Page 85 of Love in Overdrive

Epilogue

Laney forced back the tears as she packed her belongings at Tot Time. Her last day had been bittersweet. She’d been done for less than an hour, and she missed all the kids already, each messy hug and sticky face.

After what seemed like forever, the local elementary school had an opening for a third-grade teacher. Laney jumped for joy and screamed with excitement when she got the call. Her new job started with summer school next Monday.

“Hey. No tears. You will see them all in a few years.” Marti put her arm around Laney’s shoulders. “And you’ll still see me all the time.”

“You’re right.” But when she turned to look at her friend, whose own eyes misted, the floodgates broke and the tears flowed.

“Come on now, you’re making me ruin my makeup, and I have a hot date later.” Marti sniffled.

Laney laughed. “We wouldn’t want that. Do I know him?”

Marti shook her head.

“Well, I have a hot date myself.” Laney shoved her gifts into her bag.

“That’s right, the last-day dinner with your guy. Give Cade a big, wet one for me.” Marti gave her a wink and shooed Laney out the door for the very last time.

An hour later, Laney opened the door to Cade.

He peeked out from behind two large grocery bags.

“I see the chef has arrived.”

“Yup, how do you like your steak?” He kissed her on the way to the kitchen. “You relax, and I’ll handle everything.”

Laney smiled as he sliced and diced until he had enough salad for an army. Then he washed and wrapped the potatoes to get them ready for the grill.

“Are you sure I can’t help?”

“I got it, but you can pull out the tablecloth and napkins in the bag.”

“Ooh, nice linens. Your mom has good taste.” Laney ran a hand over the high thread count material.

“Only the best for you.” Cade carried the salad to the table and dropped another kiss on her lips before going back to the grill to check the steaks. “How was your day?”

“Good.” Shoot, her voice cracked.

Cade turned to her. “Oh, babe. It’s a small town. You’ll see them again.”

“I know.” She sniffled. “I really am excited about the new job.”

“I bet you are. Finally, you can quit the grocery job as well.” He flipped the steaks and checked the potatoes.

She needed to change the conversation before she turned into a blubbering mess. “How’s the addition coming along?”

“The trusses were delivered today.” With Cade working full-time at Busted Knuckle, his father decided it was time to do that addition he’d been planning.

“That’s moving fast. I know you said there’s more work than you have space.”

Cade plated the food and served it to her. “He’s actually talking like I’m his partner. He’s bringing me in on how the office is run. Don’t tell Dad this, but I’m looking into business classes at the community college.”

“I think that’s smart. It will help with running the shop.” She looked at him over the rim of her wineglass.

“Exactly.” A red flush deepened his cheeks. Laney loved that he and his father were getting closer.

“Looks like things are looking up for the both of us.” Her heart swelled at the thought of Cade getting what he wanted. Maybe, it was time for her to get what she wanted too.