“The one where your face forgets how to behave,” Carrie says, grinning wide.
“That’s just my face,” I say mildly.
“Mmhmm,” Betty hums. “Sure it is. And my meatloaf is gluten-free.”
I take a bite of toast to buy time. “So what’s the gossip today?”
Carrie leans in, settling in for a sermon. “Word is you’ve been spending a lot of time over at Abilene Kentwood’s.”
I don’t even choke on my coffee. Progress.
“Her porch was falling apart,” I say easily. “I own tools. This is what happens when those two facts collide.”
“Mmhmm,” Betty says again, unconvinced but amused. “And the gutter? And the fence? And the way you look at her like she invented sunshine?”
“I look at lots of people,” I say.
Carrie snorts. “Not like that.”
I smile then. Not thin this time, just resigned. The smile of a man who knows he’s been clocked. “Town notices everything. Doesn’t mean there’s anything to notice.”
Betty props her elbow on the counter. “Honey, the town noticed Dakota Fletcher’s situation before she did. You think you’re subtle?”
“Devastating,” I mutter.
“Oh, relax,” Carrie says cheerfully. “We’re not warning you. We’re enjoying it.”
Betty nods. “It’s been a slow winter. This is nice.”
“Romantic hope,” Carrie adds. “With tools.”
I shake my head, laughing despite myself. “You two are ruthless.”
“And yet,” Betty says, “you keep coming back.”
“Because you feed me.”
“And thankfully,” Carrie says lightly, “you look happier than you have in years.”
That one sneaks in under my ribs.
I don’t answer it. I just eat, let them tease, let the warmth sit where it wants to.
Because the truth is, I don’t know what’s going on. Not really.
I know I care about Abilene. I know my kids adore her. I know when I think about her, my chest flips, complicated and hopeful all at once.
What I don’t know is what comes next.
So I finish my breakfast, trade barbs, and leave a good tip.
I step back out into the morning with town gossip trailing behind me with a grin and Principal Cole’s words still warm in my chest.
Safe. Loved.
I can do that.
I just hope I don’t screw it up.
