Page 103 of Make It Last

The first trip, when I had been licking my wounds and swimming in humiliation, had felt like a burst of oxygen, a change of scenery I’d desperately needed. The second trip, broken ankle and all, had made everything click into place.

“Ava!” Janet’s voice reached me as she bustled out from the back. Her smile was wide, her eyes crinkling at the corners. “Welcome home,” she said, beaming.

“Thanks, Janet.”

Her gaze shifted to Tanner. “And aren’t you a smart boy?”

“Am I still a boy to you, Janet?” Tanner teased lightly.

“You always will be. I’ve known you since you were a baby,” she pointed out with a shrug.

“Okay. Fair.” He chuckled.

“Did you just get back to town?” she asked.

“We did,” I said. “I need something other than airplane food.”

“What do you need?” Casey asked from behind the counter.

“Can I have one of the everything bagels?”

“You got it,” Casey replied. “Tanner?”

“Same.”

“I know both of your coffees. Any donuts?” she prompted.

“I want donuts later. Right now, I need protein, cheese, all of that,” I said flatly.

Tanner curled his arm around my shoulders and squeezed, and Janet’s brows hitched up. “Well, would you look at that,” she teased.

“Look at what?” Tanner shot back.

“You being affectionate, PDA and everything.”

“Is that a surprise?”

Janet arched a brow. “It is, and you know it. I’m happy for you two. Meanwhile, I need to get to the back for more baking.”

“You’re baking?” I asked.

“Yes. Luna is in Anchorage for the day, so I’m in charge of the kitchen. It’s going very well.” Janet grinned.

“Janet, you’ve always been a good baker,” Holly said from behind me as she stepped up.

“I know I’m pretty good, but Luna’s better,” Janet insisted. “I like to be honest.” With a wave, Janet whisked back into the kitchen.

I turned just in time for Holly to fling her arms around me, knocking Tanner’s arm off my shoulders. “I need to give Ava a hug,” she announced.

“Of course,” Tanner said solemnly, stepping aside.

The hug itself was warm and tight, but it was more than that. It was the way it all felt to be greeted like this with the layers of belonging. A few minutes later, Tanner and I sat at a small table together. I looked around Firehouse Café and let out a happy sigh.

“What is it?” he asked.

“It’s really good to be here.” I met his eyes. “Ever since I came on my first trip—when I didn’t meet you, by the way—I loved this town. That’s why we came back. I just can’t believe I’m going to live here.”

“You are definitely living here.”