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“At least not alone,” she said.

He sucked in a breath. It was still hard to believe that she was staying and they’d have plenty more nights just like this. Placing his hand on her lower back, where one of the cutouts was, he gently guided her across the parking lot and into the restaurant.

“Welcome to Doc Ford’s,” the hostess said. “Would you like to sit inside or out?”

“Out,” they replied in unison and laughed.

“Follow me.” The hostess led them through the restaurant and outside to the covered back patio, which was strung with fairy lights.

“This is awesome,” Bree said once they were seated.

He was glad she thought so. The restaurant had an offbeat charm and low-key vibe that he loved, and the food was great.

“Your waitress will be right with you,” the hostess said, and then she walked away.

Bree started to open the menu, but he stopped her. “Read the back first.”

“Huh?” She gave him a quizzical look but turned the menu over and started reading.

A moment later, she looked up and smiled. “How cool! The restaurant was named after a fictional character in a series written by a local author.”

He nodded. “That’s part of the reason I brought you here. As a writer, I thought you’d appreciate it.”

“I do. It also said the writer pops in on occasion.” She glanced around the restaurant as if the man might magically appear.

He chuckled. “You don’t even know what he looks like.”

“Do you?”

“Um-hmm.”

Her eyes bulged. “Seriously? Do you know him? Is he here?”

He laughed at her enthusiasm. “Yes, I know him, and no, he’s not here.”

Her shoulders drooped. “How do you know him?”

“I’ve seen him around, and he’s been in my shop a few times.”

“Ohmigod, I would love to meet him.”

“It could happen.”

“Becoming a novelist is my dream job.”

“So, why don’t you do it?”

“It’s not that simple.”

“You can do it.” He truly believed it, and he’d be there to support her every step of the way.

A waitress approached their table. “Hello. What can I get you to drink?”

Bree ordered a rum and Coke, and he ordered a mojito.

“Be right back,” the waitress said and walked away.

“I’m going to include this place in my next article,” Bree said, her eyes bright.