Chapter 3
Coffee, Confessions, and Combustion
Ember
Isign the last of my hospital discharge papers, tucking my phone into my purse with a smile, thinking about Ryan’s messages from our late-night text session still warms my heart.
The way we connected over fishing and travel felt natural and effortless.
And now, dinner tonight. My stomach does a little flip.
Dinner with Ryan—I never get caught up in a guy like this so fast.
I can still see his warm brown eyes, filled with concern yet sparkling with something more.
“Ready to blow this popsicle stand?” Nic bounces through the doorway, her artistic flair evident in her colorful patch quilt sundress.
“More than ready.” I gesture to my borrowed scrubs. “Though I’m not exactly dressed for a fashion show.”
“Honey, you’re working those scrubs like they’re couture.” Nic wraps me in a gentle hug. “Though maybe we should get you into something less... medical chic before your hot date tonight?”
Heat rushes to my cheeks. “It’s wild right? I have a date tonight and we texted last night and he’s… dreamy, Nic.”
“You’re glowing—you need this. The good news is, you have your suitcases. Rhett was able to retrieve them from the wrecked car, and he’s already dropped them off at The Azalea Inn for you.”
“Oh, that is amazing because going on this date in scrubs is a no-go.”
We step out into the Georgia sunshine, and my stomach growls loudly enough to make us both laugh.
Nic raises an eyebrow. “When’s the last time you had real food?”
“Define ‘real food.’ Because the hospital Jell-O does not count.”
“Girl, you need sustenance.” She studies my face. “What are you craving?”
“God, I would murder for a proper latte right now. And maybe something sweet? After hospital food, I need to remember the fun of non-bland food.”
Nic’s face lights up. “Oh! Perfect! Let’s go to Sweetheart Scones it’ll be through me. ”
I bite into a warm scone, considering her words. “You might be right. I’ve been so caught up in the legal battle, I need to get back into it for the love of the work. What he doesn’t know, right?”
“Exactly! And what better way to stick it to Marcus than by thriving? Show him he didn’t break you.” Nic grins. “Plus, planning a firefighter fundraiser? With a certain handsome captain? That’s what I call a win-win.”
I nod. “You’re right. Besides, event planning is what I do best.” My thoughts drift toward Ryan. “I could use something positive to focus on right now.”
Our full plate of delectable pastries arrive. We dig in, and I savor each bite and sip my latte.
“This place has such a warm vibe,” I muse between bites of a blueberry scone.
Nic nods enthusiastically. “And think—you could create events and bring more warmth to Peachwood Grove.”
“I’d love that,” I say.
After finishing our treats, we gather our things.
“Ready to settle in at The Azalea Inn?” Nic asks with a smile.
I nod, rejuvenated. “Absolutely.”