Ann waited on the next customer in line at Dixie's Cuppa Joe. Somehow, Sarah and Sage had weaseled a promise out of her to stay with them while she made plans to return to Las Vegas. Before she knew what was happening, Dixie had her working at the coffee shop. "What can I get for you today, Mrs. Doolittle?"
The sweet-faced old woman considered her choices. "How about a Cream Filled Fluffy Puffy and a double-shot Mocha Madness. I've decided to go for the gusto and order something different every day until I've tried everything."
A commotion at the entrance made Ann glance up. Her heart jumped into her throat. A patron was holding the door open for Jackson while he limped in with a cane. Ann hadn't seen him for six weeks and, according to Alligator, he wasn't expected home for another three. By that time, she would have returned to Las Vegas. She had a feeling Sarah, Sage, Al, and Dixie, had set her up.
Looking gaunt and pale, he thanked the man who held the door and glanced around until he spotted her. Their eyes met and she quickly looked away. Everyone in the coffee shop was looking back and forth between the two of them. Pink suffused her face and she hurried to accept the money Mrs. Doolittle was holding out. She fumbled with the change and the elderly woman said, "Don't worry about it, dear. I wouldn't be able to make change either if I had a man looking at me the way Jackson's looking at you." She patted Ann's hand.
Jackson hobbled to the end of the line and all the customers in front of him stepped aside, inviting him to go first. He leaned against his cane when he reached the counter. Ann swallowed and couldn't find her voice.
Jackson said, "I'd like a black coffee, please. I'd also like for you to join me."
Ann squeaked, "I can't. There are too many people in line." Suddenly, the line dispersed.
Jackson motioned with his head. "I'll meet you at the table in the corner."
"I really can't..."
Dixie interrupted, "Yes, you can. I've got you covered. I'll bring your coffee to your table, Jackson. I'll bring you one too, Annie."
Jackson gave Dixie a grateful smile and limped to the table. Dixie whispered in Ann's ear. "The least you can do is hear what he has to say. Go on."
Ann rounded the counter and followed her husband acutely aware that everyone in the room was watching their progress. She sat across from him while Dixie set coffees on their table.
Jackson stared at the steaming brew and then lifted his eyes to hers. They were filled with such torment that Ann couldn't hold his gaze. She stared down at her own coffee to compose herself.
"Annie, I want you to hear everything I have to say before you respond. Okay?"
She nodded, still looking at her cup. She heard him whoosh a breath.
"I want to thank you for staying with me at the hospital. The doctor said you refused to leave until you knew I would recover."
Ann bit her bottom lip to stop its trembling.
Jackson reached the tip of his index finger and touched her hand resting on the table. "For most of my life I've avoided emotional commitment because I saw the damage it did to my father. I swore I'd never fall into the same trap. When we met years ago, I was instantly attracted to you and convinced myself it was purely physical. Secretly, I was glad you were married because it kept me from pursuing any kind of relationship with you." He removed his finger and reached for his coffee. Releasing another breath, he lifted the cup and sipped.
Ann couldn't bring herself to look into his eyes, so she glanced past his shoulder. He set his cup down and continued. "After you started working at the ranch, you became the sunshine of my days. When I asked you to marry me, it wasn't purely because I was trying to save you—although I admit that played a part in it—mostly, though, it was because I'd fallen desperately in love with you."
Ann jerked her eyes to his.
"I need you, Annie. Let me clarify that—my heart needs you. I love you. Please come home and we'll make it work."
This time Ann couldn't stop the trembling of her lip, but neither could she bring herself to respond. After a long time, Jackson said sadly, "You think about it, sweetheart." He scooted his chair back and clumsily pulled himself up with the aid of his cane. She watched his retreating back and someone rushed to open the door for him. She knew everyone was staring at her, but she didn't care anymore. A tear slipped onto the table and a voice in her head shouted. This is your chance for a happily-ever-after! Don't let a misguided since of duty steal from you! He meant what he said!
Suddenly, she jumped from her chair and sprinted through the door. Jackson was standing beside his truck when she yelled his name. He looked up and waited for her to make a move. With tears streaming, she ran and stood in front of him. She said, "My heart needs you, too. I love you so much."
Dropping his cane and leaning against the fender for support, he opened his arms and she stepped into them. The only words escaping either of them were, "I love you. I love you. I love you."
Finally, Jackson glanced up from kissing her and grinned. "Look behind you."
Annie turned around and laughed. All of Dixie's Cuppa Joe customers had crowded to the windows to watch their reunion. When she grinned sheepishly, the patrons burst into laughter and applause. Annie's happily-ever-after not only came with the husband of her dreams, a beautiful ranch, and faithful friends, but a hometown full of wonderful people.