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I head to my closet and grab my running shoes. Right now, I need to focus on the plan at hand, and that’s getting Charlie’s nonprofit set up. Not daydreaming about Rosie Meadows and how sweet and good she is.

* * *

I stand outside Mama’s Kitchen, debating whether to go in. It’s the first time in my life I’ve hesitated before walking in, but I feel awkward.

“Hey, what’s going on?” Dalton comes up behind me. “Were you looking for me?”

“No, I’m here to see Rosie,” I admit as he opens the door.

“Oh, yeah, I forgot she’s working today. Are you coming in, or are you going to stand out here?” He gives me an assessing look, and I nod and follow him inside.

“How’s it going? I haven’t seen much of you and Sage recently.”

“You know how it is once you get into a relationship.” He grins. “It takes over your life.”

“Yeah, I can see that. You’re happy though, right?”

“I am blissfully happy,” he says. “But don’t tell her I said that, or she’ll never let me forget it.”

“I won’t.” I pause. “Can I ask how you knew Sage was the one?”

“It was the way my heart skipped a beat every time I saw her. And the fact that I couldn’t stop thinking about her. Why?”

“No reason,” I say abruptly. “I was just curious.”

I try to ignore the voice in my head that tells me I can’t stop thinking about Rosie. My reasons are totally different from Dalton’s.

We head to the bar, where Jimmy the Fish has two beers waiting for us.

“Good to see you, Brett.”

“You too, Jimmy.”

My heart starts racing as I see Rosie coming out of the back.

“Oh, hey, Dalton. Hey, Brett.” She gives me an assessing look but keeps walking past with a tray full of drinks.

I watch as she heads to a table at the front, hands out the drinks, and chats with the customers. She makes her way back to the bar a few minutes later.

“Everything okay?” she asks me. “Did you see your attorney?”

“I did. I was wondering when your lunch break was.”

“In fifteen minutes. Why?”

“I was thinking I could take you to lunch.”

“Oh?” She tilts her head to the side and studies my face. “Why? Is there something we need to talk about?”

“No. I thought we could head to a jewelry store.” I lower my voice and shift to the side.

“A jewelry store? What? Why?”

She looks confused, and I grab her hand.

“I was thinking about what ring I should get you for the proposal on Catalina Island.”

“Oh my gosh, no. You do not have to get me a ring. Don’t be crazy.”