Things just got real interesting.
I settle in behind the wheel and check the clock on the dash. My shift is officially done, and I make the split-second decision to go straight to the engagement party. It’ll be in full swing at this point.
I cross town in less than fifteen minutes and spot Magnolia’s car parked at the end of a long line of vehicles on the road in front of the duplex Poppy and Mack share. I pull over behind it again.
A tiny—okay, abig—part of me can’t wait to see her. To see how she reacts to me. I get the sense she’s not the type of woman to take it easy on a person. That’s new for me. Most women throw themselves at my feet.
Something about the fact that Magnolia didn’t makes my heart pump harder.
I get out of my cruiser and lock it, weaving through the cars and approaching the open front door. As I mount the steps, I hear Magnolia.
“Congratulations, you two!” She turns toward Mack and steps into his hug. “Sorry I missed the main event. I got pulled over by this stupid cop on the outskirts of town. He was a complete jerk, and—”
Mack’s eyes bounce up and over Magnolia’s head, and his gaze connects with mine. I’m trying—and failing—to keep the smirk off my lips.
Magnolia turns and follows Mack’s gaze.
I raise my eyebrows at her, and her jaw opens on a gasp.
Poppy loops her arm through Magnolia’s, looking back and forth between her and me. “Uh, Noli, I guess you’ve already met Mack’s best friend, Collin.”
“One of Cashmere Cove’s finest police officers and, coincidentally, the newly appointed head of the Emergency Management and Telecommunication Department,” Mack puts in.
“AKA your new boss.” I extend my hand to her, flashing a grin. “I’m coming into a three-month stint as telecomm manager.”
She stares at my outstretched hand like it’s covered in chicken pox.
“My new boss…” She blinks a slow blink and then grips my fingers firmly. “Well, then. I’m sure I’ll be seeing you soon, Officer, um, Officer…”
“Rattler. Collin Rattler.”
“Right.” Without missing a beat, she adds, “like a snake. How fitting.”
Poppy clears her throat. “O-kay.Noli, you’re probably exhausted. Let’s get you settled in and get you something to eat.”
Noli lets herself be ushered away without sparing me another glance.
Mack watches them go before turning back to me.
“Congrats, man.” I pull him in for a hug. “Seriously, so happy for you and Poppy. Sorry I missed the surprise.”
Mack chuckles. “Clearly you were detained ticketing my future sister-in-law.”
“I didn’t know who she was when I pulled her over.”
“Fair. Now you do.”
“Yeah, and she’s something.”
Mack nods. “Tough as nails, that one. Poppy’s thrilled that she’s here so she can re-assume her role as protective big sister in person.”
I glance over to where Poppy is piling a plate full of appetizers for Noli, who looks slightly dazed and dead on her feet.
“How was your shift otherwise?” Mack asks.
“Fine. Boring.” I turn my attention back to him. “I’ll take it.”
“Boring is good. Have you made any decisions about next year?”
