“Any idea where you’d like to go?” he asks, placing a hand on the small of my back and sending a jolt up my spine as we get to the door.
“Feel like going to Misty’s?” I ask him.
“Sure. That sounds great. I could go for her BLT right about now.”
Since it’s raining, we get into his cruiser that’s parked outside the bakery and head over to Misty’s Diner, where the scent of fresh brewed coffee and grease greets us.
The diner is packed with people staying out of the rain and staying warm by sipping on coffees and hot chocolates while enjoying a nice sandwich, burger, or plate of fries.
Settling into a booth, I shake off the water from my jacket and hang it on the racks attached to the booth, West doing the same.
After we place our orders, I decide to ask him about what he thinks will happen regarding the upcoming weekend.
“It’s all still a go. We’ll have a lot of officers out, as well as a lot of volunteers who’ve offered to work as security. We don’t want to frighten anyone or call things off unless needed, but we do want people to stay vigilant.”
“Oh, good.” I smile with relief. “I love the fair and rodeo so much. I was worried they would be cancelled.”
West takes a sip of his hot chocolate, shaking his head. “Nah. We’ll make sure it still happens,” he says, setting his cup back down. “Besides, we have our date. I wouldn’t let it get cancelled.” He winks, making my cheeks flush.
A waitress brings over our food, and we eat in a comfortable silence for a few bites before I remember I wanted to ask Wren about what the knitters meant. Since West is here, I decide to just ask him.
“So, I have a question. And I apologize if I’m overstepping or it’s not my business. It’s just that I overheard something earlier and have been curious,” I say, setting my sandwich down on my plate.
“Okay. Ask away,” West says, setting down his own sandwich to focus on me.
“Well, I overheard Mrs. Ira say something about Lavender Falls hasn’t seen such a tragedy since your brother’s wife,” I say, biting my lip, afraid I’m being too nosy.
West leans back in the booth and lets out a huff of air, running his hands down his face. “A few years ago, my brother Cade lost his wife,” he tells me.
My hand flies to my mouth. “Oh gosh, West. I am so sorry.”
“It was tough.” He tilts his head as if lost in the memories. “She had just given birth to their second baby five months prior.”
Leaning forward in the booth, I reach out and grab his hand, rubbing soothing circles over his thumb. “I’m truly sorry to hear that,” I tell him sincerely.
Glancing down at our hands, he quietly says, “It was postpartum depression.”
“I can’t even imagine what your family must have felt. I’m sorry, West.”
“That’s three times,” he says, looking up from our connected hands with a smile. At first, I’m confused thinking he means his brother has lost three wives, but I can’t imagine that’s something he would smile about.
“I’m sorry?” I ask.
“You’ve called me West three times now. Once the other night and twice just now.” He smiles.
“Huh. I guess I did.” I smile back.
“About time you start,” he tells me as he begins to rub his thumbs over mine, the same way I was just doing for him. Except this feels different. And I like it.
We sit and smile at each other for a few moments before a voice clears making us pull apart and look up.
“Oh, hi, Misty.”
“Well, aren’t you two just the cutest things,” she drawls out, her face lit up.
Flipping my hair in front of my cheeks to hide the growing blush, I look down at the table.
“How are you, Misty?” West asks her.
