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Lauren enjoyed her lunch – and afternoon – with Mitch. She thought Annie did too, although the feline left them halfway through the date for her own playtime with Toby over the phone. She’d made friends with the golden Siberian Forest cat a couple of months ago at a local cat show, and they’d stayed in touch.
Mitch had brought sourdough bread, cheese, green salad, freshly sliced ham, and chocolate mousse – as well as a bottle of Lauren’s favorite wine.
“I thought this would give you a break from making something for us,” he told her as they sat in the kitchen. “And we could have some time to ourselves.”
“Zoe’s date with Chris ...?” Suspicion dawned.
“He’d planned on seeing her today, anyway.” Mitch smiled. “If Zoe had decided to have their date here, we could have gone to the National Park instead – or even my place.”
Lauren hadn’t been to Mitch’s apartment much – he seemed to prefer visiting her. And now Chris had moved in with him temporarily, it seemed a less likely spot to hang out.
“I’m sorry I haven’t given us enough time lately.” Mitch captured her hand across the table. “I’ve allowed myself to be pulled in too many different directions with work, and catching up with Chris. But you know I’m here one hundred percent for you – and Annie. Don’t you?”
“I do now.” Warmth flowed through her at his words, and the feel of her hand in his. “Thank you.”
He kissed the palm of her hand.
“You’re all I want, Lauren.” He cleared his throat. “I don’t think I tell you that enough.”
Lauren’s eyes grew misty.
“You’re all I want, too.”
Lauren couldn’t look away from him, wishing this moment could go on forever. Then Annie cantered into the room, carrying her toy hedgehog in her mouth. She dropped it at Lauren’s feet.
“Brrt!”
***
AFTER PLAYING WITH Annie, Lauren and Mitch went for a walk. Annie accompanied them in her harness.
“I’ll see you tomorrow at the theater.” Mitch kissed her tenderly that evening.
“Yes.”
Zoe and Chris had arrived home around dinner time, carrying two pizzas, which they’d all shared. Then Chris made his apologies and left, citing an early shift in the morning.
It was a shame Mitch had to work tomorrow, otherwise they could have done something together before heading to the town hall to help Father Mike clean up.
She waved goodbye to him as he headed down the porch steps. She was so ready to tell him she loved him – but she wasn’t sure why she’d held back today. Maybe she was subconsciously waiting for him to say it first? But his heartfelt words – and actions – were enough for her right now.
“Chris and I had so much fun today.” Zoe grinned as Lauren entered the living room. “I just wish he didn’t have to start work early in the morning.”
“I hear you.” Lauren nodded.
“Maybe we can all have dinner together after we help Father Mike tomorrow,” Zoe continued.
“Good idea.”
“I just wish there were more dining options in town,” Zoe added. “There’s Gary’s Burger Diner, and the pizza place, but the steakhouse is closed on Mondays and so is the bistro.”
“There’s the Italian in Zeke’s Ridge,” Lauren suggested, “but I’m not sure if it’s open on Monday.”
“Ooh, yes!” Zoe’s eyes lit up. “But are we going to want to drive over there after spending a couple of hours cleaning up? That’s if it is open.”
“Probably not,” Lauren said ruefully, thinking of having to get up early on Tuesday to bake cupcakes and open the café on time.
“Hey!” Zoe snapped her fingers. “Maybe the guys can cook for us! At Mitch’s apartment!”
“I love that idea.” Lauren smiled. “But can they cook?”
“You’ve been dating Mitch for over a year and you don’t know if he can cook?” Zoe’s eyebrows climbed to the top of her brunette pixie bangs.
“He’s good with steak,” Lauren offered. “And he can put together a picnic.” She blushed at the memory of his words yesterday. ‘You’re all I want.’
“Chris can cook some things,” Zoe told her. “But I don’t think he’s as good as you.”
“Thanks.”
“He makes a great chili,” Zoe continued. “Maybe he could make that for us.”
“Doesn’t chili take a long time if you do it right?” Lauren asked. She’d only ever made a quick version with ground beef.
“I forgot about that.” Zoe tapped her cheek. “Yeah, I remember him telling me once he likes to cook it long and slow.”
“Maybe we should opt for burgers or pizza,” Lauren said. “I’m not going to feel like making dinner tomorrow night.”
“Me neither,” Zoe replied.
Lauren stifled a smile – Zoe didn’t do much cooking. One of her favorite homemade meals was left over Paninis from the cafe.
They decided to go to bed early.
“We’ve got our grocery shopping tomorrow, and we should check on Mrs. Finch,” Lauren reminded her.
“That’s right.” Zoe looked guilty. “We didn’t stop by her house today.”
“I’m sure she’ll understand.” They’d seen their friend the previous night, and she’d seemed fine.
“And then we could visit Mrs. Snuggle,” Zoe suggested.
“And buy a little toy for her.”
“Brrt!”