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If this was going to be her last single girl dating moment, this dress was perfect.
* * *
Knox stepped out into the warm Whisper Lake summer night and was struck once again by how picturesque the small town was. He had no desire to settle down anytime soon, or maybe ever, but if he did, this was exactly the place he’d want to be.
He’d always loved coming to Whisper Lake as a kid, but as an adult, he had an entirely new perspective and appreciation of the place. Besides being breathtaking to look at, there was a real sense of community.
He headed down the steps and saw that the lights were off in the Snack Shack, still he found his head turning in hopes that he might catch a glimpse of Laura. He was only going to the event tonight because he had a good feeling that Laura would be there.
His phone dinged, and he pulled it out to see a message from his mom asking how he was liking the town and if he’d met anyone special.
Yes, he had. But he found himself hesitating before responding. He’d always been close to his mom and told her about the women in his life. The problem with Laura was that she wasn’t in his life. Which made the fact that he couldn’t stop thinking about her even more frustrating. Hopefully, if he spent more time with her, he’d be able to get over the obsession he’d formed for her.
He shot back a text letting his mom know that he was going to a speed dating event and that he’d update her tomorrow. As he was sending the text, another one came through. This one was from his cousin. Knox had messaged Keaton an hour or so ago to see if he wanted to come with him to the event.
Keaton:Nah, I’m good.
Knox wondered if his cousin’s reluctance to attend had anything to do with his ex, Camilla. The two of them had been together off and on since their teens but had broken up for good about five years ago, right before Keaton moved to Whisper Lake.
All of his life, Knox had sort of looked at the couple as the gold standard of relationships. They were young when they got together, and he knew Keaton’s career as an MMA fighter didn’t exactly help since he traveled all over the world to train and fight. But deep down, Knox always assumed they’d end up together.
If they couldn’t work, Knox wasn’t sure what hope anyone else had.
He texted his cousin back.
Knox:You sure, man. Could be fun.
Keaton:I don’t date in Whisper Lake. It’s too small of a town, and I own a business.
Knox was a little disappointed that his cousin’s reluctance to meet someone wasn’t because he and Camilla were talking again.
He put his phone in his back pocket when he heard his name.
"Mr. Savage!" He turned and saw Mrs. Dobrinski, who everyone referred to as Mrs. D, and Mrs. Weathersby walking along the path that went around the entire lake.
"Hello ladies, what are you two doing out without supervision? Getting into trouble, I’m sure."
"We’re headed over to Lanterns," Mrs. Weathersby explained.
"Oh, really, well, that’s where I’m headed too." He stepped between them and offered each an arm by extending his elbows. "Would you like an escort?"
Both ladies wrapped their hands around his arm, and the trio continued walking along the lakeside to the restaurant.
"Are you going to the speed dating event?" Mrs. Weathersby asked.
He grinned. "I was going to ask you two the same thing."
"We’re going to observe," Mrs. D responded.
"That doesn’t surprise me. I’ve heard you ladies are quite the matchmakers."
"Where did you hear that?" Mrs. Weathersby feigned innocence.
Knox just grinned at her, flashed his dimple, and winked. He noticed the twinkle in her eye when he did. The last thing he’d ever do was blow up their spot. They obviously liked the mystery surrounding their group, and although it was the worst-kept secret in the state, he wasn’t going to be the one to bring it to light.
"How long have you two ladies been married?" he asked, changing the subject.
"Sixty-five years," Mrs. Weathersby smiled.
