"You sure you want to do this? Work from here? It's going to be loud. Chaotic. Not exactly ideal for client calls."
"I've worked in worse conditions. Forward operating bases in Afghanistan were pretty loud and chaotic."
She laughs. "Fair point."
I cross to her and pull her close. "I'm sure. About this. About us. About everything."
"No doubts?"
"Not a single one."
She rests her head against my chest. I hold her there in the quiet shop. Outside, life continues. Inside, we just exist together.
My phone rings. Luke.
I answer. "Hey."
"Hey. You two done with work?"
"Callie is. I still have some stuff to finish."
"Right. The remote thing." He pauses. "I was serious this morning. About the partner thing. I think it could work."
"I know. I'm considering it."
"Good. Because she needs someone watching her back. Making sure she eats. Sleeps. Doesn't work herself to death."
"I can do that."
"I know you can. That's why I'm suggesting it." Another pause. "You love her."
It's not a question. But I answer anyway. "Yeah. I do."
"Then stick around, build something with her. Make me the third wheel instead of you being the interloper."
I laugh. "Deal."
"Good. See you this weekend. Dinner at my place. Bring Callie."
He hangs up. I pocket my phone and look at Callie. She's watching me with a soft expression.
"What?" I ask.
"Nothing. Just thinking about how much things have changed."
"Good change or bad change?"
"The best kind of change."
I pull her close again. Kiss the top of her head. We stand there for a long moment. Just holding each other in the quiet shop.
"I should finish prep for tomorrow," she finally says.
"Need help?"
"Always."
We spend the afternoon working side by side. She makes dough. I clean equipment. We talk about nothing important. Plans for the week. Luke's dinner invitation. The possibility of expanding the shop.
