Page 22 of Once Upon a Summer Night

“I’m going to need you to trust me, Chase.”

He arched a brow at the man in town he trusted most. “You’re not planning on doing anything illegal, are you, Chief?”

“No. Though, if this lawyer we get for Hannah doesn’t convince the courts to grant her custody, I might change my tune.”

Pride swelled in Chase’s chest; his friend and mentor was a good man. “Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.”

Hannah returned with Noah at her side a moment later, the boy’s hair still sweaty but his hands and face cleaner than when Chase had left him. After an awkward introduction, curiosity had Noah edging closer to the chief’s casted leg.

“Does it hurt?” he asked.

“Not so much anymore. Getting better every day.”

“Bobby Waters at my school? He broke his arm this spring,” said Noah. “All the kids in our class got to sign his cast.”

“I bet he liked that.” The chief eyed his own cast. “You know, no one’s signed mine yet. Would you like to be the first?”

Noah’s eyes widened. “Really?”

“You bet. Ask your Aunt Faye where she keeps the markers.”

“Okay!” Noah ran for the kitchen and nearly collided with Mia, who was headed toward them with two plates of pie in her hands.

“Whoa! Forgot what it was like to share this place with littles.”

Soon, Noah was busy decorating the chief’s cast while the grown-ups were sharing pie and stories. Chase took a seat between Hannah and Del on the couch but questioned that decision when he found himself dodging Del’s fork every time she waved it about, emphasizing a story. All too soon, though, it was four o’clock and Chase was having to say his good-byes for the day—he’d promised to help Joey with a bunkbed he’d bought for his girls a week ago in exchange for some authentic Mexican street tacos.

“I’ll walk you out,” Hannah said, rising from the couch alongside him.

Chase ignored the “pretending not to notice” look on Del’s face. Though he’d never admitted to having feelings for Hannah in the past, after growing up with Del and then working as her business partner these past few years, the woman seemed to have an open window into his brain. And yes, he was looking forward to a few minutes alone with Hannah before he left.

“Can you believe how well this is going?” Hannah asked once they were outside and headed to his truck.

Chase shrugged. “We all tried to tell you, angel. As usual, you just wouldn’t listen.”

“Hey,” she said with a frown. “I listened; I just didn’t believe you guys.”

He laughed and pulled her into his side. “Maybe someday you’ll learn to trust us.”

“Don’t get your hopes up.” She offered him a mischievous grin. “Seriously, though, thanks for being here today. Not sure I could have done this without you.”

“Anytime, you know that. And give me a shout if you’d like me to join you and Noah over at the park while you’re in town. I only live about a block from there. Heck, if you get to be needing a break from all the family togetherness, we could even have a cookout or something at my place.”

Hannah laughed. “Planning a little breathing room might be a good idea. What days do you work this week?”

“Monday and Thursday. The other nights I’ll keep open while you’re in town. Of course, you two are welcome over anytime.”

“Thanks, Chase. I really appreciate it.”

“No problem, angel.”

He pulled her in for a good-bye hug, savoring that lilac scent of hers. Hating to go, but needing to keep his word, he bent to press a kiss to her crown before heading on his way. Without warning, Hannah looked skyward at that exact moment. In a blink, three things happened in quick succession:

Half his mouth crashed into the opposite half of hers.

Hannah’s eyes went wide.

The back door to the farmhouse swung open.

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