Honey blinked up at him, startled by the volume. “No need. I think I’ve found everything I need.”
They checked out quickly, Ethan tossing a pack of gum and a roll of antacids on the counter. Runa bagged their things with a wink that made Ethan uneasy.
He paid for both of them before Honey could argue.She opened her mouth to protest, and he shot her a look that said,Don’t even try it.
Back in the car, Ethan started the engine. He let the AC blow for a moment, trying to tell his nervous system they got in and out without incident.
“I didn’t know your mom was a witch,” he said as they pulled away from the curb.
“You don’t know much about me at all, Mr. Hale.”
He supposed that was true. Then he surprised himself by saying, “Tell me something about you.”
Honey looked over at him. “Why?”
“Why not?”
She seemed to consider, then said, “I think surprise parties should be illegal.”
He snorted a laugh. “That’s a strong opinion.”
“I stand by it. No one actually likes being ambushed into happiness. It’s undignified. If I’m expected to clap and beam while people shout at me in the dark, I deserve advance notice.”
He shook his head, still grinning. “So, you want…what? To plan your own birthday?”
“Exactly,” she said crisply. “A scheduled celebration is civilized. A sneak attack with balloons is psychological warfare.”
He smiled despite himself and took the long way to the inn. He could’ve turned earlier—should have, really—but there was no harm in an extra five minutes and he liked the soft rhythm of her voice as she explained that the only situation when it was acceptable to spring a surprise on someone was a proposal.
“Different category entirely,” she added firmly. “That is a demonstration of how well you know someone. You plan it, you pick the right moment, you account for every detail—timing, setting, lighting, witness count. That’s the one exception where a little shock is worth it.”
Finally, she fell quiet while they waited for the BooBees walking group to cross the road. He expected her to ask about them.
“You have a very nice town,” she said softly as they waited.
He bristled reflexively. It wasn’t a perfect town. It had its rusted fences and bakery feuds. And the occasional code violation, if you wanted to get picky about it.
But it was his.
It was Clover’s bakery, and Juniper’s schoolyard, and the old tree behind the post office where his daughters played like he used to. He didn’t want Honey poking around and cataloging its flaws with her little clipboard, no matter how nice her voice sounded when she said things like “very nice town.”
“You should stay with me,” he said suddenly.
Honey turned her head slowly. “Excuse me?”
“At the house,” he clarified. “During the audit. You’d be closer to everything. Save time. No point driving back and forth from the inn every day.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Is this about ‘not messing with your town’ again?”
“No,” he blurted. Then, “Partly. But mostly it’s practical. I’ve got the room. Clean sheets. Decent water pressure. You’re busy and eager to get back home, I’m sure. It makes sense.”
Honey didn’t answer right away. He risked a glance over and found her studying him. “You’re not trying to keep an eye on me, are you?”
He gave a dry smile. “You’d know if I was.”
She let that sit for a moment. “I’ll think about it.”
He nodded, and they turned into the drive of The Inn Between, the porch lights glowing soft yellow in the settling dusk.
