November 11, Monday

AMERICAN FLAGS rippled in the crisp autumn breeze as Irving's Veterans Day parade assembled on Main Street. Red, white, and blue bunting draped every storefront, and children clutched miniature flags, their excited chatter filling the morning air.

I found a spot near the corner drugstore, memories flooding back of my first week in Irving, watching another parade on a sweltering July morning. Back then, Sawyer had been just a handsome stranger in dress blues. Now, seeing him in his crisp uniform at the head of the color guard made my heart skip for entirely different reasons.

He caught my eye as the parade began, maintaining his serious expression but giving me the slightest wink. I felt myself blush like a schoolgirl.

"Careful there," a familiar voice said beside me. "That man's charm is dangerous."

I turned to find Tilda, looking unusually subdued in a navy dress. "Good morning to you too, Tilda."

"I see the way you look at him," she continued, ignoring my attempt at pleasantries. "The way he looks at you. History repeating itself."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means Sawyer King has a pattern. He gets close to women, makes them feel special, then pulls away when things get too real." She crossed her arms. "Ask Rose about that. Oh wait, you can't. She's dead."

I bristled. "You don't know anything about my relationship with Sawyer."

"I've lived in Irving my whole life, Josephine. I've watched Sawyer break hearts since he was a teenager. You're already dealing with one manipulative man in your life. Do you really need another?"

The mention of Curtis felt like a slap. "That's different."

"Is it?" Tilda's voice softened slightly. "Your ex-boyfriend is trying to take credit for your work, to steal your success. And here's Sawyer, swooping in to be your knight in shining armor. And what has he promised you?"

I watched Sawyer march past with military precision, the American flag held high. "You don't understand—"

"I understand more than you think." She touched my arm. "Just... be careful. There are things about Sawyer you're not equipped to deal with."

"You make it sound like he has some kind of special powers," I said lightly.

A ghost of a smile crossed her face. "Don't all men? I'm just trying to be a friend."

I turned back to the parade, trying to shake off Tilda's words. The high school marching band passed by, playing a patriotic medley that failed to lift my spirits.

Was Tilda right? Was I just trading one untrustworthy man for another?

No. I refused to let her poison what I had with Sawyer. Whatever his secrets, whatever his past with Rose, what we shared felt real.

The parade wound down, and Sawyer found me in the dispersing crowd. He'd changed into civilian clothes, but his military bearing remained.

"Hey," he said softly, pulling me into a hug. He smelled of autumn air and fresh laundry. "You okay? You look troubled."

I melted into his embrace, pushing away Tilda's warnings. "I'm fine. Just thinking."

"Dangerous pastime."

"I know." I pulled back to study his face, searching for any sign of deception. His green eyes met mine openly, warmly. "Buy me a hot cocoa?"

He smiled, taking my hand. "You betcha."

As we walked toward the diner, I felt Tilda's gaze burning into my back. But I didn't turn around.