Page 78 of The Coffee Bar on Camellia Court

"Sure you are," he countered, gesturing back toward the full house. "Look who you have for friends."

"Yes, but as far as the men in my life?" She let out a bitter laugh. "I keep you at arm's length for eight years, but I let him close after eight minutes."

Alex remained silent for so long, Juno wondered if she'd said something wrong. But then he flashed that oh-so-wicked grin at her and said, "So that makes me the one and only man in your life? I think I could get used to that."

"Don't joke about this," she said, trying to remain stern. "I've been an idiot and I'm not done beating myself up yet, so you can't be either."

When his fingers tightened around hers and he started to pull her toward him, she pressed her other hand to his chest. She had to get this out, to say what needed to be said out here in the dark where she could still manage to maintain a little of her dignity. "I'm sorry, Alex. I'm sorry for choosing him over you. For choosing to believe him over everyone. You all knew he was bad news, didn't you?"

It struck her, then, like the last puzzle piece dropping into place, that there was nothing wrong with sometimes needing help, with not always having the answers. Listening to wise council from people who loved her didn't make her weak. In fact, it made her stronger to have her friends and loved ones gathering around her to support her and hold her up.Just like a pack of elephants,she thought to herself with a shaky grin.

"Thank you for not giving up on me, even when I pushed you away. For this," she said, waving her free hand at the house the same way he had.

"And thank you for not giving up on me," Alex said, his voice low, gentle, like he was worried she might pull away again.

But tonight, she was leaning in. She was opening her arms and gathering close the people who loved her most. And that meant this very man beside her. The one and only man in her life.

She met his gaze. "I'm tired of being afraid, Alex. I like to think I'm brave, but I'm not. It's all a facade." Her throat tightened as she went on, but she pushed the words out anyway. "I don't want to need anyone, but I—" She broke off and started again. "I need you. I need my friends. I need this community I've grown to love so much."

"Aw, June-bug." Alex pulled her up against his side and she rested her head on his shoulder. "We need you, too, and not just for your stellar coffee."

Juno jabbed him with her elbow.

He let out a dramatic "Oof!" then hauled her closer so she was sitting across his lap, laughing when she let out a surprised little shriek. "I need you, Juniper Thomas," he murmured close to her ear as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

Juno pressed her forehead to his and closed her eyes, relishing in the quiet, intimate moment they were sharing. Was it possible that she, Juno Wrong-Side-of-the-Tracks Thomas could have so much? The unconditional love of a man like Alex, the unfailing friendships of the women who'd circled around her in her time of need? Did she dare to dream that she might actually get her own happily ever after?

And then Alex's hand was cupping her cheek and tipping her face so that he could press his mouth against hers. His lips were soft and warm, a gentle caress that almost made her want to weep with the tenderness of it.

Juno kissed him back with as much courage and faith as she could muster. She kissed him like a promise, with intention and will. With all her heart.

When they finally pulled apart, they were both breathless. Tiny currents of electricity hummed just beneath her skin, making her want to press into him again, but she knew that might not be the wisest idea. They had a whole houseful of family and friends who were probably starting to wonder where they were, and it wouldn't surprise her in the least if one or two of the nosier of the bunch decided to come looking for them.

Juno settled back onto the bench beside him, but stayed close, leaning her back against his side, her head on his shoulder as she peered up at the star-strewn sky. The heaviness of his arm around her was a solid reminder of where she belonged. "So tell me the latest with Lena," she said, her voice low, hoping her question wouldn't dispel the peace of the moment. "And Melissa. What have you heard from her?"

"I thank God every day for my dad connecting me to Howard," Alex told her, his gratitude evident in his tone. She liked the way his chest vibrated against her back when he spoke. "He's working overtime to keep Melissa from taking Lena out of Autumn Lake until the custody case is settled. For now, she's still with me, but only for a few more days. Melissa's coming to pick her up on Friday, and if he can't get the judge to sign the temporary stay, then she could leave town, although she'd have to at least tell me where she'll be."

"Oh wow. Is she still pushing to take her to Greece?"

She felt Alex nod behind her. "She is, but from what I understand, Daniel went on without her, and she's pretty upset right now that I've supposedly thwarted her plans. Those are her words; like I purposely came between her and Daniel."

"You purposely came between Lena and Daniel, is what you did, Alex," Juno countered, straightening up and turning so she could see his face. She kept hold of his hand in her lap. "You are looking out for the best interest of your daughter, and if she can't see that, then you have all the more reason to not compromise. It sounds like a terrible situation for a young girl." Juno felt herself getting worked up. "Sorry. I'm sorry," she said, squeezing his hand. "I just care about her, too. And you."

"I know," Alex said, smiling. "Right now, all I can do is keep track of phone calls and text messages coming and going and wait for Howard to do his thing. I'm doing my best to not let it get to me, for Lena's sake, especially. I don't want her stressing out about this. She tells me every night at bedtime that she misses Melissa, but she still doesn't want to go to Greece. I know she wants me to promise her that I won't let that happen." He paused, like he was trying to decide if he should admit something or not. Then he shrugged one shoulder. "I know I'm not supposed to promise her anything at this point, but I'm not going to let it happen, Juno. And I've told her so."

Juno cupped his face and looked him in the eyes. "Good for you," she said. "Is there anything I can do to help? I could testify about what a great father you are."

"That might help." A small smile touched his lips. "Howard said character witnesses will be important. I've got a growing list of people lining up to do so, but if you want to join the gang, the more the merrier. We can swarm the bench."

"Count me in." She pressed a quick kiss to his lips. "But my name better be at the top of any list you have from here on out, you hear?"

Alex kissed her back, but took his time. "Yes, boss," he said when he pulled back enough to look her in the eyes.

"Hmm," she hummed. "I like the sound of that."

"Me, too," he concurred, pulling her into his side again.

"Alex?" she said after several moments.

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