Page 123 of The Defiant Curse

Specifically, Finn.

Elizabeth tucked one of her cocoa brown curls behind Gabby’s ear.

“I missed you, Cupcake.”

Yeah, Gabby missed her, too.

“Same, Boss Lady. Same. Hey! I got us a table,” she said, as Elizabeth checked the café out.

Elizabeth didn’t miss that the whole place was adorable, and more importantly, it was quiet.

“We missed the breakfast rush,” she said, hugging both men next.

Elizabeth was still astounded that she was in a restaurant and no one was standing guard.

“And we can sit wherever?” she asked. “Even by a window so I can people watch?”

Gabby nodded as she took her hand.

She, too, liked people watching. It was one of her favorite things to do in town.

“Absolutely. This is our normal spot, but if you don’t like it, choose.”

It was actually a good spot.

It was by a window, and she could see the other shops.

“This is perfect.”

Well, then, that worked for them.

“Park it, Cookie. We’re about to fatten you up. I feel bones under that sweater. I don’t know how you go without wanting to eat nonstop. It’s my pastime.”

She laughed

“Well, serial killers try to kill and eat me, so I have to keep running or be a snack. That burns a lot of calories.”

She stared at her.

“I know that’s a factual statement, and I’m horrified it is,” she admitted.

That amused Elizabeth.

Oh, Gabby wasn’t the only one.

That was for damn sure. If anyone questioned her life, it was most definitely her.

When the waitress headed her way, Gabby helped Elizabeth find something on the menu. As she did, the waitress made pleasant chitchat.

“Are ya new around here, Lass?” the older woman asked.

Elizabeth nodded, and Michael came to her rescue, helping her cover for her.

“Yeah, this is my mom,” he admitted. “She looks young, but she’s an old hag,” he joked. “Right, Mom?” he asked.

That amused her to no end.

Oh, someone was funny,