Page 65 of Stuck with my Mechanic Daddies

And then I saw the sweet, caring owner—Harriet Cooper.

If Medford had an official news station, it would have been her. The woman knew everything before it even happened.

I wasn’t sure how she did it, but under that grandmotherly demeanor, she knew it all. Nothing happened in Medford without her being aware of it.

“Morning, Ethan,” she said, smiling. “You're up early.”

“Morning, Harriet.” I kept my voice even, casual. “Figured I’d grab breakfast for the shop. Some croissants and donuts, please.”

“Sweet of you.” She leaned in, her grin turning sly. “Heard it wasreallively at Lucky’s last night.”

I kept my face blank, but my stomach tightened.

Shit.

“Yeah?” I said, reaching for my wallet. “It was a busy night.”

“Mmhmm.” I handed over my money for the order, but she didn’t look away. “It seems the new owner of Page Turners is causing quite a stir.”

The words landed like a stone in my gut.

I didn’t flinch, didn’t react. I just kept my movements slow and controlled as I grabbed the bag of pastries.

“I’m sure she was just enjoying all that Medford has to offer.”

Harriet hummed, unconvinced. “Well, you know how people like to talk. Rumors in Medford run wild.”

I gave her a tight smile, nodded, and headed for the door. But even as I stepped outside, I could still feel her eyes on me, my stomach a knot of unease.

I wasn’t ashamed of last night. Not even close.

But I knew how this town worked.

People loved to talk, and if Harriet was already sniffing around, it wouldn’t take long for the whole town to start whispering.

I didn’t think Aurora would be able to handle it.

We already didn’t know if she’d be sticking around, although we all had hope. But this. It might send her running.

By the time I pulled up to the house, the smell of fresh coffee and something frying drifted through the open kitchen window.

Normally, that would have been a good sign. A sign of normalcy.

But the second I stepped inside, I heard them talking—low, serious voices.

Owen, Mason, and Aurora.

And then I heard it.

Page Turners.

My stomach dropped. My blood ran cold.

I set the bakery bag down on the counter, my movements stiff. “What about it?”

They all turned to look at me.

Aurora perched on the edge of the couch, brows drawn together, hands wrapped around a coffee mug like she was holding onto it for dear life.

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