Page 89 of Pick Your Spot

He didn’t think Thea had figured it out yet, but he wasn’t in the least surprised when the opening scene ofAnniefilled the screen.

Thea laughed, and the rest joined in.

Thea smiled. “I know some of the songs but I’ve never seen the movie. This is amazing.”

When “It’s A Hard Knock Life” came on screen, everyone sang along. Of course, they all emphasized Knox instead of Knock, making Thea laugh. Hell, it made him laugh, too.

He glanced at Dodge. “Mara would love this.”

Ford grinned. “She really would. Going to have to show the movie again if I can convince her to come for a visit.”

Knox hoped that would happen. He still didn’t say anything about hoping they could convince her to be their baker. He’d need to know if that was something she would want in her life or if she was happy where she was.

When the credits rolled at the end of the movie, everyone stood and cheered.

A new voice broke into the cheers. “Well, I didn’t expect that kind of welcome, but thanks.”

Jolie. It was Jolie.

Knox spotted his sister at the edge of the crowd, grinning. He jumped out of his chair and ran to throw his arms around her.

She laughed as he lifted her to spin her in a circle. “Jolie. You made it. You really made it. I’m so glad you’re here.”

She squeezed him extra hard, and Knox wondered again what had happened at her last job. Or was it something else? Had someone hurt his baby sister?

Now wasn’t the time to ask, so he swung her around again, making her laugh. “It’s so good to see you, Knox. But I’m sad I missed your namesake movie.”

Of course, she knew about his army callsign. It wasn’t just a joke with his army friends. It was now a family joke too, along with Bobby and Boss Man, Lawson and Burke’s call signs.

“You’ve got to meet Thea. Come on.”

Thea smiled. “Hi, Jolie. It’s so nice to meet you in person. Welcome to your home.”

Jolie’s eyes misted for a moment, but she cleared them with a blink and then threw her arms around Thea. “I’m so glad to be here and to meet you in person. Thank you for everything you’ve done for my brother. I’ve never seen him so happy.”

Knox felt his cheeks heat at her words, but they were true.

Thea hugged Jolie back. “The same goes for me.”

Jolie squeezed her again. “That makes it even better. I love everything I’ve seen so far. This place is gorgeous. Full of potential.”

Knox laughed. “Your favorite word.”

She nodded. “It is.”

He had to hug her again. “It’s good to have you here, Jolie. I’m counting on you to help me bring the rest here as well.”

She grinned. “I like that plan.”

Again, a shadow passed over her expression. He forced himself to ignore it for now. Not the time.

Jolie looked around the group. “You’ve made a lot of friends for only being here a short time.”

That made him grin. “I’ve got a connection with a couple from my army days. The rest are friends of theirs from Phail and Midnight Lake.”

“I don’t think I actually believed the town was called Phail until I drove through it.”

“Let’s meet the man behind the name.”

---