”
“Thank you,” Hailey told her, truly moved. “That means a lot.”
“That’s what friends are for,” Sage said firmly.
“Amen to that,” Mal said.
Hailey couldn’t hold back her smile. She had been back three days and she already had women who were happy to call themselves her friends.
“Speaking of friends,” Sage said. “What was Reggie saying about Ransom?”
“Ransom?” Mal echoed, leaning forward with interest. “Ransom Wright?”
“How many guys named Ransom do you know?” Sage teased her.
Mal laughed and turned her green gaze back to Hailey.
“Oh,” Hailey said. “Nothing. It’s just that we used to date back in high school.”
“Youdid?” Mal asked. “He’ssocute, and he’s hilarious with his kids. They come in sometimes and it would melt your heart the stuff he says to them.”
Something about hearing Mal compliment Ransom made Hailey’s heart ache.
“Any chance of rekindling that old flame?” Sage asked gently.
“I don’t think so,” Hailey said.
“Why not?” Mal demanded.
“He kind of broke my heart,” Hailey admitted.
“You’re still not over it,” Sage said, reaching out to cover Hailey’s hand with her own.
“If you’re not over it, that means you still have big feelings,” Mal said. “And if you still have big feelings, then it’s not too late.”
Hailey had never really thought about it that way.
“Maybe,” she said.
But she knew she couldn’t really let herself fall hard for Ransom Wright. Not again.
“Hey, who wants a gingerbread cappuccino?” Mal asked, hopping out of her seat.
“Me,”Hailey and Sage said at the same time.
“Well, okay then,” Mal said. “Eat up and I’ll bring us each one. But save room for a cookie or two. I’m trying new recipes this week and I need a couple of guinea pigs.”
“Have I told you lately that I love you?” Sage sang after Mal, who was already disappearing into the kitchen in back, her ponytail swinging.
“Hey, Sage,” Hailey said.
“Yeah?”
“Thank you,” Hailey told her. “For agreeing to come to the party, but mostly just thank you for making me feel at home.”
“You’ve forgotten how it is in a small town,” Sage saidwith a smile. “Another week and you’ll never want to leave again.”
