The Love Shack

Chapter 14

Lawson loved her hair. He’d told her so numerous times, even when she invited Oliver and Lark in to visit for a few minutes. Lark beamed at the praise, and Berkley couldn’t stop smiling.

According to Lawson, she always looked gorgeous.

Maybe that was because when she was with him, she felt prettier. Not that she’d ever been that displeased with her looks. But who she was? Yes, that had displeased her a lot. Now, as she’d told Lark, she was learning to forgive her mistakes, and to accept a happier future.

She was glad Oliver and Lark decided to stay for just a bit. It allowed Handsome to spend some one-on-one time with Hero. The skittish dog was always more at ease with animals, but Hero was special in many ways, as they witnessed with how he carefully led Handsome into playing. Hero wrangled, teased, yapped at and taunted Handsome until finally the smaller dog got the hang of it. Now they had the zoomies around the couch, under the coffee table, through the kitchen and to the laundry, where they both did a little skidding before wheeling around and racing out again.

The commotion had Oliver standing protectively, as if he thought he might need to rescue Handsome. Berkley assured him it was fine, that Hero would never hurt the smaller, shier dog. As they shot past again, each with a tongue hanging out, Oliver relaxed and said, “So when I adopt him, maybe I need to think about a buddy for him, too.”

That wonderful sentiment had her sharing a look first with Lawson, who winked at her, and then with Lark, who appeared to be falling in love.

Funny that when she’d accepted the position of director at The Love Shack, she’d had no idea of the massive changes in store.

Then boom, instead of being a recluse who associated only with animals, she was assisting cat yoga, entertaining friends in her home—and enjoying stupendous sex with a smoking-hot guy who knew the worst moments of her life, and liked her anyway.

That last perk, the incredible sex, was her favorite.

It was getting late when Oliver and Lark left, but they’d all had such a great time. Berkley hoped to have them over again soon.

Handsome was happier than she’d ever seen him, and he was also worn out from all the vigorous playtime. The second she got him into his area in the shelter, he curled up on his bedding, ready to nod off. Berkley gave him a few extra pets, made sure he had his blanket and on impulse kissed the top of his little furry head. This one would have a very happy life, thanks to Oliver.

“Hero is good for him,” Lawson said quietly as they left the shelter.

“Hero is good for everyone.” That was why he had his name. He rescued people, animals and, in her case, her heart.

The moon was high, the air humid, when they stepped outside. Berkley locked up the shelter, saying, “It’s getting late.” They’d both be up early tomorrow—and still she didn’t want the day to end.

Lawson kept a hand on the small of her back as they walked the short distance to her house. “Are you tired?”

“No.” If anything, she was invigorated. “You?”

His mouth curved in a small smile. “Not even a little.”

“Good. Then can I convince you to skip dinner so we can go straight to bed?”

“A genius idea,” he teased, nuzzling her neck while they both hurried into her house. He secured the door behind them. “Will Hero or Cheese mind?”

She took his hand and led him into the living room. Hero was asleep on the couch, with Cheese curled up by his rump. “No,” she whispered, “they won’t mind.”

Each time with Lawson was somehow better, but nearly two hours later, hunger drove them to the kitchen. They kept it easy with grilled-cheese sandwiches and chips—and conversation. Lots and lots of quiet talking, about important things, and mundane things. As they finished up the dishes, Berkley couldn’t stop smiling. Not a big smile, but she was so content, her lips just naturally curved.

She was drying her hands when Lawson stepped up behind her, his arms wrapped around her to keep her close. “Not to ruin an incredible day...”

“It was incredible.” All of it, every moment—including this one. She leaned into him, and he kissed her ear.

“How about we get to that phone call?”

A heartfelt groan disrupted her contentment.

“I know,” he commiserated, turning her to face him. “I’d rather not mention Durkinson’s name, but he needs to be dealt with.”

“I know.” She smoothed her hands over his chest. “He’s been lingering there in the back of my mind, too.” Oliver’s concern had affected them both. “You don’t think it’s too late, though?”

“It’s only late to those of us who get up so early. Besides, do you care if you inconvenience him? Because I don’t.”

No, she didn’t really mind, either. “I may as well get it over with.” Keeping the dread from her tone, she pointed to the top of the fridge. “The card is up there.” Out of sight, but never really out of mind. Like an impending storm, the issue with Chad wasn’t going away. How bad it’d be, that was what she didn’t know.

Lawson reached it easily and tossed it onto her table. “You sure you don’t want me to call him?”

“I appreciate the offer, but I feel like this is something I need to do.”

Giving a gentle squeeze to her shoulder, he accepted her decision. “You’ve got this.”

If only she had his confidence. She got her cell phone from the counter and sat down at the kitchen table. Feeling a bit like a coward, she asked, “How about if I put it on Speaker?” That way, she wouldn’t feel alone. Anything Chad said, Lawson would hear, too.

“I was going to suggest it.”

Grateful that he made this so easy, she put in Chad’s number, then hit the speaker button and set the phone on the table. After the third ring, she said, “Maybe he won’t answer—”

“Berkley!” Absurd joviality resonated in his greeting. “You got my message.”

Just that, the sound of his voice, and a deluge of memories flooded over her. Visions of the past, of how he used to act with her, compressed her lungs and nearly stole her breath. He’d taken part in almost ruining her life, yet he acted as if they’d parted good friends. As if he hadn’t lied to her, used her.

As if she hadn’t been the “other woman.”

When Lawson’s hand came to rest on her thigh, it jolted her back to the present. She wasn’t a kid anymore.

And she wasn’t alone. “Yes, I got your message.”

“What’s wrong?”

That had to be a joke. She let out an unsteady breath, drew in fresh air and covered Lawson’s hand with her own. “You shouldn’t have contacted me.”

“I had to.” Concern lowered his voice. “I’ve been thinking of you, of how you’ve been.”

Right. Nearly ten years had passed without a word, but now he thought of her? She wondered what had happened. How his life might have changed.

“I saw your photo listed for that shelter, but when I called them, they said you’d moved.”

She didn’t want him thinking of her, and she wouldn’t discuss any part of her life with him. “We have no reason to talk, Chad.”

“Of course we do. I’ve missed you.”

Of all the... Beside her, Lawson narrowed his eyes on the phone. Tension and obvious anger tightened his shoulders.

Now it was her squeezing his hand. His gaze shot to her face, and his expression eased.

Giving her attention back to the phone, she said, “Lose my number, Chad.”

Sliding right past that, he suggested, “Let’s have lunch. Talking in person will be better.”

“Absolutely not.” She went for total honesty. “I have no interest in seeing you, not now, not ever.”

Three seconds of shocked silence preceded his crooning tone. “You don’t mean that. I’ve just surprised you.”

“Oh, I mean it.” Though her hands were shaking, she picked up steam. “Don’t ever contact me again.”

“You sound hurt, Berkley, and defensive.”

Because I am.Not that she’d ever let him know it. “Lack of interest, nothing more.”

Lawson’s approving gaze helped calm her rioting heart.

“You can’t expect me to believe that.” A nasty laugh warned of Chad’s shifting mood. “You were always so hot for it.”

An appalled breath nearly choked her. Heat scalded her cheeks.

Not wanting to, Berkley looked at Lawson. He’d gone rigid, his jaw ticking and his shoulders flexing.

Wow. Diverted from her embarrassment, she marveled at the change. No doubt if Chad was here, he’d be sorry for those asinine, deliberately insulting words.

Oddly, Lawson’s fury helped her regain her own composure. “Goodbye, Chad.”

The cajoling tone was back. “Berkley, wait—”

She disconnected, ending whatever he would have said. Heart thumping and palms damp, she stared at the phone, but he didn’t call back. “I’m a coward,” she admitted. “The second I heard him, I was so stressed I couldn’t think.”

“You should have told him to fuck off.”

Her eyes flared.

His closed, and after a breath, he said, “I’m sorry. You did everything right. Cursing him wouldn’t have helped anything.” He peeked open one eye. “I wanted to, though.”

The smile crept up on her. “I know.”

“If I could have, I’d have reached through the phone and throttled him.”

“Good thing you couldn’t, then. That might have gotten you arrested, and I’m fond of having you around.” How funny that sharing that awful moment with Lawson made it far less unbearable. “Thank you for being here with me.”

Lawson pulled her from her chair and into his lap, then wrapped his arms around her and pressed his face to her neck. “You didn’t sound stressed.” Lips skimming her throat, he said, “You sounded like you meant business. If he’s not the dumbass I’ve always assumed him to be, he’ll leave you alone.”

They both knew better. “But he is a dumbass.”

Straightening so he could look into her eyes, he said with apology, “Yeah, he is. And now I’m going to piss you off and agree with Oliver. You need a better security system out here.”

She was thinking the same thing. Berkley lifted her chin. “I will if you will.”

“What?”

“You’re alone, too.” Putting her palm to his jaw, she enjoyed the rasp of his late-day stubble. Before him, she’d never noticed all the wonderful ways men could be masculine. Teasing, she added, “And don’t cuss in front of my dog.”

Glancing through the kitchen doorway, they both saw that Hero was still asleep on the couch. On his back, head hanging off the side of the couch, tongue lolling out, Hero snored. Apparently his playtime with Handsome had really worn him out, too.

“That dog is sound asleep.” His gaze cut back to hers. “I’m sorry I cursed to you, though.”

“I understand.” To punctuate that, she kissed him. “I don’t mind that you worry about me. I worry about you, too. And I actually agree with Oliver. I’m responsible for a lot of animals. Ensuring their safety is important.” This time she nipped his bottom lip and said, “Guess I’ve been too busy with this new guy to look into it.”

“How about if the new guy—who, for the record, is actually the old guy—looks into it for you?”

“Will that keep you busy? Because if so, I might have to object.”

“I’ll take care of it between customers this week.” He treated her to a longer, deeper, very thorough kiss, then stood, putting her on her feet before him. “In the meantime, how about you use extra caution? And call me if you hear anything at all, even if you’re sure it’s nothing.”

No one had cared for her like this except her mother. It left her heart full. “I promise.” Berkley gave him a hug. “I hate for the day to end.”

Tipping up her chin, he treated her to his heated gaze. “One of these days, you need to ask me to stay over.”

Grinning, she replied, “One of these days, I just might.” With a dramatic sigh, she explained, “But Betty will be over early tomorrow, and I don’t want to shock her.”

“Shock Betty? I’m not sure that’s possible.”

True. Betty had been around a long time. Maybe she’d drop some subtle hints just to see how it’d go.

Lawson combed his fingers through her hair. “I know you like being right here, next to the shelter, but the setup does have its drawbacks.” He headed for the door, and suddenly Hero was there, ready to visit nature one more time before they turned in.

Cheese also showed up, a credit card in her teeth, ready to sneak behind the dryer. Lawson’s brows shot up. “Oh, no you don’t, you little pickpocket.” He whispered it gently, almost like praise, while quickly pulling a business card from his wallet. “How about a trade?”

The flashy card, in rainbow hues, caught the cat’s attention. When he knelt to stroke her—while offering the new card—Cheese didn’t run from him.

Successfully making the exchange, he grinned up at Berkley, then stood.

“Clever.” In so many ways.

He tucked the credit card back into his wallet, did inventory to make sure nothing else was missing and then returned it to his pocket. “That cat keeps me on my toes.”

“You seem to be the only target of her thievery these days.”

Sending the cat a fond smile, he said, “That’s because she loves me.”

Love.Yes, well, apparently she and her cat were both susceptible to Lawson’s charms. Which, of course, made ending the day more difficult.

Doing her best to ensure Cheese didn’t slip by them, Berkley leashed Hero and stepped out with Lawson.

The sun had set over an hour ago. A tall security lamp and a bright moon lit the area around the shelter on all sides, but in her own little section of yard, her yellow porch light barely illuminated ten feet.

Shadows lurked everywhere, something she’d never noticed before. Other than the chirping of crickets and the occasional hoot of an owl, it was eerily silent.

Hero sniffed here and there before choosing a spot to do his business.

Speaking in a whisper, Berkley said, “I play soft music in the shelter so the animals don’t hear every little sound when I bring Hero out. The other night, he barked and I thought for sure they’d all get started, but fortunately, they didn’t.”

Frowning, Lawson surveyed the area. “What made him bark?”

“What doesn’t? When it’s just the two of us, a wayward leaf might offend him. One night, a toad had him enraged.” She smiled. “You and Oliver have nothing on Hero when it comes to being cautious.”

“Glad to hear it.” As Hero hurried back to them, Lawson patted his neck. “Good boy.”

The evenings usually felt peaceful, but now that she’d talked to Chad, uncertainty kept her on edge. Time to wrap it up. After giving Lawson a big hug and one last kiss, she and Hero went back inside. Lawson waited until she’d locked her door, then he got out his phone, turned on the flashlight and headed back through the woods.

He was a big man, imposing enough to handle most situations with ease, and still she worried. Which meant Hero worried. Together, they stood near her phone, waiting.

As he now did after each late visit, Lawson called her once he was inside his own home. He did that for her, she knew, and she appreciated it, tonight more than ever.

After they disconnected, her phone dinged again, and she opened the photo he sent.

The laugh burst out of her, startling Hero, who appeared ready to go into rescue mode, should she require his assistance.

“I’m okay, bud.” Just falling hard for Lawson. Kathleen, posed in front of Oliver’s gym in workout gear, inviting people in. What really tickled her was the sweatband.

Her heart soared.

So did her fingers as she texted back: You did that? Wearing a huge grin, she waited for his reply.

Yes

Laughing again, she started out of the kitchen, turning off lights as she went. Hero trotted behind her. I’m proud of you.00

Back atcha

Knowing he meant because she’d called Chad, her grin settled into a soft smile. Thx.

A second later, he added: If that’s your heart I’m keeping it.

She really needed to think about keeping him—overnight. Maybe every night.

Would he be on board with that?

Was he, too, thinking long-term?

Either way—forever, or just for right now—they were both adults. Although she worked for the town, she didn’t answer to them about her personal life.

Still, Cemetery was such a close community.

As Chad’s call had reminded her, she’d been gossiped about enough to last her a lifetime.

She debated with herself for a full minute... And then, smiling, she texted along another heart—times three.

On the last Thursday of the month, Berkley met Lawson at the town council meeting, and found that Oliver and Lark had also opted to join. She’d had no idea it would be so crowded, with all the seats taken and many others standing.

The four of them took positions against the wall in the back, even when a few of the men offered seats to Berkley and Lark. They were older gentlemen and certainly needed the chairs more than they did.

Oliver muttered low, “Returned your doll to you, Lawson.”

Snorting, Lawson said, “Gifts can’t be returned.”

“Already done.”

Berkley took in his smug smile and smothered a laugh, especially when Lawson said, “Paybacks are hell.”

Now both men were grinning.

These people, all of them, they were so...fun.

Lark leaned in to whisper, “Yardley, who runs the wedding business, told me it used to be torturous to come to these meetings, but now everyone loves them. It’s almost like a big celebration, and afterward, everyone flocks to Saul’s to eat. His wife, Emily, is already there with him.”

Berkley nudged her new friend. “Do you know everyone now?”

“I’m trying, and just so you know, Betty recruited me to make sure you’ll be at the next tea club meeting on Monday. Mimi has deemed it ‘funny hat’ day, so we’ll all be wearing some weird floral hats or something. Yardley is bringing a new flavor of tea, and Sally—she owns the sweet shop—is bringing cookies.”

In the last few weeks, Berkley knew she had changed a lot, because the tea party sounded like fun. “I’ll be there.”

Lark sent Betty a thumbs-up, and that seemed to be the official start of the meeting. With a smack of a gavel, Betty got things underway.

Impressed, Berkley watched as Betty stood at the podium like a queen, chin up, her makeup and outfit perfect to address the crowd. She spoke with authority, pride for the town and ownership of the community.

As it often did, it struck Berkley what an amazing life this one woman had carved out for herself. Memories galore, both good and bad. Friends old and many new. Betty Cemetery was high-handed but dependable, dictatorial but fun. She didn’t mind telling you things others wouldn’t if she thought it was for your own good.

“At my age,” Betty said, “I can’t pussyfoot around.”

A general snickering rose from the crowd, but Berkley’s heart gave an odd little skip. At her age. Why was Betty even bringing that up? Concern flooded her, and just like that, Lawson’s arm came around her shoulders.

He was always so attuned to her moods. Gratefully, her gaze glued to Betty, she leaned against him.

Betty’s gaze softened—then flashed over the crowd, and she gave a stern, “Ahem.”

Everyone quieted. “I’m not fully retiring anytime soon, so you can all settle down.”

Retiring.So she wasn’t talking about... Spine going limp in relief, Berkley huffed a quiet laugh.

“I am now,” Betty continued, “going to share the time with Yardley.”

Yardley, the town’s amazing wedding planner, popped up from her seat beside the podium and put her arms in the air. Edging in next to Betty, she said, “This one is still in charge.”

The loud cheers turned Betty’s cheeks pink.

“But we all agree she’s earned a rest, right?”

More cheers, with the added burst of applause.

“Thank you,” Betty said, standing close to Yardley. She bent down to pat Gladys, who snoozed beside her on the floor, and when she straightened again, she said, “More time to spend with my companion, and I owe that to a special townsperson.”

All eyes shifted to Berkley, putting her on alert. Oh, hey. Warily, she glanced around at all the beaming faces. She knew many of them now, those who helped out at the shelter, some who took cat yoga or had signed up to walk a dog. Others had filled out applications to adopt a pet.

Her heart felt too big for her chest.

Near her ear, Lawson suggested, “Take a bow.”

She swatted at him, then with a laugh, improvised a quick curtsy.

Lark hugged her arm, and Oliver grinned at her.

Calling order again, Betty said, “Going forward, I’ll be working partial hours. We’ll have a formal election in November, but until then, Yardley has agreed to step in.”

Yardley leaned in to the mic again. “Not permanently, though, so anyone who is interested, let me know.”

That got everyone quiet real fast.

“Now,” Betty said. “Back to business.” There was talk of a few town issues, updates to the elementary school flooring in the gymnasium and, lastly, she announced that funding had been approved to add additional security to the shelter.

Berkley’s jaw loosened. She whispered to Lawson, “But you just added some security.” Over the past couple of days, he and Oliver had put up motion-activated lighting and installed alarms to the front and back doors of her house.

“This will be better,” Oliver said.

Lawson agreed.

Smiling out at her, Betty announced, “The Love Shack has turned into a community hub, more so than we’d ever anticipated.”

A murmur of agreement moved through the crowd.

“Our lovely wishing well, built and maintained by Lawson Salder, and situated in front of his print shop, has garnered far more profit than we’d expected.” As everyone waited, Betty let the suspense build and then announced the current amount. Around the whistles and cheers, she said, “That’s more than three times what we were hoping for. Thank you, Mr. Salder.”

Small smile in place, Lawson lifted a hand, waving to everyone and accepting their appreciation.

Unlike her, Lawson had spent much of his life helping others, traveling the world, dealing with a variety of people. Nothing in a small town would disturb his confidence. Watching him interact so comfortably filled her with pride.

With her gaze back on Berkley, Betty said, “The volunteer turnout for The Love Shack makes us all so proud, and we’re thrilled with how Ms. Carr has worked with other businesses to not only bring in funds to help the animals, but to showcase those businesses.”

Oliver started the applause, and everyone joined in. Face hot, Berkley covered her cheeks and laughed. She was not Lawson, so she was plenty disturbed by the attention, but also flattered.

And honored by the kind praise.

“Many of you have already signed up for the dog-walking classes. Ms. Carr has that well in hand, I’m sure.”

Betty knew she did. They’d discussed it just yesterday morning.

“Once every animal has a walking partner, we’ll start planning a wonderful fall parade.”

Enthusiastic whoops filled the room. Cemetery did enjoy its parades.

“The only problem I still see is that our esteemed Kathleen doesn’t have a date.”

It wasn’t until everyone shifted that Berkley realized the mannequin was seated up front, a box of tissues in her hand, her head bent forward.

All eyes swiveled to Lawson.

Oliver smirked. “Told you so.”

Fortunately, Lawson chuckled, then hugged Berkley to his side. “Sorry, but I’m taken.”

Wow, had he just announced that to one and all? Apparently so, given how quickly Betty grabbed her phone for a photo. No doubt it’d be front and center on the local social media accounts very soon.

Did she mind? Nope. In fact, Berkley decided to lend a hand. “Lawson can only be Kathleen’s friend, but not her date.” As everyone laughed yet again, she patted his chest.

Given his smug smile, he enjoyed her possessive display.

Just imagine, she—once a scandal and then a loner—was now in a crowded council meeting, clowning around with the most wonderful man in the state, standing with friends and being heralded by the town matriarch.

A month ago, if someone had suggested such a thing was possible, she’d have given them a firm denial.

As Betty got back to business, Lark leaned around again and said with an enormous grin, “Oh man, Lawson, you’re going to owe me big-time.”

One eyebrow lifted in question. “For what, exactly?”

“I happen to have a brilliant idea—and you’re all going to love it.”

When the meeting ended, Berkley and Lark invited Betty to join them for dinner, but she declined, saying she and Gladys planned to work in the garden.

Lark couldn’t help but laugh at how Betty insinuated the dog would actually assist, but it was also sweet.

Betty looked at Berkley, indecision on her face, then she grinned widely, adding new creases to her cheeks, and hauled Berkley in for what looked like a strangling hug. When she finally let up, she surprised Lark by grabbing her, too.

The tight squeeze brought a huff of laughter out of Lark, but it was also sweet. Betty was soft, and even with her low-heeled business shoes, she was still very short. She smelled of powder and hair spray but felt warm and loving.

Stepping back, Betty gave them each critical scrutiny. “So I’ll see you both at the tea, correct?”

When Berkley said “I’m looking forward to it,” she appeared to mean it, and that thrilled Lark almost as much as Betty.

Oliver and Lawson got caught up talking to a few other men...as well as a couple of women.

“Business owners,” Berkley murmured low.

Didn’t bother Lark. “Oliver has already proven his interest most thoroughly.”

Grinning, Berkley said, “Let’s step outside, where we can talk.”

They signaled to the guys to let them know where they’d be, then walked out together. The sun blazed overhead, and all around them vacationers moved from one shop to the next, many of them in swimsuits and flip-flops.

“I love the relaxed atmosphere here.” Stretching her arms overhead, Lark smiled. “Before Cemetery, I had never styled hair on a woman in a bikini.”

Berkley laughed. “Have you gotten used to that now?”

“Yes, and I think it’s awesome. Imagine visiting a place that made you so comfortable—and we live here.”

“It’s definitely special.”

“Oliver stayed the night.” She hadn’t exactly meant to blurt that out, but it had been bursting inside her. “Three nights now.”

“I’m guessing from your grin that you’re having the time of your life.”

“I am. Pretty sure I’m already in love with him.” She sighed. “I think it’s the same for him.”

“He looks at you,” Berkley said, “and I see it there in his eyes.”

To ensure they were still alone, Lark glanced around, then spoke in a whisper. “The sex has been amazing. I’d had no idea.”

“Ha! That’s exactly what I thought with Lawson.”

Together, they laughed, but the buzzing of Berkley’s cell phone interrupted. Because Whitley was watching over the shelter, she answered it in a rush, said “Hello” and then drew back with a gasp.

“Berkley?” Concerned, Lark stepped closer, but Berkley ended the call and jammed the phone back into her pocket with enough force to bruise her backside. “Hey. Everything okay?”

Trembling, her brows pinched and her breath coming fast, Berkley whispered, “That was Chad.”

Of all the nerve! “You told him to get lost.”

“I did, but do you know what he said just now? He asked me if I’d calmed down yet. Calmed down.”

She sounded anything but calm. “Delusional jerk. Can you block his number?”

That wiped the anger from Berkley’s face. In a frenzy, she got her phone out again, pulled up the number, then blocked and removed it. “Done. I don’t know why I didn’t think of that before.”

“Because you were already plain and that should have been the end of it.” She rubbed Berkley’s shoulder, feeling the tension vibrating off her. “Do you want a few minutes alone with Lawson?”

“No.” Drawing a deep breath, she got herself together. “I’ll tell him about the call, but not yet. Tonight we’re having fun. I don’t want Chad spoiling the mood.”

Good plan. “Well, he’s blocked now, so even if he tries again, he can’t bother you.” Hoping that was true, Lark pinned on a wide smile. “I’m going to end the day with Oliver again.” Teasing, she added, “How about you?”

“I’m thinking of keeping Lawson over, too.” Sheepish, Berkley admitted, “We haven’t had an overnight yet.”

Lark’s jaw loosened. “Seriously?”

“I know. I kept thinking it’d be awkward because people show up so early at the shelter—”

“And your home is not the shelter.”

Good mood returning, Berkley grinned. “Took me a little time to convince myself of that, but I’ve finally come to the same conclusion.”

Of course, she understood her friend’s hesitation. When Lark thought of sensitive, bighearted Berkley being treated so badly, it broke her heart. “I say go for it.”

Bobbing her eyebrows, she said, “That’s the plan.”

The guys joined them a minute later, and no more was said about Chad.

Together they walked the short distance to the restaurant. Along the way, Lark opened her phone, did a quick search, then said to Lawson, “Ta-da.”

One quick look and he snorted. “What the hell is that supposed to be?”

“Kathleen’s new boyfriend.”

They all stopped to crowd closer, gazes on the screen, where a cheesy-looking plastic guy—smooth as any Ken doll and with plastic molded hair—posed in a way to show off his not-so-impressive muscles.

Of course, he had the same dead stare as Kathleen.

Oliver snickered.

Berkley grinned.

Lawson gave a dramatic shudder. “He’s even creepier than Kathleen.”

Elbowing him, Lark said, “I’m naming him Kingston, and he’s going to love Kathleen, and you are going to add new revenue to...well, everywhere probably. See, with him joining Kathleen by the wishing well, there will be more opportunities for photos, and that equals even more money for the shelter.”

“Hear, hear!” Hugging his arm, Berkley said, “You’re used to Kathleen being there now. And you have to admit, vacationers adore her.”

Oliver agreed. “They often come into your shop for a souvenir T-shirt.”

Lawson shrugged at Oliver. “That, at least, is a perk.”

“I was thinking that if anyone put in a big enough print order, you could offer to have Kathleen and Kingston wear their stuff for a day.”

“They’re not my dummies.” Still with dislike, Lawson eyed the picture again. “The town enjoys playing with them.”

“So in the evening, you can throw their regular gear back on them.”

“Meaning I’ll spend every morning and every evening dressing dummies?”

Feigning indignation, Lark stopped. “Quit calling Kathleen that.”

“It’s what she is.”

“It sounds insulting.” Putting her nose in the air, she affected a chiding tone. “If you can’t refer to her by name, call her a mannequin.”

Taking her side, Berkley said, “I seriously thought you were getting used to her.”

Trying and failing to maintain his scowl, Lawson gave up. “Guess I could put Will in charge of changing out the clothes.”

“Oh!” Another great idea occurred to Lark. “Announce what time they’ll be changed. Folks would love to see that.”

Appearing truly scandalized, he shook his head. “No way. Betty would have a fit and you know it.”

Yeah, she probably would. Still, the idea made Lark chuckle.

Oliver draped his arm over her shoulders and got them all walking again. “I love the idea of a plastic man wearing my fitness center’s logo gear.”

“Or a Love Shack T-shirt, like the ones we’re selling at the shelter,” Berkley said. “We could put one style on Kathleen, the other on Kingston.”

Wincing, Lawson took her phone to study the image once more. “I’ll have two dummies—er, mannequins—staring at me all day.”

“Nope.” Lark knew she’d already won him over, but to tease him, she clasped her hands beneath her chin. “They’ll be staring lovingly at each other.”

Even Lawson had to laugh at that, and during their dinner, he went ahead and ordered a male mannequin, but he bypassed the one Lark liked and went for one of higher quality.

“Good choice,” Oliver pointed out. “At least this one has muscle tone.”

“And a package,” Lawson added dryly, making Berkley almost spit out her drink.

“He’s missing a few parts.” Oliver eyed the “package,” which was really no more than a slight molded bulge.

“But he does have a six-pack.” This mannequin was far sexier than the one she’d chosen. “Kathleen will like that.”

“Women and their expectations,” Oliver lamented.

She patted his very firm stomach and smiled.

It was late by the time they finished dinner, followed by dessert and then coffee. After leaving generous tips to the servers for occupying the table so long, they headed back to their respective cars.

Sneaking in a hug for Berkley, Lark said, “Not to be a worrier, but after that creep’s call, I hope you invite Lawson to stay over.”

“I am,” Berkley confided. “Not because of Chad, but because it’s getting harder and harder to say goodbye each night.”

“For him, too, I’m sure.” When Berkley looked at Lawson, everything she felt was there in her eyes. No one deserved happiness more.

Lark knew that because of her past, Berkley was more cautious than most, determined to never again be the topic of gossip. This, however, was a battle she didn’t need to fight.

“I’m applauding you,” Lark whispered. “I know everyone else will, too.”

They parted ways, and Lark felt certain that tonight was a turning point for her friend. No idea how they’d work out two houses, and the occasional conflict of their jobs, but she knew they were the forever kind of couple.

Now she only had to worry about her own relationship, but with Oliver making it so easy, all she could do was smile.