Page 18 of The Oath Operation

As the congratulations continued, Jules glanced over at Amari. He was lifting his phone to his ear, his expression already distant. She knew what that meant. He was being called away, likely to tend to a medical emergency or some other pressing matter. The disappointment she felt was a familiar weight, but it didn’t sting as much this time. He glanced up briefly, their eyes meeting for a split second before he turned away.

"The wedding reception is at Chow Town," Jacqui announced, and everyone began to file out of the room.

With Jules and Fish at the back, they were the last to get to the exit. The only person left was Amari. He turned to face Jules and Fish, his expression one of frustration.

"That didn’t go as planned."

Jules took a deep breath, ready to explain. "Jacqui closed the restaurant and put a sign on the door that we were at City Hall for an event. So, of course, everyone came over to see what was going on."

Amari sighed, shaking his head. "I don’t blame you, Jules. But the plan remains the same. Annulment in a few months."

"Of course," Jules replied, but even she could hear the uncertainty in her voice.

Amari leaned in to kiss her, but before his lips could touch hers, Fish pulled her away, his grip firm and protective. Amari glared up at Fish, his eyes dark with irritation.

"She's a married woman now." Fish pointed to the judge’s assistant, who was still in the room, busily handling paperwork. "We wouldn’t want to give the town more to talk about."

Amari frowned, his jaw tightening.

Fish tucked Jules into his side, his arm a comforting barrier between her and Amari. "We'd better get to our reception. Everyone's waiting."

As they walked out of City Hall, Jules felt a profound sense of safety nestled against Fish’s side. The warmth of his body, the steady rhythm of his breathing, and the spicy-sweet scent of his cologne all enveloped her, creating a bubble of security and comfort. She didn’t say anything about the judge's assistant being nearsighted.

ChapterThirteen

The reception dinner at Chow Town was in full swing. The restaurant was filled over its capacity, but Fish doubted they would be reported to the authorities. Especially not with the sheriff piling a paper plate with spring rolls.

It was too bad the party wouldn't be broken up anytime soon because Fish could use the escape. He wasn't used to being the center of attention. His gaze slid to the door that would get him back to his comfort zone in the kitchen. There was only one thing that anchored him on this side of the establishment. Unfortunately, she was on the opposite side of the restaurant.

"Congratulations, Fish," called one of the regular patrons of the restaurant. Fish didn't know the man's name, only that he always requested alterations to every dish he ordered.

"Now that you're a married man, you'll have to join us for Sunday fishing. With a name like Fish, I'll wager you're a catch. Get it?"

Fishing, Fish enjoyed. Gathering with a group of men he didn't know, not so much. Thankfully, Fish was saved by his kitchen crew.

Nia wove an arm through Fish's and gave him a tug. The fry station cook's tight curls were glossy, like they'd been doused in oil. She gave a shake of her head that made the curls bounce. "We always knew you had a thing for Jules."

Fish blinked in surprise. "You did?"

Aarav, the saucier, gave him a saucy look. "Of course. It was obvious to everyone."

Fish thought he had hidden his feelings well. The only person who didn’t seem to know about his true feelings was the one person who mattered most: Jules. He glanced across the room, his eyes finding her almost instinctively.

Jules was surrounded by her sister and cousins, but she was looking out the window, her gaze fixed on her bakery. Her delicate features were softened by the evening light, but Fish could see the weariness in her eyes. She looked tired, a reflection of the long day and the emotional toll it had taken.

He knew she'd eaten. Her sister was standing over her with a plate of edamame and hummus. He'd seen Jules with that snack often. She'd explained once that it was good for stabilizing her blood sugar. So it wasn't the diabetes wearing her down. She was just tired.

Determined to give her a moment of respite, Fish made his way through the crowd. He tried to offer smiles and nods to well-wishers, but his face just didn't work that way. Not unless he was looking at Jules.

When he reached Jules, he gently touched her arm, drawing her attention. His lips stretched wide. He would've sworn he heard a creak. But the smile felt good. It felt right.

"Hey," he said softly, his voice a soothing contrast to the lively noise around them. "Are you ready to leave?"

Jules was startled as she looked up at him. There was a split second where there was no recognition in her gaze. Her eyes swept over his mouth, going right to left, then back to the center before meeting his eyes again.

"Fish?" Finally, there was the light of knowing there. "Yes, I am."

She took his arm. Fish felt every one of her fingertips through the fabric of his uniform. They were like tiny explosions.

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