Page 8 of Promising Her Forever

I’m in awe. The coffee shop is more than I imagined it could ever be. There are a couple of booths and several tables set up and there’s also a bar where people can sit. There’s a beautiful display case and my coffee machines are all lined up, ready to go. I sniffle as I look around.

“It’s beautiful. I don’t think it could be more perfect than this,” I say as I wipe my tears.

“We put the display here in case you wanted to have some food or pastries on this side. It’s a refrigerated case. That way you can sell what we have too. I know we’re right next door, but sometimes it’s just easier for customers. And if they want more, they can come see us. Or you can have some of the sandwiches the cafe sells,” Rosaura says to me.

I turn and hug all three of them. I can’t believe they’re so generous.

“Are you ready for your soft opening?” Daphne smiles.

“Yes. Bring it on. The dream starts now.”

Fionn

Áine and I have been in Lake Renegade for a day now. And all I can think about is Riley. I don’t even know where to start looking for her, but I will figure it out after I get things going with Salvatore. He’s the sheriff of Lake Renegade and my new boss.

I walk into the sheriff’s station and look around.

“Hi! Welcome to Lake Renegade Sheriff’s station. How can I help you?”

“Hey, I’m Fionn Kearney. I’m here to see Salvatore Mancini.”

“Oh! You’re our new deputy! I’m Lila Taylor. I run the front area here. Follow me, I’ll show you around. I’m sorry we didn’t get to meet last night. My daughter wasn’t feeling good so I had to stay home with her. But you met my husband, Hollis, and our sons.”

Last night we had a big family dinner and it’s still overwhelming, just how big our new family is.

“I did, your sons are some funny kids.”

“They are, but they can be a lot.” She laughs. “So this is where your desk is, a few of you share this area. That office there is Raven’s and Salvatore’s is next to hers. Then next to Sal’s is Nelson’s office. I’m not sure if you got to meet him yet.”

“No, I haven’t met Nelson, but I’ve heard about him. He ran against Sal for sheriff and after the elections decided to join the department, right?” I ask.

“Yup! He’s great, and his family loves it here. I’ll introduce you to him.”

Lila introduces me to Nelson and then knocks on Sal’s door.

“If you need anything, please let me know. I also do lunch orders around twelve for whoever wants me to order for them.”

“Thank you so much.” I smile as Salvatore opens his door. I follow him inside and sit down.

“Did you want to start today? If you want, you can wait a week and just settle in first.”

“I think I’d like to take a few days. Get my bearings around town and the surrounding area.”

“Sounds good. I actually have tomorrow off if you want to take a drive. And I’m sure more of the family will take you around too.”

“I’d appreciate that. You know what I really want right now? Pastries.” I laugh.

“Then let’s go to the bakery. The new coffee shop is doing their soft opening today. Tomorrow’s their grand opening.”

I watch Sal walk over to the wall and open a hatch in it.

“Baby, do you want to join Fionn and me? We’re going to the bakery.”

“Sure. I’ll be right out,” Raven replies.

“Wait. You have a hole in the wall to talk to your wife?” I laugh.

“No. He has a peephole to spy on me.” Raven laughs as she joins us.