Page 44 of Second Chances in Cedarwood

“He knows I appreciated the save.” Jack cleared his throat. “It’s cool. Besides, here comes Colt.”

Colt strode right up to them. “There’s the truly small business owner,” he said and clapped Jack on the shoulder. “I keep telling you. That shop is too small. You should have more seating. Maybe a to-go window.”

Jack shrugged. “I’ll go with what works for now.”

“You make a striking couple,” Colt said. “How’s working togetherandbeing a couple working out for you?”

“Good,” Henry said. “We see each other, but it’s so busy we don’t get much time to chatter at work. When we’re home, it’s just us.”

“Smart,” Colt said. “Shit. I see the media is here.” He ducked away.

Charlie approached and blushed. His sheepish smile wobbled. “I wanted to apologize for earlier.”

“Apologize?” Henry narrowed his eyes.Nowhe wanted to say he was sorry? Almost three months later? “For?”

“I overstepped,” Charlie said. “I’m sorry.” He nodded to Jack. “I’m sorry I interfered and poked my nose in where it didn’t belong. It was unethical and just plain mean.”

“Ah.” Henry straightened his jacket. “I see.” He’d forgive, but he wasn’t ready to forget.

“Don’t screw with people’s lives,” Jack said, his voice even. “It’s not cool and makes people dislike you. They might not want to talk to you—which makes being a reporter sort of impossible.”

“I know.” Charlie’s blush deepened. “I thought I had a hot scoop. I was wrong.”

“You were,” Henry said. “Way off.”

“He said I’d learn something good.” Charlie shook his head. “Ray gave me a hundred bucks to do it.”

“Ray?” Jack rolled his eyes. “Christ.”

The situation made more sense now. Henry shook his head. “If you’re going to be professional and not piss off your boss, don’t take money for stories. Okay?”

“Got you.” Charlie bowed his head and walked away.

Jack gestured to the table. “We’re supposed to sit. I believe we’re eating soon.”

He followed Jack. Small program booklets had been left at each place setting. Henry opened his after he sat down. He scanned the information and spotted the awards section. “Awards?” he whispered. “For what?”

“Commerce.” Jack shrugged. “I’m not even in the running.”

“Why? You have a great business.” Henry rested his palm on Jack’s thigh. “But I’m biased.”

“You are.” Jack draped his arm across the back of Henry’s chair. “My business is too small. I don’t bring in the kind of cash that a place like Colt’s diner does.” He stared at Henry. “Doesn’t matter. I don’t need an award because I got the C&C sticker for the window and the best award ever.”

“You did?” Henry cocked his head.

“I got you.”

Henry leaned into him and kissed Jack’s cheek. “I love you, too,” he whispered. He’d been impulsive, but he didn’t care. He’d spoken the words on his heart.

Jack’s eyes widened. “You do?”

“I do.”

“You love me?” Jack blurted.

“Too soon?” He regretted nothing and refused to take the words back.

“No.” Jack’s smile widened, and he closed his eyes. He caressed Henry’s shoulder, then opened his eyes. “I love you, too. I wanted to tell you tonight when we got home, but you beat me to it.”

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