Page 12 of Rafe

“Hi, Rafe,” she greeted, her tone laced with genuine warmth.

“Randi. How are you?” he asked.

“I’m great. And you?” she replied, her voice smooth as silk.

“Same. Still keeping busy these days?” he queried, curiosity evident in his tone.

Leaning in a bit as if sharing a secret, she replied, “Some days, I’m almost too busy.”

Rafe’s grin broadened. “I’m sure you are. But once the tourists leave, you’ll get a nice break.”

“I hope so,” Randi murmured softly.

“Randi, are you picking up?” Rissa Maddox asked from behind the counter.

“Yes, I am, Rissa,” she confirmed with a nod.

“Okay, I’ll be right back with your order,” she said.

“How’s Jack doing?”

“He’s wonderful,” Randi sighed contentedly, her tone so rich with affection that it made Rafe chuckle.

“And you? Are you okay now?”

“I am. I’m completely healed.”

Randi had been viciously stabbed by her stepbrother; a man she never even knew existed until the tragic passing of her mother. Her mother, Marla Guthrie, had abandoned Randi shortly after she was born. At just sixteen, Marla panicked and left Randi with her grandparents. She eventually married a wealthy man, and upon his death, she inherited his entire fortune. In her will, she left nearly everything to Randi, leaving only a modest portion to her stepson, who had cruelly mistreated her. Colin Phillips, filled with resentment, was now incarcerated for attempted murder. Despite the dark shadows of the past, Randi’s life had taken a brighter turn. She was now engaged to Jack Lawrence, a close friend of Rafe’s. Their lives were filled with happiness, and Rafe was happy for them.

Rissa returned with a small bag in hand, holding it out as she said, “Here you go, Randi.” Randi moved toward the cash register, paid her bill and turned to face Rafe.

“I’ll see you later, Rafe,” she said as she prepared to leave, her smile lingering.

“Yes, ma’am,” he responded, a note of respect woven into his tone.

Just as Randi disappeared out the door, Dr. Markie Russell walked in, a grin lit up her face at the sight of him, and without hesitation, she moved to embrace him.

“Rafe,” she said, her voice a mix of relief and excitement as she hugged him tightly.

“How are you, Markie?” he asked, his words soft with genuine concern.

“I’m good. Nate was just talking about you,” she said, a sparkle of mischief in her eyes.

Rafe raised an inquisitive eyebrow. “What did I do now?”

“We were discussing Jarrett. He pleaded guilty and was sent off to prison without a trial,” she explained matter-of-factly.

“Well, that’s good news. Especially for you and your mother,” Rafe replied, his satisfaction evident in his steady tone.

“Yes, it is. I truly hope he rots in there,” Markie added, her voice tinged with a deep-seated grudge.

“You and me both,” Rafe said, a hint of humor threading through his words.

“Rafe—” Markie began, but he interjected.

“Markie, please don’t thank me again,” he said, his voice light yet resolute.

“But if you hadn’t answered my text—” she started, only to be cut off.

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