He cups my face, his thumb gentle against my cheek. “You sure about staying? Really sure?”
The question carries weight, like he’s asking about more than just today, more than just this week.
I nod. “Yeah. I am.”
A slow smile spreads across his lips. “Good. Because I wasn’t planning on letting you go.”
I laugh and swat his chest. “Oh, so I had no choice?”
He smirks and rolls me onto my back. His weight settles over me.
“Nope,” he says, then kisses me deeply. “You’re mine, Beth. Forever.”
I sigh into his kiss and wrap my arms around his neck.
“Forever.”
***
After breakfast, we head into town.
I didn’t properly explore Riverdale during my previous visit. I was too caught up in my own chaos, too focused on escaping my past to appreciate what stood right in front of me.
Today feels different. Like I’m seeing it through new eyes.
Jack holds my hand as we stroll down Main Street. The small-town charm hits me all at once—flower boxes line the sidewalks, storefronts carry that lived-in, historical character that speaksof generations. People greet Jack by name, their smiles genuine and warm.
Then the whispers begin.
I catch fragments as we pass.
“Jack Connor finally settling down?”
“One of the Connor boys off the market? Never thought I’d see the day.”
“She’s the runaway bride, right?”
That one stings. I square my shoulders and keep moving. Let them talk. I know the truth.
Jack squeezes my hand. “Ignore them.”
“I’m trying.”
We stop at the bakery, and the aroma of fresh bread and cinnamon envelops us as we enter. An older woman with silver hair beams at Jack.
“Well, look who it is,” she says, wiping flour-dusted hands on her apron. “And you must be Beth.”
I blink. “How do you—?”
She chuckles. “Honey, this is a small town. Word travels faster than lightning.”
Jack grins. “Beth, this is Mrs. Abernathy. She makes the best cinnamon rolls in three counties.”
Mrs. Abernathy waves dismissively.
“Don’t go flattering me, Jack Connor. But since you brought such a lovely lady in, I suppose I can spare a couple on the house.”
She hands me a warm cinnamon roll. Frosting melts from the heat. I take a bite and nearly moan.
