That fits. That’s exactly what she is.
“It took some getting used to,” I tell Fran. I don’t mention that I might not have Rose beside me all day anymore, but having her with me all night more than makes up for the loss.
“You look like you’re settling into your new job well enough.” Her gaze drifts over me in lazy appreciation. “We do enjoy a man in uniform.”
The parks department “uniform” is a simple brown button-down with khaki cargo pants. I would have gone home and changed after work, but I didn’t want to miss any of this moment to cheer on Rose.
“The job suits me.”
It’s not the same kind of work I did as an assistant park ranger, but I don’t mind the changes. I’m overseeing maintenance of grounds and trails and developing plans for conservation efforts. I deal with far fewer people on a daily basis than I did here, something that benefits everyone.
“I hope you won’t make Rose wait long before you put a ring on her finger.” Fran bats her eyelashes, every beat a demand.
She doesn’t have to worry about that. She also doesn’t get to know about that.
“We’ve talked about this again and again,” Nora says under her breath. “That’s too much pushing.”
“It’s not pushing.” Fran nods at me as if I’ll take her side. “It’s gently nudging him in the right direction.”
Nudging, a roundhouse kick to the face—what’s the difference?
“He won’t wait around.” Nora’s still stage-whispering. “He knows how special she is.”
Subtlety must gradually leave your body as you age, like calcium leeching from your bones.
“Can I drag Reed away from you ladies?” Rose appears at my side, slipping one arm around my waist and pulling in close. “I need him.”
The two titter together, and Fran shoos us on. “By all means.”
Rose leads me to the opposite side of the coffee shop, saying hello but not stopping as she weaves between people. Most of the Sunshine Small Business Society members have cycled through this evening, from Lila and her husband to the Krauses to the entire McBride clan. Even Shepherd Callahan stopped in to offer congratulations. My jealousy couldn’t get too worked up when he had his fiancée at his side the whole time.
I still say he’s a fool for letting Rose go, but I’ll forever be grateful he did.
Two new baristas work behind the counter, pulling espresso shots and shaking iced drinks. They look painfully young to me, but Rose assures me they know what they’re doing.
I lean down to speak in her ear. “What did you need me for?”
Whatever it is, the answer is always yes.
She tilts her head to bless me with her dimple. “I just needed you.”
“I always like to hear that.”
Troy pops up in front of us. “I have to leave, but not without giving the woman of the hour one more round of congratulations.”
Rose and Troy briefly hug, swaying their shoulders side to side. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”
He releases her, flashing a cheeky grin. “Girl, please. It was all you.” He glances at me and some of his cockiness fades. “I want to say thanks again?—”
“No need,” I tell him. “You deserve it.”
It didn’t seem right to give Rose the coffee shop without recognizing Troy. He helped me hold this place together with duct tape and sheer will before Rose came along. There wouldn’t have beenanything left for her to transform if it weren’t for him. He’s been happy enough to work here, but the coffee shop wasn’t his dream. I offered to pay the rest of his college tuition, and he gladly accepted—after making sure I wasn’t drunk, suffering from heat stroke, or concussed.
It’s a gift for him as much as it is for me. Every time I find a new way to put Harry’s money to good use, that weight grows lighter. I have some set aside for Rose and me—and whoever else comes along—but I’m happy to share the rest.
The tips of Troy’s ears turn pink. “Thank you.”
I put on my best frown. “I’m going to rescindmygratitude if you keep repeating yours.”