Page 79 of In Every Chapter

“Mm-hmm. Would a second wedding help?”

“Like a second breakfast?” I teased.

Greyson chuckled. “Anything you want, my hobbit.”

“We should try to sleep.” I tucked my elbow under my head, still looking at him. “Good night.”

“Night, love.”

Love. The word wrapped around me like a velvet cocoon, and I drifted off to sleep. For the first time in a long time without any nightmares.

Chapter thirty-four

Paisley

Serenity Springs went all out for the Fourth of July. Red, blue, and white pennants hung alert on the vintage lampposts down Main Street, and the park in the center of town was littered with families, tables, and tents. Because all good celebrations started with food. Namely the town pancake breakfast.

But the best part was having Liz, Stephanie, and their fellas in town to join us.

“Paisley, over here!” Liz waved wildly, her head bobbing in weird contortions, catching my attention in the crowd.

I weaved my way over to her and the man whose arm she was gripping. Her husband, Ben, judging by the photos I’d seen. They were matching in white T-shirts and denim. Liz’s red gingham hair scarf fluttered in the breeze.

“Hey! I got lost there for a second, and Greyson . . .” I scanned the crowd. One minute he was there, hand on my back leading me across the green (which was very brown this time of year), and the next he was gone.

“Pais.” Greyson stepped up behind me, hand to my shoulder turning me slightly and scanning me quickly. “You okay?”

I smiled up at him, wrapping my arms around his waist. “Yup. Why aren’t you in your apron? I thought you were serving breakfast?”

“I am, but we got separated and I needed to make sure you were okay.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Mrs. Gulliver hates when people are tardy.”

“Mrs. Gulliver can—”

Liz cleared her throat behind us. Right, we had an audience.

Greyson kissed my forehead. “You’re my first priority. Always.”

“We’ll take good care of her,” Liz promised.

Greyson nodded and reached out to shake Ben’s hand. “Good to see you, man. I found that part you were looking for.”

Ben’s eyes widened. “Seriously! Where? I’ve talked to nearly every distributor between here and Colorado.”

Greyson grunted. “My grandpa did actually. Had it lying around in his garage out in Twin Falls. I gave him your address.” He refocused on me. “See you in a few.”

“There are so many of you up there in aprons.” I tilted my head, tapping my chin. “Whoever will I pick?”

Greyson growled playfully and gave my hips a brief squeeze. “The only one you’d consider kissing.”

I gaped at him. I . . . what now?

He winked at me before the crowd swallowed him from view.

“Girl!” Liz stage-squealed, wrapping me in a hug. “You guys are just too cute!”

“Is Steph here?” I asked, desperate for a subject change to draw attention away from my burning face.