Page 44 of Small Town Sash

"Got that right." The bartender laughed, shaking his head as Braden slid off the stool, newfound purpose in his step.

"Watch this," Braden declared, throwing down some bills. "Operation Win Her Over is about to commence."

"Godspeed, Romeo," the bartender called after him, the rest of the bar oblivious to the romantic comedy unfolding before them.

Braden was halfway to the front door to The Rusty Hinge when it creaked open with the familiar squeal that begged for oil. A trio of figures stepped through, casting long shadows across the scuffed wooden floor.

"Hey, Harding," called out Danny, his voice booming over the low hum of country music and loud chatter.

"Heard you've been holding up the bar since sundown," Hunter added.

"Word travels fast," Braden muttered, dropping his hand and turning to face the unexpected intrusion into his brooding solitude by his instructors.

"Like wildfire," joked Charlie, who came over and patted him on the back.

"Or like gossiping neighbors," added Jeff Parker, a good friend of theirs, who was now a local K9 handler for Hero.

"So I'm guessing you heard what happened at the pageant practice," Braden said, resignation slumping his shoulders as he motioned them closer with a jerk of his head.

"Yep, we sure did," Danny started, taking a seat beside Braden in a booth and slapping a comforting hand on his back. "The missus can't stop talking about it. How Hadley seems to like her newfound independence."

"Don't I know it," Braden grumbled. "Come to kick a man while he's down?" Braden asked, half-heartedly attempting a chuckle.

"Nah," Hunter interjected, leaning against the table. "We're here to pull you out of this funk. You're moping around like a dog who lost its favorite bone."

"More like a guy who lost his?—"

"Enough metaphors," Jeff cut in, rolling his eyes. "Point is, if you think she's the one, then fight for her."

"Fight for her?" Braden echoed, skepticism threading his tone.

"Absolutely," Danny confirmed, nodding earnestly. "You've got to show her what she means to you. Don't let pride or fear hold you back."

"Or a bar stool," jested Hunter, earning a round of chuckles.

"Remember the bomb scenario last week?" Danny questioned, capturing Braden's gaze with an intensity that spoke volumes. "You told the team to give it everything you got, and you all went out there and turned out your best results. Well, it's your turn now to follow your own advice."

"Give it everything I got..." Braden repeated, the words resonating somewhere deep within him.

"Exactly," Hunter said, slapping the bar top for emphasis. "So, what's it gonna be? You gonna sit here drowning in 'what ifs,' or are you going to be the man we know you are?"

"Geez, I hate it when you make sense," Braden sighed, the ghost of a smile playing on his lips.

"Good," Danny grinned. "Now get out there and show that girl she's got someone worth fighting for."

"Someone who doesn't give up," Hunter added with a nod.

"Especially not on love." Jeff raised his glass in salute.

"Cheers to that," Braden agreed, the spark of determination igniting in his chest as he clinked his glass with theirs.

Braden drained his glass and set it down with a definitive clack. He pushed back from the table, more determined than ever to fight for Hadley.

"All right, I'm doing this," he declared, squaring his shoulders like he was about to march into battle rather than hatch a plan of romance.

"Doing what exactly?" Hunter arched an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth twitching in anticipation of something entertaining.

"Winning Hadley back," Braden said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

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