Chapter 11

Chapter Eleven

Under a shade tree on Bridal Carriage Way, Ryan scrolled through the messages on his phone. He scanned a text from his mom, who wanted to know if she could count on him for Sunday dinner. A muscle in his jaw twitched. He hated to disappoint her, but sharing another tense meal with his father and brothers was not the way he wanted to spend the day. Fortunately, Wedding-in-a-Week gave him just the excuse he needed. He dashed off a quick reply and scanned the phone again.

When he didn't spot a text from Evelyn, he delivered a swift kick to the mental seat of his pants. He should've asked her out while they were at Eat, Drink and Be Married. Sure, she might've turned him down—again. But wasn't it worth the risk to find out? Ever since they'd started working together, she'd surprised him with her down-to-earth approach to life. He'd been even more shocked by how much he enjoyed being around her. She made him laugh. When life threw her a curveball, she dealt with it.

He nodded. He wouldn't hesitate again. The next time he had a minute alone with her, he'd ask Evelyn out. He smiled as a shiver of nervous energy passed through him. He could hardly wait to put this new plan into motion.

Apparently, though, his plan would have to wait, because a familiar Town Car had just pulled to the curb in front of Forget Me Knot Flowers. No matter how much he wanted to explore his growing attraction for a certain feisty redhead, his first obligation lay in helping to give their Wedding-in-a-Week couple a perfect wedding. He tossed the dregs of his now-cold coffee into the trash and summoned a ready smile for the couple.

But something had gone horribly wrong.

He knew it as sure as he knew his own name the instant he saw Brianna's tight expression. Emerging from the car behind his bride-to-be, Daniel didn't look one whit happier. Worry lines etched the normally cheerful groom's brow. When he reached for her hand, Brianna moved out of his reach .

Ryan tapped his foot on the sidewalk. Had they had a fight? Decided to call off the wedding? No matter what had happened, he had to intervene. He ventured a tentative, "Um, Brianna? Daniel? How was lunch?"

The question earned him a scathing look that, in retrospect, he had to admit he deserved. He jingled the loose change in his pocket. Whatever had upset the couple, he'd try to help them work it out. However, standing on Bridal Carriage Way in the middle of America's Top Wedding Destination was not the place to do it. Already, the couple had drawn a few sidelong glances from passersby. If they argued, someone might whip out their cell phone and record the incident. He didn't want an awkward video to become a souvenir of Daniel and Brianna's stay in Heart's Landing. But getting the couple off the sidewalk required more than one pair of hands.

That thought had no sooner crossed his mind than he spotted Evelyn striding toward them. Relief rippled through him. He didn't think he'd ever felt happier to see the tall redhead than at that moment. He motioned for her to hurry. She didn't hesitate. She simply picked up her pace. Seconds later, she skidded to a stop at his side.

Peering up at him, she asked, "How can I help? "

"I'll tell Mildred we'll be back. Meanwhile, you get them someplace quiet and out of sight."

"Got it." She straightened, her shoulders squaring. By the time he slipped through the door of Forget Me Knot, Evelyn had already linked arms with Brianna and Daniel and had them marching in lockstep down the street.

He shook his head. The girl had skills. Trusting that she had everything under control for the time being, he looked for Mildred among the shelves of sweet-smelling greenery. He didn't have to look far. The owner stood at the window.

"That didn't look good," the florist murmured softly when he reached her. "Did they have a spat?"

"Oh, you know. Young love. There's always drama," he joked. "We're going to give them a few minutes to calm down. Can you stall the photographer when he gets here?"

"Already done." Mildred aimed a thumb toward the workroom in the back. "My niece has taken him on the grand tour. But the store isn't all that big. Beth won't be able to keep him entertained long. After that, we'll have to talk about flowers and hope he nods off."

"We'll be back as soon as possible," he said, offering the only reassurance he had. "You're the best, you know." He leaned down to give the plump florist a peck on the cheek.

"Oh, you!" Coloring sweetly, Mildred shook her fingers at him. "That's what they all say."

The comment brought a smile he didn't have to force to his lips and, humming a jaunty tune, he retraced his steps to the door. Outside, he lengthened his stride and quickly arrived at Bow Tie Pasta. He watched in awe as Evelyn approached the black-garbed hostess.

"We'll need a private room for a bit," she announced, her firm tone pitched too low to draw unwanted attention.

The woman behind the hostess stand swept one glance over the tight-lipped couple with Evelyn and gave a solemn nod. She grabbed an armload of menus the size of encyclopedias. Seconds later, she wove between tables toward the back of the restaurant.

Ryan let the peaceful atmosphere seep into his soul as he trailed the group past brick walls dotted with framed paintings by local artists. The good smells of olive oil, garlic, and tomato filled the air. Light filtered through narrow, curved windows and reflected softly from the glassware hanging above the bar. He passed a tuxedoed waiter, who quietly explained the day's specials to a group of businessmen at one table. The sommelier poured sips of wine for a couple at another.

He waited until they were behind the closed doors of a room reserved for private parties before he faced Brianna and Daniel. He cut to the chase. "Okay, what's this all about?"

Brianna's lower lip trembled. "Daniel got a phone call over lunch."

He braced himself. "Bad news?" His head filled with images of police cars and firetrucks.

The young groom studied his toes. "Sort of. I was given an extra month of leave when we were selected for Wedding-in-a-Week. That meant I was supposed to report to Camp Geiger at the end of July. But I just got new orders. I have to report in nine days. Brianna, she's having a hard time with that."

"I am not!" The slim blonde tugged on her ear while she stamped her foot. Her eyes wide, she stared at Daniel. "I just asked if you told your boss you'd be in Hawaii then."

"And I told you, I can't argue with my CO!" Defiant, Daniel lifted his head to meet his fiancée's gaze.

"You were going on your honeymoon," Ryan said, fitting the peg into the hole. No wonder they were upset. No matter how committed they both were to Daniel's military career, canceling the trip had to be a huge disappointment.

Brianna hung her head. "Daniel doesn't think I'm cut out to be a military wife. He's giving up on us."

"You're making me out to be the bad guy here." The young man's expression stiffened. "I'm having just as hard a time with the change as you are, Bri." He turned away from his fiancée. "I was all set. I knew life in the Marines was going to be tough. They tell us that in boot camp—how hard it is on wives and families. But knowing what to expect is half the battle, right? That's what I thought until I got these new orders. Now, I have to report two weeks earlier than we'd planned. It's made me see how I could get sent halfway around the world at a moment's notice. It's not fair to do that to Brianna."

The kid was talking in circles. Ryan had to straighten him out. "What do you mean?"

"I think … I think we should call off the wedding," Daniel said, looking like he'd just agreed to have a root canal without Novocain.

Brianna's shoulders slumped as if she was on the verge of collapse. "If that's what you want …"

"Whoa! Wait a minute." Ryan held up his hand. He got that the news was upsetting, but how had these two people who obviously loved each other gone from disappointment to canceling their wedding in under sixty seconds? He stole a glance at Evelyn, who stood white-faced and in shock like the rest of them. As he watched, she shook herself and squared her shoulders.

"Let's all just sit down and talk about this, shall we?"

Her no-nonsense tone cut through the room like a drill sergeant's, and Daniel didn't argue. His movements stiff and unnatural, the young man headed for one of the tables. In silence, he pulled a chair out for Brianna. She slid onto it without complaint. Daniel sank onto the seat beside her. By unspoken agreement, Ryan and Evelyn sat opposite the unhappy duo.

"Okay, let's all take a breath," Evelyn began, her voice softening. Across from her, tears seeped from between Brianna's closed eyelids, while Daniel merely stared at a spot on the wall. Ryan fought the urge to drum his fingers on the table. The next time he saw Alicia, they were going to have a little talk about making Wedding Counseling 101 a prerequisite for working with Wedding-in-a-Week couples.

The silence stretched out for a bit. When he thought everyone had calmed down, Ryan cleared his throat. He directed his first question to Daniel. "Want to tell me what's going on here?"

Tight-lipped, he held up his hands, his palms empty. "She expects me to argue with my CO and get him to change my orders. Will you tell her I can't do that?"

Ryan felt his pulse thud while he studied Brianna closely. Admittedly, he didn't have a whole lot of experience with angry young women, but if he had to guess, he'd say this one wasn't demanding anything.

"I don't think she's asking you to."

"Ryan's right. Isn't he, Brianna?" Evelyn interjected.

The thin blonde steadied herself with a shuddery breath. "I admit I could've reacted better when you first gave me the news, Daniel. It came out of the blue. I was so shocked, I needed a minute. That's all it was, I swear." Brianna swiped at her cheeks and straightened. "I may not know a lot about what it means to be a Marine, but I know you have to go where you're told, when you're told. And if the Marines want you in Camp Geiger, you'll be there."

"Yeah, but …" Daniel's face flushed. "I know how much you were looking forward to Hawaii. Yo u deserve to be with someone who can take you on a proper honeymoon."

"Daniel Johnston." Brianna tapped the table with one finger. "If you think you're getting rid of me that easy, think again. We'll take our honeymoon later. The next time you have some vacation."

"Leave. In the military, it's called leave." The harsh lines in Daniel's face softened.

"Leave, then. We'll go to Hawaii the next time you have leave."

Daniel's head swung from side to side. "That's the problem. I can't promise you we'll ever get to Hawaii. Or that I'll be home for Christmas. Or our anniversary. Or any of the other holidays or special dates. I love you. You know I'd do anything in the world for you. But you deserve a better life than the one I can give you."

"So your answer is to leave me?" Fresh tears welled in Brianna's eyes.

Ryan shook his head. He'd never taken a counseling class in his life, but he knew a thing or two about love and marriage. To begin with, if he was ever lucky enough to find his soul mate, he wouldn't walk away from her at the first sign of trouble. He might have to make some adjustments. There might be compromises. But he'd stick with it. No matter what .

The real question here wasn't whether Brianna was better off without Daniel. It was whether they cared deeply enough to make their relationship work. "I know you two love each other. But marriage takes more than that. It takes commitment. Brianna just said she's in it for richer or poorer, for sickness and in health, for the rest of her life. Can you say the same thing, Daniel?"

The young groom grasped his fiancée's hands. His voice thick with emotion, he said, "If it was up to me, I'd never leave your side."

"Well, I'm glad that's settled." Relief washed through Ryan, and he took a deep breath. A breath that froze in his chest when Daniel spoke again.

"That's why I have to break up with you. Because I'm not in charge. And I love you too much to ask you to face a lifetime of disappointment."

Ryan didn't know whether to smack his head in frustration or wring the kid's neck. Daniel clearly had the best of intentions, but he was going about it entirely the wrong way. Trouble was, Ryan didn't have the first clue about how to convince the young man he was throwing away the best thing in his life. Hoping against hope that Evelyn would, he turned to her. When she flashed him a look that said I got this , he turned the floor over to her.

"Around here, it's tradition to raise a toast to the bride and groom at every wedding and wish them a Heart's Landing love for the ages. Do you know why?"

"No," the young couple answered practically in unison.

"It's because of the love Captain Thaddeus and Mary shared. See, he spent his entire career ferrying merchandise and passengers between New York and London. In those days, the trip took three months each way, which meant the good captain and his wife spent more than half their married life apart from one another. Despite that, their love for one another endured."

Seeing where Evelyn was headed, Ryan added, "We're sure of it because, each fall, Captain Thaddeus presented his wife with a large stone heart he'd carved for her during that year's long voyage. A symbol of his love for her."

Across the table, Daniel and Brianna had leaned forward slightly, their interest piqued.

"Mary kept the home fires burning. Every fall, she kept watch for Thaddeus from the widow's walk," Evelyn said, her words brief and to the point. "It didn't matter if the weather was fair or foul; she scoured the horizon for the first sign of his ship."

Ryan picked up where she left off. "Meanwhile, the captain fought off pirates and endured long days when no wind filled the sails. Once, he even battled a hurricane to get home to his wife and children." Wrapping up, he got to the point of the story. "Mary could've chosen any of a dozen suitors. Thaddeus could've walked away from his career. Instead, they refused to give up on their love for one another. Their lives weren't always easy. But through the good times and the bad, whether they were apart or together, Thaddeus and Mary's love and commitment to one another remained strong."

He looked to Evelyn, who tied everything up in a neat bow. "Together, they established the town of Heart's Landing. Their legacy lives on today in the Captain's Cottage and in their great-great-great-grandchildren. My cousin Jason and I are their direct descendants." She aimed a searching look straight at Daniel. "We believe you and Brianna have the same kind of love Thaddeus and Mary shared. Brianna has already endured more heartbreak and disappointment than anyone should at her age, but each hurt has made her stronger. Strong enough to be the wife you need. "

Ryan's voice dropped lower. Evelyn's words had stirred an emotion deep in his chest. His eyes on her, he asked Daniel, "In what world do you think she'd be better off without you?"

"I wouldn't be," Brianna whispered. "You know how much I need you."

"Awww, man." Daniel cradled his fiancée's hand in his. His voice shook nearly as much as his fingers. "I'm sorry I ever doubted us. Can you forgive me?"

"Yes. Of course, I do." Brianna smiled through her tears. "But you have to promise me something."

"Anything. I'll do anything."

"You have to promise you won't ever do this again, you hear?"

"I won't." Daniel traced a cross over his chest. "I swear."

When the couple exchanged a tender kiss, Ryan grinned at Evelyn. He felt like someone should give them the key to the city. They'd done it, had saved Wedding-in-a-Week from complete failure. Even more important, they'd helped Daniel and Brianna forge a deeper bond.

"There's just one more thing." Evelyn stood. "It's only a day's drive to Camp Geiger from here. That gives you two extra days before you have to report. I think I can speak for all of Heart's Landing when I say we'd love it if you spent that time as our guests at the Captain's Cottage. Consider it a mini honeymoon."

Brianna sucked in a deep breath. "In one of the bridal suites?"

Evelyn nodded. "Yes, of course."

"Oorah!" Daniel whispered.

So much relief flooded him when Brianna and Daniel embraced that Ryan had to turn away. He didn't intend for his focus to shift to Evelyn. That happened purely by happenstance. But he was glad when it did. His gaze softened. Warmth curled in his midsection at the sight of her standing there, her hair in its familiar ponytail, the hem of her skirt barely brushing her knees. His fingers itched to take her in his arms. Resisting the urge was tougher than he'd expected.

Was he falling for her? He started and gave himself a stern reminder that such thoughts were utter foolishness. How could he fall for someone before they'd even gone on their first date?

Hoping for a distraction, he glanced toward Brianna and Daniel. No luck there. The couple continued to cling to one another. Resigned, he signaled Evelyn and counted himself lucky when he didn't have to explain. It was as if she instinctively knew what he meant. A second later, she headed out the door, and he followed close on her heels.

"You were amazing," Evelyn whispered as they headed for the exit. "For a minute, I thought they were on the verge of calling it quits."

The compliment warmed him to his core, but he hadn't acted alone. It'd taken their combined efforts to keep this Wedding-in-a-Week on track. "I couldn't have done it without you. We make a good team."

"Yeah." Light shot through him when she smiled up at him. "I guess we do."

He smiled in return, although one thing still niggled at him. Much as he hated to accuse her of having an ulterior motive, he had to know whether Evelyn's offer was an attempt to coax Brianna and Daniel into choosing her venue. The Evelyn he'd grown up with wouldn't even think of such a thing. The one he'd known in high school might. The question was, which Evelyn was she now?

"It was nice of you to offer them one of the bridal suites," he hinted.

"I couldn't very well throw them out on the street, could I?" She grinned as they emerged onto Bow Tie Pasta's covered walkway. "Besides, they'll get a one-night stay at the Captain's Cottage when they choose it for their wedding venue. It's only right to give them one or two more."

"And if they don't?"

"That won't happen." Sympathy clouded her eyes. She waited a beat. "But either way, the offer stands."

He loved that she hadn't wanted to hurt him, but she needn't worry. His shoulders were broad enough to bear it if Daniel and Brianna did choose the Captain's Cottage over Harbor View. More than that, though, her assurances helped him let go of his final doubts about her. He exhaled. "In that case …" he began.

"Yes?"

"Well, we'll both be at the wedding on Sunday—wherever it's held," he added with a smile. "What if we went together?"

Evelyn stopped dead on the sidewalk. Her feet planted, she scoured his face with a laser-like gaze. "Are you asking me to be your plus-one at the wedding?"

"Yeah." This was it, the moment of truth. The last time he'd asked her out, she'd given him the cold shoulder. Would she do the same thing this time? He held his breath. She either would or she wouldn't. There wasn't any middle ground.

"I'd like that," she said at last .

Watching the kittenish smile play around Evelyn's lips, he groaned. Much as he'd tried to fight it, much as he'd warned himself not to let it happen, he was falling for Evelyn Heart.

Now what was he going to do about that?

Evelyn's pulse fluttered. Finally! A giddy rush sped through her, leaving her as excited as a girl who'd been invited to her first prom. By the quarterback, no less. She opened her mouth, prepared to throw Ryan some snark about taking so long … and her lips snapped shut. She simply didn't have the words.

Imagine that.

Lucky for her, Brianna and Daniel chose that moment to step through the door of Bow Tie Pasta. Their arrival served to remind her that this week wasn't about Ryan or her. It was about giving the Wedding-in-a-Week couple their perfect day. Which was where she needed to keep her focus unless she wanted to let down all of Heart's Landing.

"I hope you're ready for a real treat, because it's time for floral arrangements and bridal bouquets," she announced .

"About that …" Daniel began.

"Not to worry." She waved her hand in a soothing motion. "We made sure everyone in town knows about your allergy, Brianna. I have it straight from Mildred Morrey that she's taken special steps to ensure your safety."

"I wish I had your confidence." Brianna tugged on one earlobe, a move Evelyn had seen her make a few times.

Brianna's allergy was no laughing matter, and Evelyn was fresh out of reassurances. She looked to Ryan.

"Tell you what." He rubbed his chin. "Let's see what precautions Mildred has taken. The instant you feel the least bit uncomfortable, say the word. We'll whisk you straight to the car and back to the bed-and-breakfast."

"Well, I love flowers, and I do want to see what they've come up with for our wedding," Brianna hedged. "As long as I can leave if—"

"You can," Ryan assured her.

"Okay, then." Despite the worry lines that crisscrossed Brianna's forehead, she slipped her hand in Daniel's and headed up Bridal Carriage Way.

Sun dappled the sidewalk between them on a walk to the floral shop that took quite a bit longer than their earlier rush down the street. Evelyn found herself growing more eager with every step. Mildred had quite the reputation for creating window displays that were sheer perfection, and knowing this one might be featured in Weddings Today , she'd probably pulled out all the stops. A shiver of anticipation passed through her as she imagined the possibilities. She chanced a quick glance at Ryan. Was he the kind of guy who sent flowers to a girlfriend on her birthday? Who considered them a necessary part of every wedding?

Whoa. She jammed the brakes on her runaway thoughts. Ryan had only invited her to be his plus-one. She had no business turning sappy over bridal bouquets and boutonnieres. She shrugged. It was all Heart's Landing's fault. In a town where weddings were on everyone's mind 365 days a year, who could blame her? She did her best to control her imagination as they passed beneath the chocolate-and-pink awning of I Do Cakes.

"Huh," Ryan said when Forget Me Knot came in view. "That's odd."

The comment broke her reverie. Thankful for the reprieve, she shot him a questioning look.

"Mildred never raised the curtains on her new window display," he said, discreetly aiming a finger toward the shop. "I'm surprised I didn't notice it earlier. I hope nothing's wrong. I always look forward to seeing what she comes up with, don't you?"

At his concern, a sudden wave of warm feelings rushed over her. A happy sigh escaped her lips. Not only did Ryan understand the importance of the window coverings; he was concerned about Mildred's well-being. How sweet was that? Of course, that didn't answer his question.

What was up at Forget Me Knot?

They didn't have long to wait for an answer. Mildred must've been watching for their arrival, because the moment they stepped foot on the sidewalk outside the floral shop, the door flung open. Wearing her standard dark green apron with the store's logo embroidered on the bib, the silver-haired owner rushed out. Behind her came a line of three assistant florists pushing trolleys. Small mounds draped in white sat atop each cart.

Evelyn swung a sideways glance at Brianna. A mix of relief and interest swirled across the girl's face. Holding her hand, Daniel looked completely at ease. So far, so good.

"Welcome! Welcome to Forget Me Knot Flowers," Mildred said loud enough to make herself heard over the few cars that passed by on Bridal Carriage Way. As she spoke, two of her assistants poked long poles into the ends of the awning that provided shade for passing customers. At their touch, a banner welcoming the Wedding-in-a-Week couple to Heart's Landing unfurled. Couples who'd been browsing along the sidewalk caught wind of the excitement in the air and wandered closer. Traffic slowed to a crawl, everyone eager to see what was taking place.

"I have no idea what comes next, but I have to hand it to Mildred—she knows how to draw attention," Evelyn whispered to Ryan as people began to gather on the sidewalk. He nodded.

"Brianna and Daniel," Mildred addressed the couple directly. "I'd love to have you visit my store. But, in the interest of Brianna's health, we can't risk it. So, today, we're bringing our selections to you!"

With a flourish, the silver-haired matron pushed a button on a key fob. A second later, the thick shade covering a third of the shop's front window rolled up smoothly. On the other side of the glass, wispy vines dripped from tall pedestals that held a stunning arrangement of white, green, and peach-colored flowers. Applause from the growing crowd joined with Brianna's soft, "Oh!" as Mildred sidled closer to the window .

"If Daniel and Brianna choose this option, a dozen tall pedestals exactly like the ones shown here will line the aisle at their wedding." Mildred pointed to another arrangement on a small table. "These same centerpieces will adorn every table at your reception. Your matron of honor and bridesmaids will carry bouquets of Gerbera daisies and gardenias, while this will be your bouquet." At some hidden signal, one of Mildred's young staffers stepped into the display holding a cascade of white orchids. This time, a few cheers accompanied the round of applause.

"To help you keep this option in mind while you make your decision, we've prepared this nosegay for you to keep." Mildred nodded to another of her assistants, who took a miniature bouquet from the trolley and presented it to Daniel. The florist's voice dropped. "All the blossoms you'll receive today were flown in especially for you. We've taken extra care to avoid any cross-contamination with roses by assembling the smaller bouquets offsite. We'll be just as careful with the flowers you choose for your wedding."

Evelyn read pure gratitude in the look on Brianna's face and wasn't the least bit surprised when the bride-to-be bent over the small arrangement and took a little sniff. "These smell divine," she declared.

Moving on, Mildred retracted the shade over the next choice. This one featured the most exquisite burgundy dahlias Evelyn had ever seen, surrounded by masses of purple iris and Queen Anne's lace. The last selection included a mix of blue and pink hydrangeas, carnations, and large white lilies. By the time they finished, colorful bouquets filled the arms of the happy bride-to-be, and several eager shoppers had ducked inside the store.

As they shook hands at the end of the presentation, Brianna exclaimed, "I've never seen such pretty flowers. I want all of them. I have no idea how we're supposed to make a choice." She traced the outline of one of the blossoms. "Thanks ever so much. For all of this. Thanks for that thing with the roses, too."

"My pleasure." Mildred's cheeks glowed. "Here in Heart's Landing, we do our very best to meet the needs of every bride."

Evelyn pressed one hand to her heart. She wasn't getting married anytime soon. When she did, she wanted roses. Masses of them, picked straight from the bushes surrounding the Cottage. But she didn't envy Brianna. Each of Forget Me Knot's arrangements had been better than the last. Choosing between them would be difficult. She turned to Ryan. "Which one would you choose?"

The big guy only smiled and shook his head. "I'm bright enough to know that's not really my decision."

She chuckled. "When did you get so smart?"

Their driver, who'd thoughtfully parked down the street during the presentation, pulled to the curb.

"Dinner plans?" Evelyn asked the Wedding-in-a-Week couple.

"We're meeting with the minister in an hour," Daniel answered. "Do you think anyone would mind if we skipped the restaurant tonight and ordered in a pizza? We have so much to talk about—the flowers, the table settings. We need to compare notes."

"I'm sure it's fine," Ryan assured the couple quietly. "We'll take care of notifying your hosts for the evening."

"Right. Alicia and Jenny." Evelyn whipped out her phone and texted the pair. "They won't mind making an early night of it." Between the Wedding-in-a-Week festivities and picking up the slack in Jason's absence, the event planners had been putting in a lot of overtime .

She wished the couple a happy evening, but when Brianna and Daniel had climbed into the car and sped off, she hesitated. She scanned the street, shifting uneasily from one foot to the other. The crowd had dispersed, some shoppers heading back to the inns and hotels scattered throughout Heart's Landing, others ducking into various shops before the business day came to a close. A small sign in the window of the bakery next door announced that they'd sold out for the day and invited customers to return in the morning. She waved to Nick. His cupcakes had been a huge hit with the staff at the Cottage. He returned her greeting with a jaunty wave of his own and turned out the lights. She smiled. He'd probably already heard the news that Jenny was on her way home. She probably should be, too, but she wasn't quite ready to say goodnight to Ryan. She sought his eyes while she slid one hand behind her back and crossed her fingers.

"What's next?" Hope that he wanted to spend time with her welled in her chest.