We were never going to work out. As a couple, we’d always been doomed.
And yet, here we were. About to step into Jessi’s Diner and pretend to be happily in love.
The bell jingled as Dean opened the door, holding it for me. Mom and Stephie had already claimed a booth. My sister’s hair was newly done in box braids with extensions, looking so cute.
They smiled and waved, jumping up as we walked over.
“It’s so wonderful, seeing you two side by side again!” my mother exclaimed. “Dean, it’s been too long. We missed you.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Marsh. It’s good to see you too.”
“Oh, enough of that.” She patted his arm. “You call me Regina.”
After hugs, we all sat down again, Dean and me next to each other on one side. Dean draped an arm around my shoulders and pressed closer to me with his thigh sandwiched against mine. Stephie got this excited gleam in her eyes, exchanging a knowing glance with Mom.
Great. They’d already been talking.
“So, what’s the big news you wanted to tell us?” Mom asked.
I squirmed, trying to get comfortable. “We have to wait for Brynn.”
“Hello, everyone. Can I get you something to drink?”
I looked up to see Jessi Shelborne holding a notepad, pen poised over paper. “Hey, Jessi,” I sputtered. “Didn’t know you’d be here.”
Usually, Jessi was at Last Refuge running the inn. She, Aiden, and their little daughter lived up there. They still owned the diner, but they’d hired employees to run the day-to-day operations.
“We like to take the odd shift at the diner now and again. For old time’s sake.” She nodded toward the kitchen, where her husband was cooking. Aiden caught us watching and lifted his chin.
Aiden and Jessi first met in this diner. Fell in love here.
I had pleasant memories here too. This was the place I stopped for a hot breakfast in the morning after a night shift on patrol or for a slice of pie during a quiet afternoon.
I’d sat in these booths at least a hundred times with Dean, too. Wishing to have his arm around me. But I’d never imagined it would happen likethis.
“What brings all of you out today?” Jessi asked. “Just in the mood for brunch?”
Mom nudged against Stephie’s shoulder. “Keira and Dean’s idea,” my sister said. “They have some news for us.” Stephie pumped her eyebrows.
Jessi’s eyes lit up too. “Do they, now? How intriguing. Whatever could it be?”
Ugh, this kept getting worse. Except it was exactly what Dean wanted. Everything nice and public. We were going tocover every busybody on Hartley’s Main Streetandthe crew at Last Refuge in one fell swoop.
And nobody seemed the least bit surprised.
We ordered coffees. Brynn arrived next—more hugs all around—and we focused on food for a bit. I couldn’t imagine eating with my stomach so twisted up, but I ordered a Colorado eggs Benedict anyway, smothered in green chili.
“So.” Stephie plunked her elbows on the table. “Get on with it. Tell us.”
I glanced at Dean. He nodded for me to go ahead.
Crap.
“Well, it’s about Dean and me, and…” The words got stuck, refusing to come out.
Thankfully, Dean took over.
“I came back to Hart County after hearing Keira was hurt. It made me realize some things.” His smile was so tender it made my eyes burn. “We talked, and it turns out we both want the same thing.”
