“Until last year. Heart attack. No warning. One day we were planning the fall menu, the next”—his gaze came up—“she was gone. We’ve had a lot of people leave. Most unintentionally.”
Finn didn’t speak. His chest had gone tight. That kind of loss? That much grief packed into a few short years? It was staggering.
And somehow... they still led with kindness.
Still gave.
It humbled him all the more.
“And that’s why I’m being up front,” Jack said quietly. “Daphne’s not wired for flings or games. She latches onto people and loves with her whole heart. She remembers everything about the people she cares about. The way they take their tea”—he waved to Finn—“or coffee, in your case, even if she hates coffee.” His grin flashed for a second. “She’s the type of person who remembers the names of people’s dogs or that offhand comment they made about liking waffles more than pancakes. She files it all away like it means something and then uses it to help them feel special.”
Finn’s mouth tugged into a small, sad smile, even as something inside him ached.
“Right,” he said quietly. “That tracks.”
“So if this is just a game for you—don’t.” Jack leaned in, his tone sharpening just a touch. “I don’t care how charming you are. She deserves better than temporary.”
Finn rubbed the back of his neck, the weight of Jack’s words settling over him. “She does.”
Jack watched him for a beat, then gave a slow nod. Like he’d found whatever answer he needed.
Finn sort of wished Jack would let him in on the secret, because currently Finn felt entirely flummoxed from the heart out.
The front door jangled, likely Gavin returning, and Jack pushed away from the fridge. He paused near the counter, expression thoughtful.
“Just remember that, man.” His voice was quieter now. “Because she might not say it—she might not even know it yet—but she already cares more than temporary.”
Then he stepped away, leaving Finn standing in the wake of that knowledge.
Finn stared at the space Jack had just vacated. A small puddle of water still pooled near the dishwasher, reflecting fractured shapes from the overhead light.
He didn’t move.
Because deep down he already knew the truth.
He’d started caring more than temporary too.
And he wasn’t sure if he was brave enough for the risk.
Chapter 12
@TeaThymeNC:When in doubt, choose elegance. Your wedding day deserves something special. #RefinedTaste #TeaThyme
Comments:
@TGDpub:Or, you know, food you’ll actually remember eating. #NotJustForPhotos #EatLikeYouMeanIt
@LindsayMonroeOfficial:Confession: @TravisLangfordConnects and I love both. How are we supposed to decide? #Help #FoodieDilemma #CantChoose
@WisteriaGeneralStore:You know we’re taking bets, right? #TeamTea #TeamPub #WinnerGetsBraggingRights #ItsAllOverTown #GrubWars
@PastorNateNHC:I feel like this requires divine intervention. Or, at least, a very thorough taste test. #ToughJobButSomeonesGottaDoIt
@TeaThymeNC:There’s still time to convert to the superior side. Just saying. #LeafOverBean #StyleOverSteak
@TGDpub:Funny, I was about to say the same thing. #LeaveTheLeaf #EatLikeYouMeanIt
Something was definitely wrong.
