Page 43 of Rafe

“Yes,” he confirmed. “It used to be later in the month, nearthe end, but they moved it up when it started getting too cold. Now it’s a little chillier, but not cold enough to keep people away.”

Maggie laughed. “The people of Clifton will show up for anything to support their town.”

“True,” Rafe agreed. “Do you want to catch a movie after we eat? Or we could stop by Dewey’s, or even head home, whatever you want.”

“I wouldn’t mind spending some time at Dewey’s,” Maggie said.

“Then that’s exactly what we’ll do,” Rafe confirmed.

After finishing their meal and settling the check, Rafe took Maggie’s hand, leading her to the truck. With a courteous gesture, he opened the door for her. Once she was comfortably seated, he circled around and entered his side, starting the truck with a steady hum of the engine as they drove toward Dewey’s.

Pulling into Dewey’s bustling parking lot, Rafe parked the truck and, hand in hand, they made their way into the crowded bar. They found two barstools and settled down for the next part of their evening.

“Hello, what can I get you?” the bartender called out in a friendly tone.

“Hey, Siobhan,” Rafe greeted as she approached the counter.

“Hi, Rafe. It’s good to see you,” Siobhan replied, her warm smile brightening the dimly lit space.

“You too. Maggie would like a Callahan whiskey on the rocks, and I’ll have a beer, tap is just fine. Siobhan? Do you know Maggie?”

Siobhan extended her hand gracefully toward Maggie, her politeness evident. “No, I haven’t had the pleasure yet,” she said, her voice smooth and welcoming. “It’s so nice to meet you, Maggie.”

Rafe introduced them, “Maggie, this is Siobhan Flynn.”

“Hi, Siobhan. I absolutely love your name, it’s so pretty,” Maggie offered with a bright smile.

“Thank you,” Siobhan responded kindly. “I’ll be right back with your drinks.”

Taking in their surroundings, Rafe remarked, “This place is as packed as usual,” his eyes casually scanning the lively bar.

“The band must be on a break,” Maggie observed, the low hum of conversations filling the gaps in the music.

“Yeah, they’ll be back soon,” Rafe noted accordingly.

In a quiet moment amid the lively backdrop, Maggie suddenly leaned closer.

“Will you slow dance with me?” she asked, her voice soft and inviting.

Rafe smiled, his hand reaching for hers once more. “Sure. I’d never miss an opportunity to hold you,” he replied.

“You’re such a charmer, Rafe Marshall.”

Rafe chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners, and shook his head in playful denial. His smile widened when Siobhan approached, her red hair catching the dim light as she set the drinks on the polished wooden bar.

“Thank you, Siobhan,” Rafe said warmly, his voice carrying a familiar friendliness. “Hey, how’s Liam?”

“He’s doing great, Rafe,” Siobhan replied. “I’ll tell him you were asking about him.”

“Please do,” Rafe nodded, his expression sincere.

“Let me know if you need anything else,” Siobhan added, glancing around the bustling bar. “Do you want me to run a tab for you, Rafe?”

“No, thanks.” Rafe shook his head. “We won’t drink much and I’m driving.”

“Okay, well whenever you want to pay for those, let me know,” Siobhan said, her voice trailing off as she noticed some patrons waving her down. “Have a good evening.”

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