Chapter 15
Chapter Fifteen
Callie
Iclutch Luke's waist, my fingers hooked into his belt loops as we lean into a curve, the motorcycle humming beneath us, vibrating like a living thing.
The unseasonably warm afternoon breeze whips the ends of my hair around the edge of the helmet, and I can't help but laugh, the sound carried away as quickly as it escapes my lips.
I've never been on a motorcycle before today, and the exhilaration is nothing short of addictive.
“You okay back there?” He calls over his shoulder, his voice difficult to hear over the engine's growl. I rub his shoulders, noticing, like I did this morning, that he seems tense today.
“Better than okay,” I shout back, pressing my body closer to his. So far, today has been nothing short of perfect, even with a hint of fall in the air.
When Luke suggested taking his bike for a ride before going to Nikki's pre-festival dinner, I was hesitant at first. Motorcycles have always seemed dangerous, even reckless. I remember a boy from school who died when he crashed his only days after getting his license. It was all over the news. But the moment we hit the open road, with nothing between us and the world but pavement and open air, I understood the appeal. The freedom. The rush. Much like falling for Luke all over again. It may be terrifying and thrilling, but it’s also worth every moment.
No more playing it safe. No more hiding behind books and walls I'd built to protect myself.
We head back into town and cruise down Main Street, slowing as we approach Sweet as Sin Bakery.
The storefront is transformed for tonight's event, with twinkling string lights crisscrossing the patio and paper lanterns swaying gently from hooks.
Handmade banners announcing “Founder's Day” flutter alongside the bakery's sign, and potted bluebonnets frame the entrance.
The bakery's outdoor space has been set up with long tables draped in deep blue tablecloths, a nod to the town's unofficial flower.
In the center of each table sits a small archery set made of cookies and chocolate, a playful homage to Cupid Cooper.
Anna's creativity knows no bounds, and a surge of tenderness flows over me as I see how the Caldwell family business is thriving again.
Luke pulls into a parking spot and cuts the engine.
As I slide off the back of the bike, I notice him patting his jacket pocket, a nervous gesture I've never seen from him before.
He catches my eye and flashes me a grin, the momentary worry disappearing as he kicks the stand in place and gets off before removing his helmet and then turning to help me with mine.
“Did you enjoy the ride?”
“That was amazing.” I’m slightly dazed as I smooth down my hair. “Why haven't we done that before?”
His boyish grin tells me he’s pleased with my response. “Been waiting for the perfect day. Wanted your first ride to be special.”
The care in that simple statement, waiting for ideal weather and choosing a meaningful destination, makes my heart swell with love.
Yesterday it was the book. Today, it was taking me to the spot where we first made love.
It's these small, thoughtful gestures that show me every day how much he's changed from the impulsive boy who once stole cars for fun. As we walk toward the bakery, he reaches for my hand, and our fingers interlace naturally. But he’s nervous. There he goes patting his pocket again.
“Everything okay?” I ask, squeezing his fingers.
His smile is instant and almost too bright. “Perfect. Just perfect.” He presses a kiss to my temple.”
“Well, well, look who decided to make an entrance,” Martha calls from where she's arranging flowers near the entrance. Her tone is teasing, but her eyes are welcoming. “Arriving in style, I see.”
“Good evening, Martha,” I reply, feeling a blush creep up my neck. “The decorations are lovely.”
“About time you two figured things out,” she continues, ignoring my attempt to change the subject. “I've been telling Gloria for years you two were meant for each other.”
Luke chuckles beside me. “Is that right?”
“Oh yes,” she nods emphatically. “Others may not have noticed, but I did. Even when you were kids, you had eyes for her.”
“Martha!” I protest, mortified yet secretly delighted.
“Just stating facts, dear.” She winks at me before bustling off to harass someone else.
“Small towns.” Luke shakes his head. “No secrets.”
“None,” I agree, leading him toward the entrance where Nikki stands greeting guests.
My sister spots us and her eyes immediately drop to our linked hands.
A smile spreads across her face; finally happy after I told her the news about Luke and me officially getting together.
She squealed so loudly I had to hold the phone away from my ear.
Then she got all serious, big sister, and threatened to kick his ass if he hurt me again.
“There's a happy-looking couple,” she says, pulling me into a hug before surprising Luke with one too. “And on the motorcycle, no less. Living dangerously, sis.”
“It was incredible,” I tell her. “Though I may never get all the tangles out of my hair.”
“Worth it,” Luke says, placing his hand possessively on the small of my back.
The bakery is already filled with familiar faces.
Harper stands behind the counter, laughing as she hands Ruby a glass of wine.
Mr. Henderson sits at a corner table with Dr. Hannigan, deep in conversation.
Even Sheriff Caldwell's old deputy, Fred, now retired, has made an appearance, looking slightly uncomfortable in a suit that's probably seen better days.
“Come on,” Nikki says, hooking her arm through mine. “I need to steal my sister for a moment. Girl talk.”
Luke releases me. “I’m going to say hi to my mom, and I'll grab us some drinks.”
As Nikki hauls me toward a quiet corner, I can't help but look back at Luke.
He's already been intercepted by Rachel and Travis, the two men clapping each other on the back like old friends.
Something warm unfurls in my belly, seeing him so at ease, so integrated into the fabric of Cupid's Creek again.
“Okay, spill,” Nikki demands once we're relatively alone. “How are things really going?”
“Good,” I say, unable to keep the happiness from my face. “Really good, actually.”
“Details, Callie,” she presses. “You're practically glowing. Is he... You know... that good?”
“Excuse me,” I hiss, glancing around to make sure no one can hear us. “I am not discussing my sex life with you in the middle of a party.”
“And personally, I don’t want to know,” Harper adds as she passes on her way into the kitchen.
Nikki laughs, unrepentant. “That good, huh? Good for you.”
I roll my eyes, but a flush spreads across my cheeks and down my neck. “If you must know, everything is perfect. He's perfect.”
“Wow.” Her teasing tone softens. “You really love him, don't you?”
“I do.” The words feel so right in my mouth. “I really, really do. I think I always have.”
I search the room and find him in a serious-looking conversation with Harper in the corner. They must feel my eyes on them because they both look up and quickly glance away when they see me watching.
“Then I'm happy for you,” Nikki says, yanking my attention back to her. “Just be careful, okay? I know he's different now, but—”
“He is,” I interrupt gently. “We both are. We're not the same kids we were back then.”
She studies my face for a long moment, then nods. “I can see that. Just know that if he hurts you, sheriff's badge or no sheriff's badge…”
I laugh and bring her into a hug. “I know, I know, you’ll follow through with your threat. But you won't have to.”
The confidence in my voice surprises me. But it's true. Whatever happens between Luke and me, I know it won't be like before. We've both grown and found our way back to each other wiser and more certain.
The party shifts into full swing as more guests arrive.
Anna's food is a hit with platters of delicate pastries and savory treats disappearing almost as fast as she can bring them out.
Beer brewed locally flows freely, and laughter fills the space, bouncing off the walls and spilling out into the warm evening air.
I find Luke by the dessert table, deep in conversation with a member of the library board.
When he sees me approaching, his entire face lights up, and he extends his hand toward me without breaking his conversation.
I slide my fingers into his and step into his side, enjoying the light circles he’s rubbing on my wrist.
“...and Callie's been instrumental in revitalizing our community programs. The children's reading hour has never been so popular.”
“I'm not surprised,” Luke says, his voice filled with pride. “She's pretty amazing.”
The simple compliment, spoken so matter-of-factly, sends a flutter through my stomach. We excuse ourselves to get another drink and something to eat.
“Having fun?” Luke's voice is low in my ear.
“I am.” I lean into him. “You?”
“Mmm,” he hums, his lips brushing my temple. “Though I keep thinking about earlier. Out where we parked the truck all those years ago.”
Heat floods my cheeks. “Thank God the trees and shrubs had grown enough to hide us from view.”
“Can't help it if my girlfriend is irresistible, and I need to show her how much I love her whenever the urge comes over me.”
Girlfriend. The word still gives me a thrill every time he says it.
“Callie.” Harper's voice cuts through the crowd. She waves excitedly from across the room, beckoning me over. “I need your opinion on something.”
I glance up at Luke, who nods. “Go. I'll find you.”
Harper is surrounded by a group of women, including Ruby and her granddaughter Daisy, who's now sporting a new pixie cut that suits her perfectly. They're all clustered around a large photo album.
“Look what I found in the storage room upstairs,” Harper says excitedly as I approach. “Mom's old scrapbooks from when we were kids.”