“Got a problem with bikers, lady?” he asked, his voice deceptively mild.
Beatrice sniffed. “I have a problem with men who think they can waltz into town and corrupt respectable women.”
“Corrupt?” Stephen’s eyebrows shot up, and he looked genuinely offended. “I’ll have you know I’m a goddamn gentleman. Open doors for her and everything.”
I bit back a laugh.
“And Trudy’s a grown woman,” he continued, his tone hardening slightly. “She can make her own damn decisions about who she spends her time with. Don’t need your approval or anyone else’s.”
Beatrice stared at him for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Then, to my surprise, she smiled a small, knowing smile, and turned to me.
“He’s got spirit,” she said. “I like that.”
And then she winked.
I blinked, stunned, as she ordered a coffee and a scone, paid, then left without another word.
“Did that just happen?” I asked, staring after her.
Stephen chuckled. “Think she was fucking with us.”
“I think you’re right.”
The morning continued like that, customers coming and going, most of them offering congratulations or teasing comments about my new relationship. And through it all, Stephen stayed close, his presence a constant, grounding force.
Until Harold walked in.
Alone.
I felt Stephen tense beside me the moment the door opened. Harold’s gaze swept the bakery, landing on me, and then on Stephen’s arm around my waist.
His expression tightened.
“Trudy,” he said, his voice carefully neutral. “I wanted to check on the anniversary cake order. Make sure everything’s on track.”
“It’s fine,” I said, trying to keep my tone professional. “Everything’s ready for Saturday.”
“Good. Good.” But he didn’t leave. His gaze flicked to Stephen, then back to me. “This is all very sudden, isn’t it? You and... him.”
“Not really,” Stephen said before I could respond. His voice was calm, but there was an edge to it. “Been after this woman for six months. Knew the first time I saw her she was mine. Just took some time to convince her of it.”
Harold’s jaw tightened. “Six months isn’t very long to know someone.”
“Long enough.” Stephen’s arm tightened around me, pulling me closer. “And my daughter loves her. Gave us her blessing. We’ll be having a grandchild in a few weeks, and Trudy’s gonna be part of that. Part of my family.”
I saw the flash of jealousy in Harold’s eyes, quickly masked by concern. “I just want to make sure you’re not rushing into something you’ll regret, Trudy. You deserve to be treated right.”
“I appreciate your concern,” I said, keeping my voice steady. “But I’m fine. Better than fine, actually.”
Harold looked like he wanted to say more, but Stephen’s presence, solid and unyielding at my side, seemed to stop him. He nodded stiffly, paid for a coffee he didn’t drink, and left.
The silence that followed was heavy.
“You okay?” Stephen asked, his hand moving to cup my face.
I nodded, leaning into his touch. “Yeah. I’m okay.”
And I was. Because watching Harold walk out that door, I couldn’t help but smile.
