He couldn’t wait to see what else they would improve, together, for the rest of their lives.
Epilogue
AbigailandRoanenteredthe Cozy Cat Café hand in hand.
Roan’s brother Nathaniel and his wife Thea had been married for several months, and they were finally going on their honeymoon. They were here to say goodbye…and to make sure Linnea knew that they were here if she needed help.
Though Abigail wouldn’t be surprised if Conrad also volunteered his assistance.
“Aren’t you glad you brought their letters back?” Abigail whispered as they waited in line to purchase something. She firmly believed in supporting other businesses, especially when they were owned by family.
Roan simply gave her a look, and Abigail resisted the urge to giggle.
Nat and Thea were an absolutely adorable couple, and she loved watching them work together on the other side of the counter. They hadn’t noticed Abigail and Roan in the line yet, and watching them work together in perfect harmony was always so enjoyable. And fortunately, they didn’t hate Roan for stealing their letters—at least, they said they didn’t.
Abigail and Thea had become fast friends, and the brothers were working on their relationship. Things were going well, at least as far as Abigail was concerned.
“I can’t believe they’re actually going on a honeymoon,” Abigail said, reaching for Roan’s hand simply because she could.
“I can,” Roan said. “It’s just the sort of thing he always wanted to do—go back to Riyel. It doesn’t surprise me at all that he wants to take her back there now that they’re married, so they can see it all one more time. I can’t believe they’re leaving the café, though.”
“Would you ever leave the tavern?” Abigail asked.
Roan looked down at her with such alarm written on his face that she couldn’t help giggling.
“I’m not saying we should,” she said. “I’m asking if you would.”
“If you wanted me to,” Roan said slowly, but the words were shaky, and she wasn’t sure she believed him.
“I’m not asking,” she added, patting his arm so he could take a breath again.
Roan sighed dramatically. “Oh, good. I don’t think there’s anyone I would trust with it—yet.”
“Maybe Morgan,” Abigail said, referring to the blacksmith’s daughter who occasionally helped her. “But no, you’re right. I can’t think of anyone else.”
Nathaniel caught sight of them and offered a brief nod. His hand reached out to snag Thea’s elbow, and he pointed her attention to them.
Thea smiled and hurried out to give Abigail a hug, while Nathaniel and Roan clasped hands over the counter.
It was better than nothing.
“I can’t believe you’re actually leaving,” Abigail said.
“I know,” Thea said, anxious excitement in her voice.
“I’m so nervous,” Linnea admitted from the other side of the counter.
“But I know you’ll be here to help if she needs it,” Thea said.
“Of course we will,” Abigail said, looking up at Roan with a smile. “The café tends to be busier before we are, so I’ll pop in to check on her and make sure she doesn’t need anything. Roan can manage the tavern on his own if things get busy here.”
“That’s what you think,” Roan said.
Abigail patted his arm. “You’ll be fine, dear. I’m looking forward to spending a little more time with Linnea.” And not just because Conrad had started acting a little shy anytime the café was mentioned, but because she seemed lovely. “It will be great and you will have a wonderful trip. I know it.”
Nathaniel came around the counter and reached for his wife’s hand. “The cart is loaded,” he said, smiling down at her. “Are you ready to go?”
“I just have to say goodbye to Ginger first,” she added, hurrying over to the fireplace where the café’s namesake, a long-haired orange cat, was sitting and waiting for them. She said goodbye to the cat, and then Nat and Thea left, leaving Abigail and Roan with a very nervous Linnea standing behind the counter.
