Page 68 of An Ex Affair

She hopped up and hollered over her shoulder. “I have it in my old sewing kit upstairs. Be right back!”

Mama gave me a thumbs up, which made me laugh. Gigi hurried back, a plain gold ring in the palm of her hand. She gave it to me, watching as I examined it. A rush of feelings slammed into me, seeing it again. We’d been so young. So poor, but so in love.

“May I take it?”

“Heck yes!”

I jumped to my feet. “I’m so sorry to rush off, but I have like twenty things to do before Colson gets back. Mama, you ready?”

Gigi looked between us, probably seeing Mama’s reluctance to keep going on this mission. “How about Sofia stays here with me? I’ll take her back to her place.” She looked over at Mama, a devious smile on her face. “After we plan a wedding, of course!”

Mama laughed, clearly comfortable here with Gigi. I gave Mama a quick kiss. “Okay. I’ll call you when I have it all set up. I’m counting on you two ladies to be there when I get down on one knee.”

Mama was the one to answer, her voice clear and firm. “We wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

I hit the first two places on my own. Both took more time than I thought they would, but they had to be done. By the time I made it to the fire station at four in the afternoon, I was frazzled, running solely off the quiche from this morning, and worried I wasn’t going to get this all put together in time. Joselyn was standing in the open bay in a blue plaid shirt and ripped jeans, chatting with Captain. I groaned, wondering what she was doing here. I got out of the car and headed over, woman on a mission.

“Hey, Joselyn. Captain.”

They both looked over, but Joselyn looked more excited to see me. “Oh my God, this town, Tully! It’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen! No wonder you don’t want to leave!” She leaned into the captain, wrapping her arm through his. “And look. I met a handsome single man!”

Captain’s cheeks went a ruddy shade of red. He looked a little uncomfortable, but I had bigger things on my mind than saving him from the city girl looking for a Hallmark meet-cute.

“Hey, Captain, can I ask a favor?”

He looked at Joselyn’s smiling face upturned to his, then to my insistent one. His shoulders sagged in defeat. “I have a feeling I’ll be dragged into this no matter what I say.”

I nodded. “For a single guy, you sure are smart.”

“I’m single too!” Joselyn sang, her fingernails digging a little deeper into his forearm.

Captain’s eyes bugged out, but he kept his cool. “What can I do to help, Tully?”

I explained what I needed. He hemmed and hawed and put a bit of resistance, but between me and Joselyn, we got it done. You just don’t say no to Joselyn. Captain learned that pretty quick. I left with assurance my favor would be fulfilled, and Joselyn left with the promise of a date the following evening.

I headed back to the carriage house to spread out the flower petals and chocolates I’d bought in hopes Colson and I ended up back there after we talked tonight. A shower would also do me good, along with a careful selection of clothes, shoes, perfume, and makeup. I had my most important performance tonight.

My phone vibrated as soon as I stepped into the carriage house. I fished it out, hoping it wasn’t Captain canceling on me after all. My heart sped up when I saw it was a text from Colson.

Colson: Can we talk tonight?

Holy shit, he actually texted me back! This was a good sign. Had to be. I wouldn’t let it be anything else.

Me: Of course!

Colson: Meet me at You Got Served around eight?

Me: I’ll be there!

Then I fired off a text to Gabi.

Me: Change of plans! Spread the word! You Got Served at eight.

Gabi: Ohhh, he’s gonna get served alright! EEEP!

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

Colson

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