Page 96 of What Remains of Grace

And when Cole walked in and stopped breathing, she felt a little as if she might combust.

She tried to act like she didn’t hear Emmie say “Mission accomplished” from across the room, but of course, that wasn’t enough for Emmie. A moment later, she appeared at Jenna’s side, leaned in, and murmured, “FYI, Mr. Bennett’s jaw literally hit the floor when he saw you. I think I heard it clatter.”

“Emmie,” Jenna hissed.

“What? I’m providing analysis.”

Jenna elbowed her, but her cheeks burned.

People began to flood in. Neighbors, old customers, a few teachers from Emmie’s school, and the place quickly filled with chatter and warmth. Jenna moved from group to group, answering questions, accepting hugs, and making introductions. But every few minutes, she found Cole across the room, as if her eyes had their own compass.

He pretended to study the tile. The menu boards. The ceiling. But he looked at her.

Again and again.

Emmie glided past with a tray of mini cinnamon rolls. “I swear,” she whispered, “if he stares any harder, he’s going to burn a hole through that dress.”

“Stop it.”

“You stop it. Or don’t. Actually, never mind, don’t.”

Jenna nearly snorted.

Her parents arrived in a flurry of excitement, her mom already teary, her dad carrying a bakery-themed gift bag because of course he did.

“Sweetheart!” her dad said, arms opening wide. She stepped into the hug and felt herself ground instantly, like the world snapped back into alignment.

Her mom cupped her face. “You look beautiful. That dress, oh, honey.”

“It was Emmie,” Jenna said. “She staged an intervention.”

Her dad leaned in. “Well, thank God she did. You look radiant.”

“Dad,” Jenna laughed, “radiant?”

“Radiant,” he insisted. “I’ve got eyes.”

Behind him, her mom was already drifting toward the framed photo of Grace, taking it in with a trembling smile.

“You made her proud,” her mom whispered. “Both of you.”

Jenna swallowed. “I hope so.”

Her dad squeezed her shoulders. “No hope about it.”

Travis, Jerrod, and Kevin barreled in not long after, their voices instantly louder than the ambient music.

“Boss!” Travis called to Cole before diverting to Jenna. “Owner!” he added, giving her an exaggerated bow.

“Oh Lord,” Jenna muttered. “You all travel in packs.”

“Safety in numbers,” Kevin said, grabbing a sample cookie. “Also, Emmie gave us permission to eat anything not nailed down.”

“I did not,” Emmie yelled from across the counter.

Jerrod pointed at her. “She absolutely did.”

Emmie rolled her eyes. “I absolutely did not.”