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"Why are you grinning at me like that?" Cinnamon stopped, her fist landing on her hip.
"You're so cute. I'm watching you look around. Have you never stepped foot outside of Kris Kringle during the summer?"
Cinnamon swatted his arm and laughed. "Yes, I have, thank you very much. It's just that, for some reason, this year, everything seems more colorful and livelier."
Kaleb tucked her close to his side and dropped a kiss on the top of her head. She fit next to him like the missing piece of a puzzle. "I thought the same thing. I believe it's because of you. The world's a little brighter now that you're back in my life."
"Ahh," Cinnamon cooed as she slipped her arm around his waist. "That's very sweet."
"What can I say? You bring it out in me."
Cinnamon snickered. "If that were true, you would've said stuff like that years ago."
Shame slid its fingers around his gut and clenched. "I was a different man then. I've tried to be more expressive since we got back together. Am I not doing a good job?"
"You're doing a great job," Cinnamon encouraged, kissing his lips. "I appreciate your efforts. They are paying off."
Kaleb ran a hand over his forehead in mock relief. "Whew. You had me worried for a second."
"Come on." Cinnamon laughed again and pulled him to the coffee shop. "Let's get something to drink and then head back to the farm."
"Is it weird seeing Mayson?" Kaleb had his doubts about whether or not they really felt like siblings when they kissed, but he had to trust his girlfriend's word, or they'd be doomed before they began.
"I saw him at the market the other day when you stayed at the farm, and it was fine. Like nothing ever happened, thank God." Cinnamon grimaced. "Let's not talk about it anymore. It gives me the heebie-jeebies."
Kaleb belted out a laugh as he opened the door for Cinnamon. "Does he know about us?"
"He does, and he's happy we found our way back to each other." Cinnamon's smile lit her face, easing any concerns he may’ve had.
"I'm glad to hear that."
"What about you and Jewel Johansen?" Cinnamon stood in line. "Have you thought of contacting her at all?"
"Not even for a second." Kaleb entwined their fingers. "She never held my interest, except to help me get inside a woman’s head."
"Wait. What?" Cinnamon turned her crystal blue eyes on him. "You never told me about that."
"Shhhh!" He laughed. "I'll tell you more about that later. Not in public, for sure."
Cinnamon's giggle sounded like music to Kaleb's ears. He hadn't realized how much he'd missed it until he had her back in his life.
"As long as you promise to tell me about that conversation." Cinnamon's eyes lit with humor. "And maybe you can figure out how to introduce me to her. I love her books."
"I'll see what I can do, but I doubt she'd even remember me if I reached out to her." Kaleb moved forward in line. "Why don't you grab us a table. I know what you want."
"You sure? I don't mind standing here with you."
"It looks like it's about to get really crowded." Kaleb eyed the room filling with people. "Go on ahead. It won't take that long."
"Okay." She gave his hand a squeeze and sauntered away.
Man, he could get used to waking up next to her every day. They hadn't discussed marriage yet, but since they were both in their thirties, he knew she wouldn't date him if she hadn't considered spending the rest of her life with him.
Good thing, too, because he had the ring hidden in his drawer at home. Kaleb planned to bring up marriage with her soon, so she wouldn’t think he was making plans without consulting her again. He fought hard not to do that anymore. It wasn’t easy.
Grady and Scarlet confirmed Cinnamon's observation about him controlling situations. They were honest with him but encouraging, too. They let him know he'd done well the last few years, even if he made a mistake ever so often. As long as they weren't major mistakes, he hoped Cinnamon would forgive him if he messed up.
Mayson wasn't the barista taking the orders, a blessing as far as Kaleb was concerned. He didn't want to feel awkward talking to him. Something else he'd need to pray about. After placing his order to the rude gal behind the counter, he found the spot Cinnamon chose and made his way to her.
