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“Hi,” I breathe.

“Hi,” he says, smiling broadly. “How was your shift?”

“Not bad. Slower than usual.”

“Everyone is prepping for the festival tomorrow.”

Excitement has me practically bouncing on my toes.

“I’m excited for the festival.” I’m excited for our date at the festival.

Auggie’s smile widens. “Me too, Moonlight.”

He looks around the pub, now empty except for the staff and himself, and asks, “Are you off officially?”

I look toward Mason, who leans against the bar, chin propped in his hand. His expression reminds me of cartoon characters, the ones with lopsided smiles and heart bubbles floating over their heads.

“You two are sickening in the most adorable way possible,” he sighs dreamily.

Even with the eye roll I shoot his way, my smile is undeniable.

Darren appears from the back kitchen, wiping a glass mason jar filled with swirling amber liquid.

“Y’all go ahead and head out. No one else will be in tonight, and I’ve got about twenty more cases of jars to fill,” he says gruffly.

“Are you sure?” I ask, even as Auggie grabs my hand, tugging me toward the door.

Darren nods and turns back to the kitchen. “See you at the festival,” he mumbles as he goes.

I follow Auggie out to his car, pausing as he opens my door for me. He closes my door and walks around to get in on the driver’s side. Once he’s inside, he reaches over and cups the back of my head, pulling me over the console for a fiery kiss.

“Do you have any plans for the rest of the day?”

“Just to go home and feed the animals. Maybe take Minna on a walk. Nothing special.”

“It’s trivia night at The Press Box. It’s the town sports bar. Logan, Ember, Grace, Jackson, Kallie, Evren, and I have a team. We aren’t the best, but we have a good time. I’d love for you to join us.”

“That sounds like fun. Do we have time to run by my place?”

Auggie smiles and kisses me quickly before turning on the car. “We absolutely do.”

We make the quick drive to my apartment. Auggie grabs Minna’s leash and insists on walking her, even though I tell him I can do it. Minna is more than happy to go with him, wagging her tail so hard, she nearly knocks over the kitchen chair.

While Auggie takes Minna on her walk, I get the rest of the animals fed and head to the bedroom to change. The jeans I have on are fine, but I want to wear something other than my Twisted Broomsticks t-shirt. Sliding through the dismal amount of clothes on the hangers of the closet, I grab my second favorite sweater.

It’s a dusty rose color, with long sleeves and a V-neck, and it’s gloriously soft. Shirt changed, I head to the bathroom and do a slight makeup touch-up. I undo the low bun I wore to work and let the soft waves that formed fall down my back. I secure the top half back so it isn’t in my face and give myself a once-over in the mirror.

I almost don’t recognize my reflection.

I turn my head from side to side and angle my body this way and that, trying to determine what’s changed.

After a moment, it clicks.

I’m happy.

I’m safe.

I’m in love.