Page 34 of By Any Beans Necessary

"Guess we're not as sneaky as we thought," Jeff said, winking at her.

"Never stood a chance," she agreed, her smile lingering, heart swelling with the simplicity of their rekindled connection, knowing that she would have a lifetime of tomorrows with Jeff from now on.

Chapter Twelve

The bell above the local diner's entrance chimed a welcome as Jeff, in his new Hero police uniform, held the door for Michelle. Her blonde hair caught the midday sun filtering through the glass. She flashed him a smile, her hazel eyes lighting up in that familiar way that never failed to make his heart skip.

"Look at him strut," she teased, nodding toward the glossy German shepherd wearing his official K9 vest, trotting right alongside Jeff. "Winston's becoming more famous around here than you, Jeff."

"Hey now, let's not forget who the handler is here." Jeff chuckled, running a hand through his thick brown hair, which, indeed, had seen its fair share of scuffles after recently getting hired as a local police officer. He was also the head of their new search and rescue department, which included all of one person: himself. But that didn’t bother Jeff. He was happy to be doing what he loved and the chance to stay in Hero with Michelle.

They slid into a booth, and Michelle scooted in close to Jeff, her shoulder brushing against his arm, sending a pleasant shiver down his spine. The waitress, a middle-aged woman with a beehive hairstyle that defied gravity, bustled over with menus.

"Same as always?" she asked, her pencil poised over her notepad.

"Actually..." Jeff glanced at Michelle, his grin growing, "...let's switch it up today. We're celebrating."

"Is that so?" The waitress winked. "What’ll it be then?"

"Double cheeseburgers all around," he declared. Michelle laughed, leaning her head on his shoulder.

"Going wild today, are we?" she quipped.

"Only the best for my girl and our top dog," he replied, scratching behind Winston's ears.

Their friends filled the rest of the giant booth. Laughter and conversation blending into a harmonious backdrop. Hunter slapped Jeff on the back, his wide grin a mirror of Jeff's own.

"Man, I knew you'd whip that pup into shape, but you guys were fantastic at the demonstration today," Hunter said, his voice booming in the crowded space.

"Couldn't have been ready without Michelle's late-night pep talks and gallons of coffee," Jeff confessed, squeezing Michelle’s hand under the table. She squeezed back, her support as steadfast as ever.

"Cheers to our local heroes," Danny raised his glass of soda, prompting a chorus of 'cheers' that rippled through their group of friends.

The food arrived: a towering platter of juicy double cheeseburgers, crispy fries, and frothy milkshakes. The aroma of grilled beef and melted cheese permeated the air, and Jeff's stomach rumbled in anticipation. He hadn't realized how hungry he was until that very moment.

As they dug into their meals, Michelle's phone buzzed on the table. She picked it up, her eyes widening as she read the message. "Guys, you're not going to believe this," she gasped out in glee. "The Coffee Loft has been nominated by corporate for best coffee shop of the year."

Everyone stopped eating and turned their attention to Michelle, their expressions a mix of surprise and delight. "That's incredible, Michelle," Avery exclaimed, her blue eyes sparkling with excitement. "You deserve it."

Jenesa nodded in agreement. "Absolutely, Michelle. Your coffee is the best in town, and we all know it."

Michelle blushed at the praise, her cheeks turning a soft pink. "Thank you, guys. I'm just happy to be nominated. I'm not sure I'll win, but it's an honor just to be recognized."

Jeff squeezed her hand under the table, his grin wide and proud. "You'll win, babe. I have no doubt about it."

"I guess that means we made the right decision to use your beans for our coffee at the Bumblebee," Jenesa stated with a smile.

"We'll have to put out a sign next to our morning brew mentioning your accomplishment," Avery added.

"Like I said, I haven't won yet," Michelle reminded them a second time.

"You're a shoo-in," Danny stated with a shrug. "So, no worries there."

"Your coffee can't be beat," Jeff agreed with a nod. "I should know since I've managed to get addicted to the stuff."

This caused everyone to erupt into laughter. As Jeff looked around, taking in the faces of those they loved, he realized he couldn't be happier. Six months ago, he never would have thought this was the life he wanted, but as he felt his K9 partner's warmth against his leg, he knew he'd finally found what he'd been missing all these years. He thought about the obstacles he'd overcome, the skepticism at the bar when he first mentioned wanting to become a K9 handler, the long nights of studying, and the countless doubts that Michelle helped him chase away. All of it was worth it to be right here in this moment, with his friends, loyal K9 partner, and the love of his life.

"Hey," Michelle nudged him gently, bringing him back to the moment. "You're getting all misty-eyed on me. What's going on in that head of yours?"

---