The Love Shack

Chapter 16

Each time Berkleyleft the shelter, she relocked the door. Until Erin arrived, she didn’t want to risk leaving it open. Most people now knew her hours, but that didn’t mean someone wouldn’t drop in, and with cats still in the building, including the mother cat and her kittens, she continued to use precautions.

It was a pain, leading Hero back and forth, but then finally he was ready for a nap. She now had laundry going at the shelter and in her own laundry room. Double duty, necessary because she’d put off her own personal chores to spend all her free time with Lawson.

He was a new priority for her, but then so was Betty, and Lark, and the town itself. The tea group had been so much fun, she now looked forward to the next. Ditto on the town council meeting, especially since Lark had declared it would be their official “double date” night. Actually, everything was more fun with new friends... And Lawson. Thinking of the coming night, she decided he was the most fun of all.

Today was one of the days for Betty to visit, and Berkley expected her later in the morning. They had many chats while caring for the dogs. Betty called it Gladys’s playtime, where she got to visit with her friends and meet any newcomers.

Occasionally, she and Lawson would take dinner to Betty and stick around for a short visit. She wanted Betty to know that she valued her friendship, and it also gave her a chance to make sure the dog wasn’t too much for Betty.

So far, she and Gladys were in perfect sync, napping together, walking together, sharing meals and watching evening shows snuggled together on the couch.

Berkley was down the hall putting away some clothes when the knock sounded on her front door. Hero came awake with a loud, startled bark, followed by a serious racket as he made his displeasure at the unknown visitor obvious. Betty wasn’t due yet, and she never used the front door. Apparently, Hero didn’t like this unexpected twist any more than she did. Everyone knew to use the back door closest to the shelter.

Everyone local, anyway.

That realization sent dread squirreling up her spine. Ducking into the guest bedroom, she peeked through the window, but at first all she could see was the side of a body. When the person shifted, a wave of horror shocked her system.

Chad is here.

A thousand emotions seemed to slam into her at once, making her stomach and heart sick in equal measure. Alarm vied with indignation. She couldn’t do this. She shouldn’t have to do it.

She’d left this—him—behind long ago. When he’d called, she’d made her disinterest clear. She’d flat-out told him to lose her number. That should have been the end of it.

This was her new life, her better life.

Her life with Lawson.

She was different, damn it, and she’d been working hard to move on.

A little voice in her head called her a liar. Sure, she’d let Lawson in—but only so far. It was a big step for her, but not the biggest. She needed to leap.

Seeing Chad on her doorstep made it all crystal clear.

She’d once thought she’d loved him, and it had almost ruined her life. But he was nothing like Lawson. Not even close.

Lawson would never hurt her like that.

While she waged that internal battle, Hero continued to go ballistic, and Chad did not retreat. No, he started around the house, likely to try another door.

Thoughts in turmoil, she belatedly remembered that she’d left her phone in the laundry room. She slipped away without bothering to try to quiet Hero. With any luck, his vicious barking would send Chad on his way.

Fortunately, the blinds on the laundry room windows were still closed. She grabbed her cell phone, ready to call Lawson... Yet a second later she changed her mind.

Before she imposed on Lawson that way, she needed to admit to herself, and to him, that she loved him. Real love. Forever kind of love. Not the wimpy infatuation she’d once felt for Chad.

Using one man to save her from another was not the answer.

A second, brisker knock sounded on her laundry room door, and she stepped back in a rush. Hearing it, Hero came charging in, skidded across the floor and stationed himself in front of her. “Shh,” she said to him, not to silence him, but to let him know they were okay.

Lawson would have opened his shop by now, and Erin was already scrambling to rearrange her schedule to fill in for Whitley.

She’d be alone here for a little while yet.

Another knock, more firm, and Chad called out, “Berkley? I know you’re in there. I can see your shadow moving around.”

She wouldn’t let him see her upset, but she refused to be alone with him, so instead she said loudly “Just a moment!” and hopefully, not a single hint of fear could be detected in her tone.

What to do? When her phone buzzed with an incoming call, she nearly jumped out of her skin. One look at the screen and she saw it wasn’t Chad.

It was the strongest person she knew. Betty Cemetery.

She answered on the second ring, saying in a whisper, “Betty—”

“Good morning,” sang Betty’s chipper voice. “I’ll be leaving here in about an hour, and I have a craving for coffee cake. Do you think you’d have time to sit for a bit and share a—”

“I’m so sorry,” Berkley said, cutting her off. “I can’t talk right now. I have a problem.”

Going alert, with even an edge of danger in her tone, Betty asked, “What can I do?”

Emotion flooded through Berkley, a great wave of it, bringing relief and strength. “No animal is hurt,” she thought to say, because Betty had proven to have a great love of all animals. “It’s just that Chad has showed up and I don’t know what to do.” Ignoring him meant also ignoring the animals who needed her care. She didn’t want to let him in. And telling him to leave probably wouldn’t work.

Movement sounded through the phone, along with Betty’s huffing. “I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.”

In that moment, she loved Betty even more. For everything. “I don’t want you rushing around.” At Betty’s age, too much haste wasn’t a good thing. “Thank you, but I’m sure it’ll be fine.”

“I’m on my way out the door right now.”

Darn it, now that scared her. “Listen to me, Betty.” She forgot to whisper, and it prompted more banging from Chad, and that meant more barking from Hero. Loudly, speaking over the noise, Berkley said, “I want you to take your time, drive slowly, be careful—”

“Yes, yes, of course. Love you, too.”

As the call disconnected, Berkley blinked at the phone. Love you, too. Despite the current chaos, she felt a smile coming on.

This time, Chad’s hammering rattled her door frame. “I can hear you, Berkley! Talk to me. You owe me that.”

Owe him? Owe him! Indignation stiffened her shoulders, as well as her spine. Muttering to herself, she leashed Hero, admonished him to behave and opened the door a fraction to say, “I don’t owe you a single thing.” Her plan was to tell him to get lost, but her normally sweet-tempered dog wasn’t having it. He strained against her, no doubt picking up on her mood, until he got his head past her.

“Hero,” she said. “That’s enough.” She struggled to pull him back so she could close the door.

The second she moved away, Chad stepped in.

“Get out!”

He frowned at the dog. “What the hell, Berkley?” Quickly, Chad stepped partially behind the door to use it as a shield.

“Don’t curse in front of my dog,” she snapped. Really, Hero was laying it on a bit thick. “Down, Hero.”

Because she rarely had reason to use that tone with him, he shot her a worried look, and marginally subsided by parking himself directly in front of her while continuing a low rumbling warning.

“Can’t you put him in another room?”

“Not on your life.” The nerve of the man, to even ask such a stupid question. “You, however, can get out of my house.”

“We need to talk.”

“I didn’t want to talk to you on the phone.” Determined to show him her strength, she managed to keep the incredulous screech from her tone. “What makes you think I’d talk to you in person?”

“Berkley.” He visibly softened, saying her name with familiarity. “Look at how you’ve changed. All grown up and with this...” His hand gestured at her face, and his gaze dipped down her body. “You look so different.”

“It’s been years. Did you expect me to stay a gullible girl who’d believe anything you said?” There, that sounded blunt and controlled.

“You can believe that I’ve missed you.”

She snorted, then said again, “I want you to leave.”

“After we talk, but I can’t think straight with that vicious animal between us.”

Little by little, Chad made this easier for her. He was so smarmy, so insignificant, that the rest of her long-held angst faded away. “He’s not vicious, he’s protective.”

“You don’t need protection from me.”

No, she probably didn’t. Seeing Chad now, she realized that he was nothing. A sad little man with rounded shoulders, a puffy face and not an ounce of integrity. She’d once considered his wispy blond hair to be cute. His pale blue eyes kind. When she looked at him now, all she saw was his deceit and his audacity.

No longer so rattled, she regretted alarming Betty. “Listen closely, Chad. I’m not interested in talking to you.”

“When would be a good time?”

She almost laughed. “Never.” When he pulled an expression of hurt, incredulity had her shaking her head. “Chad, look...” How did you make it clear to someone that you not only regretted knowing them, you hated what you knew? Lawson would tell her to say exactly that. Betty would probably have a wittier way to put it. “You have absolutely no reason to come here.”

“Babe.” He reached out for her, but she sidestepped him, and Hero shot back to his feet with a snarl of warning. Warily eyeing the dog, he said, “I had to see you.”

“I am not your babe.”

Appearing genuinely confused by her attitude, he frowned. “We were so good together, at least admit that much.”

Was he deranged? Unwell? His absurd insistence made no sense. Berkley kept a tight hold on Hero’s leash, and on her temper. “For the last time, I’m telling you to leave.”

“You were happy with me.” Annoyance edged into his tone. “Happier than you can be now with your dyed hair and smelly animals.”

Her teeth ground together and she had to draw a deep, calming breath before she could reply. “I was happy with who I thought you were—basically, a good, generous, single man.”

Holding out his arms, he stated, “I’m single now.”

Berkley huffed out a breath. Well, whoop-de-doo. Did he seriously expect her to care at this point? How had she ever been so gullible? Even at seventeen, she should have seen through him. “You lied to me.” Taking a forceful step forward, she said, “You cheated on your wife.” It all came crashing in on her, and she stepped closer still. “Thanks to you, I was put through hell. Whatever relationship status you have now, it couldn’t matter less to me. It wouldn’t matter if you were the very last man on earth.”

Proving the loss of her temper delighted him, he grinned knowingly. “You’re still unmarried, Berkley. I think that speaks for itself.”

That did it. “I didn’t even date because you turned me off all men! My experience with you was that disgusting, that ugly and foul, and for the longest time I couldn’t stomach the idea of any relationship.” Yet, Lawson had changed all that.

Absurdly understanding, he said, “You’re just hurting, but, babe, I’m here now.”

Expanding with anger, Berkley had the awful urge to sock him, right in the mouth. Or maybe laugh hysterically. He was different now, so dense and so very sure of himself when he had no reason.

Or maybe he’d always been that way, but at seventeen she’d been too naive to see it.

Hero snapped, backing Chad up. Berkley knew her anger wasn’t helping, in fact was making Hero more protective. She had to get a grip, had to gain control...

Chad lifted his foot, as if to kick the dog.

That did it. “Touch him,” Berkley whispered with very real menace, “and I promise you’ll regret it.”

Hesitating, Chad lowered his foot.

“Knock, knock.” Lawson pressed his way in, his gaze sweeping over both her and Chad and, she could tell, making his own assumptions. “Hope I’m not intruding.”

“You are,” Chad said.

Hero went ecstatic, all wiggling body and whipping tail and slobbering glee. He probably saw Lawson as backup and was thrilled for it. He was such a smart dog.

She saw Lawson the same, and was equally thrilled... Though, admittedly, she was also a bit embarrassed. Her biggest mistake, Chad Durkinson, was right here in her house, and the guy she loved had just shown up to witness her shame.

Though she’d just claimed disinterest in relationships, Lawson had changed everything. He’d changed her. Romance, sex, friendship—she wanted all of it. Forever. Only with him.

So she swallowed her discomfort, stepped forward and stationed herself at his side. “Chad was just leaving.”

Before either man could speak, Betty charged in with Gladys, both of them gasping from their rush. Poor Betty didn’t look at all put together. She had a curler dangling from the back of her hair, her blouse was buttoned wrong, missing one button hole, and she didn’t wear a speck of makeup.

Just like that, Berkley’s problems seemed to disappear. Grinning, she handed Hero’s leash to Lawson and stepped forward to embrace Betty. Laughing a little, she fought grateful tears, and even dipped down to hide her face against Betty’s soft shoulder.

“There, now,” Betty said, awkwardly patting her back.

Then she did the most amazing thing.

She pushed Berkley behind her and said to Chad, “Young man, this is a private party. No boys allowed.”

Chad glared at her, then pointed at Lawson. “What about him?”

Startled, Betty finally noticed Lawson, but said to Chad, “He’s a man, not a boy. Now run along and don’t come back. You’re not welcome here.”

“This isn’t your house,” Chad stated.

“Oh, but this is my town, and you, sir, must leave.”

Berkley couldn’t stop grinning. And when she looked at Lawson, at the stupefied astonishment on his face, she grinned even more.

“Who the hell do you think you are?” Chad demanded.

Berkley stepped around her. “She’s Betty Cemetery, descendant of the town founder, matriarch of Cemetery, Indiana, and she’s my very dearest friend.” She pulled the door wide, saying with a peace she hadn’t felt in years, “Don’t ever again bother me, Chad. Not for any reason.”

He fumed, glaring at all of them, and then especially at Lawson. “This isn’t the end of it!”

In evil delight, Lawson handed the leash back to Berkley and closed in on Chad, who had very little room to maneuver. “Oh, I think it is. See, I have you on my security cam, vandalizing Kathleen.”

Betty gasped. “What’s this?”

“She’s okay,” Lawson said. “Oliver and I cleaned her up and she’s in front of my shop again.”

Relaxing again, Betty said, “Clearly, he’s a troublemaker.”

For only a moment, Chad appeared stunned, maybe afraid, then his gaze shifted to Berkley. His smile held only contempt. “Any time I heard your name around here, his came up, too. I haven’t forgotten him, you know, how he butted in where he didn’t belong. How he threatened me.” He pointed at her. “And you, Berkley, no one has forgotten you.”

Honestly, in this moment, she no longer cared.

“Press charges against me, and it’ll all come back up again, I guarantee it.”

Suddenly Betty surged forward, her small fist flying, and that got both dogs going. Berkley almost got yanked off her feet.

Aggrieved, Lawson caught Betty, gently swinging her up and back behind him before she could make contact with Chad’s face. “No, Betty.” His smile was blindingly sweet. “You’ll bruise your hand, and he’s not worth it.”

“No,” Berkley agreed, awed and a little amused by Betty’s violence. “He isn’t.”

Expression dangerous, Lawson turned back to Chad. “If he says even a single word more that sounds like a threat toward Berkley, I’m going to take him apart myself. How’s that?”

Harrumphing, Betty patted her hair, found the curler, and gasped as she pulled it out and tucked it into her purse. “That’ll do, thank you.”

There was a tick of heavy silence, before Lawson said, “It would be entirely my pleasure.”

Without another word, Chad stormed away. With him gone, the dogs subsided.

Within that moment of peace, it struck Berkley that Chad could no longer hurt her. She hurried to the door and shouted out, “Do your worst, Chad. Tell the world.” How freeing that felt. “In fact, I’ll tell them!” Here in Cemetery, she had nothing to fear, because she had true friends. A community. A home.

She had Lawson.

Without haste, she quietly shut the door, then leaned back on it, facing her defenders with a heart full of emotion.

Betty slumped into Lawson. “Thank God you held me back. There’s no telling what I might have done.”

It was the nonplussed expression on his face that got Berkley started, and after the first snicker escaped, she didn’t even try to hold back. Lawson grinned, and soon Betty was chuckling. Even the dogs got excited. Cheese, however, jumped up on the dryer and eyed them all with mere curiosity before leaping into Lawson’s arms.

He caught her handily, without a single scratch. “Told you she loved me.” As he stroked the cat, she purred and butted her head to his chin.

Watching the interaction, Berkley thought about how much she loved him, too. “It doesn’t feel right that Chad just gets to walk away.”

“He doesn’t.” Lawson cradled Cheese like a baby. “Oliver got hold of the county police. We’d already fixed up Kathleen, but we saw it all in the security feed, including his car. They’ll have his name and his license number.”

“He’s toast,” Betty crowed. “Even without legal charges, he’ll never be welcome in this town.” She leveled a direct stare on Berkley. “We protect our own around here.”

“Thank you,” she whispered. Contentment filled every corner of her heart, leaving no room for bad memories or regrets. She smiled at Lawson, loving that he was here. Loving that Betty was here. Loving that Lark and Oliver were friends, and the townspeople respected and supported The Love Shack.

These were her people, the family that she was meant to have in her life.

Her disreputable past, mistakes and worries were all now behind her. For good.

Lawson was very unsure of Berkley’s mood. She wore the most beautiful smile, but she had to be upset, right?

She didn’t look upset.

Actually, she looked incredible. Flushed from a busy morning, her hair a little mussed, no makeup yet. Strong, he decided. She looked strong, and capable, and God, he loved her.

Cheese wiggled free, bounded down to the floor and headed to the back of the couch in the living room. Hero leaned against his leg, demanding reassurance that Lawson gladly gave. Gladys, the poor old thing, just plopped down on the floor with an exhausted huff.

He should have held on to Chad, at least until the cops arrived, but with Betty fuming and the dogs so agitated, he’d thought it might be best to get things settled down.

That included his heart, because it was still clamoring around in his chest.

The rush to get Kathleen cleaned up before anyone noticed had effectively diverted his better sense. He’d thought only of how the town adored the mannequin, the turmoil it would cause if the peaceful community learned that their beloved mascot had been defaced.

When he and Oliver finally had her back outside to greet vacationers and locals alike, he’d finally remembered to check the security feed. Seeing Chad clearly, watching the vindictive way he’d marred Kathleen, had stunned and enraged him.

Getting to Berkley became his top priority.

Oliver had promised to stay at the shop until Will showed up. He’d wanted to talk to the police anyway, so Lawson agreed.

He’d been so damned afraid for Berkley, both because of any physical threat Chad might pose and because the problems he caused would likely have rumors resurfacing. Berkley had paid for that debacle more than enough.

He knew how the past still plagued her, how she continued to blame herself for things that weren’t her fault, and the embarrassment she still felt.

Resurrecting all that would be painful for her, not that Chad cared. But Lawson did. So damn much.

At the very least, he had wanted to be with her so if Chad showed up, she wouldn’t have to face him alone.

He’d raced to her rescue, only to arrive in time to catch her giving Chad hell.

Chad, the ass, had dared to threaten her dog. Huge mistake. The look on Berkley’s face as she’d defended Hero was a sight to see. He’d been so proud of her. Still was.

Always would be.

Betty braced one hand on the dryer as she caught her breath, more wrecked than he’d ever seen her. “I’m glad I didn’t have to tangle with him.” She came forward abruptly and grabbed Lawson in a tight hug. “Thank you.”

At first, he wasn’t sure what to do. He’d never had a hug like this—from someone so short, elderly and frail. A motherly or grandmotherly figure.

Actually, it felt nice, and his arms came carefully around her. “I like how you threw him out.”

“Yes, well...” Betty pressed back, her makeup-free face showing her age more than ever. “Sometimes brawn is better than brains. That fool had neither.” She patted Lawson’s chest appreciatively, then stepped away. “You, young man, have plenty of both.”

“Yes, he does.” Berkley studied him. “When Chad showed up here, I wasn’t sure what to do. I thought about calling you.”

His heart stuttered. “I wish you had.” He’d have dropped everything in a heartbeat.

That little smile appeared again. “You came anyway.”

Tugging her into his arms, he held her close. “Of course I did.” Holding her felt beyond nice. Perfection, even. “You were both fierce.”

“It certainly got my blood pumping,” Betty agreed.

Against his chest, Berkley trembled—probably laughing again, but just in case, he drew his hand up and down her back, before cupping her nape and drawing her face up to his.

Her shining blue eyes reassured him. The quick kiss she gave him helped, too.

She turned her head to see Betty. “You are the most wonderful person I’ve ever known. But please, for my sake, don’t ever again put yourself at risk like that. I already worry about you too much.”

“I know.” Betty primped. “And I’ll admit, I like it. It’s wonderful to be loved.”

“You’re definitely loved,” Berkley assured her. “And appreciated, and valued for so many reasons.”

“Good to know.” Betty started away. “Now, I need to repair my hair, put on my makeup and then take a break. It’s been a trying morning. Come on, Hero and Gladys. Let’s go.” She glanced back at Lawson with a wink. “Carry on.”

“Yes.” Berkley rested her hands on his chest and smiled up at him. “Carry on.”

Mindful that Betty was nearby, they were in a laundry room, and the shelter would soon get busy, Lawson took her mouth in a kiss that, he hoped, was full of promise. He felt Berkley’s small hands fist in his shirt, keeping him close.

Where he wanted to be.

When he finally forced himself to ease up, she put her cheek against him, then whispered something.

Smoothing a hand along her spine, he asked, “What’s that?”

She tilted up her face to see him, and this smile was different, more powerful. “I love you.”

Automatically, his arms tightened. He’d heard the words, saw them leaving her lips, and still he said, “What?”

The gaze softened, warmed. “I love you.” She touched his mouth before he could speak. “It’s real. Unconditional. You don’t have to say anything back. No,” she insisted, when he tried to speak. “Let me finish.”

Reluctantly, he gave a nod, but now his heart was going like a jackhammer, and he was smiling, too.

“I know we haven’t been reacquainted that long.”

“Long enough,” he said, because staying quiet right now was hard.

“I guess, because of our history, I feel like I’ve known you forever.”

“Like we were meant to be.” When her brows lifted, he gathered her close and kissed her again. A hungry kiss.

She drew back to say “Really?”

“You don’t feel that way? Because I do. Almost from the start, I was drawn to you. We share more than most people ever will. An understanding of what it takes to move forward, how important the right people are. What love means. Really means.” He cradled her face in his palms. “I love you, too, Berkley. I love your style, and your independence. How you treat animals and care for them. How you care for people, too.” How you care for me. “I love that you’re humble, but not a pushover. Bighearted but strong.”

“Stop.” Laughing a little, she put her hands to her cheeks, but he still saw her blush.

“When I came here, I thought what I needed was a place to call my own. A nice location to settle so I could put down roots.”

“You have all that now.”

“I do, but it doesn’t matter, not as much as I thought it would, because all I really needed was you.”

Tears welled in her eyes, and her fingertips covered her smiling mouth. “This is kind of incredible, don’t you think? Chad shows up, and we’re confessing love.”

“At least the shmuck was good for something.”

Laughing, she hugged him tight. “We have a lot of things to work out, and I have more to say, but the animals have been unattended too long already.”

“And I need to get back to the shop.” He grinned. “Kathleen’s boyfriend should be arriving today. I figured I’d unveil him tonight.”

Excited, she said, “I want to be there!” Then she glanced back and lowered her voice. “I want to make sure Betty is there, too.”

“Oliver and Lark, of course.” He hugged her. “Tell Betty to put an announcement on the town’s social media pages. Say we’re unveiling something fun at the beach. Maybe we could all meet there around seven o’clock.”

With Chad all but forgotten, she said, “This is going to be so fun!”

Loving her was fun, but the silliness with Kathleen and Kingston would be a good way to put a period to a day that had started with shadows from the past...so they could see all the promises of tomorrow.

Only four people knew the plans, but the town buzzed about it all day. If she and Lawson could have kept it from Oliver and Lark, they would have, but they needed their help to pull it off. Between them, and with Betty’s social media help, they were able to notify most of the business owners, who in turn notified their customers.

Lark finished work first, so she got to the beach to set up the area for the presentation. Without explaining why she needed them, she enlisted Emily to bring a few white flowers, and Yardley, the wedding planner, to lend a few props.

Lark said everyone was full of questions, but she didn’t cave. Neither did Lawson, though he said people tromped in and out of his store all day, doing their best to get him to tell.

Only an hour ago, Oliver stealthily swiped Kathleen, and when locals chased after him, demanding to know why, he only laughed and hurried away with her.

Saul’s restaurant was mobbed with people buying food early so they could bring it to the beach to see what was happening. He even took time away from the restaurant so he and his son could join Emily to get good seats for whatever the show might be.

It tickled Berkley to see everyone so interested.

Erin and Whitley, along with several volunteers, ensured the animals all got plenty of attention throughout the day before they were put up for the night in their individual kennels.

After all the excitement with Chad, Betty was sure it was a wedding, and it was even funnier that she thought it was Lawson and Berkley getting married. Claiming a protective man like Lawson and a smart woman like Berkley were bound to see the wisdom in settling down together.

Berkley wasn’t sure how wise it might be, and she wasn’t in a rush to make things official, but she loved Lawson and she knew she’d be happy to share the rest of her life with him.

Betty continued to wheedle for information all day, and Berkley continued to insist that she’d just have to wait like everyone else. Finally, Betty wore out and promised to be at the beach. Even then, she grinned like she had a secret.

When Lawson picked her up at six-thirty, Berkley was ready. She’d fixed her hair, applied her usual makeup and had changed into a cute, lightweight romper perfect for the beach.

“Wow,” he said, leaning in for a soft kiss. “You’re beautiful.”

“I’m still not supercomfortable being in front of a crowd, so I wanted to look my best.”

“The beach is packed,” he confirmed. “Oliver went by there before he dropped Kathleen off to me.”

“You have both mannequins now?”

“In the bed of my truck, hidden under a sheet. They’ll stay covered until we unveil them.” Frowning, he studied her face. “Did I push you into this? I know how you feel about being the center of attention.”

“Actually, I’m happy to be included. Showcasing the mannequins will be fun.” She blew out a breath. “The problem is that Betty will be disappointed.”

His brows went up. “You think so? Why?”

“Well...” It was embarrassing to talk about, but she really needed to forewarn Lawson what Betty thought. “See, Betty got it into her head that we were bringing everyone to the beach for, um, a wedding.”

Grinning, he led her and Hero out to his truck. “Not sure mannequins can legally marry.” Hero was used to riding along and curled up on the floor by her feet while Lawson went around to the driver’s side.

Berkley patted the dog, sure that he was picking up on her embarrassment. Once they’d pulled away from the shelter, she explained with an apologetic wince, “The problem is that Betty thinks we’re getting married.”

To his credit, Lawson didn’t blink. In fact, his expression comically froze.

Deadpan, Berkley said, “Breathe.”

“I’m breathing.”

Didn’t look like it, until he deeply inhaled.

After several minutes had passed, and they were driving into the town proper, he reached his right hand out to her, palm up.

Berkley laced her fingers with his.

Steering one-handed, he said, “This is not because of what Betty thinks, okay?”

Uh-oh. That sounded serious. “What isn’t?”

He sighed, retrieved his hand and pulled to the side of the road to put his truck in Park.

Waiting, Berkley took in his gorgeous profile, the dark blond hair that always seemed disheveled, the light brown eyes that held confidence and kindness in equal measure, the beard scruff that added to his overall sexy vibe. Tension eased away, and she said, “I love you.” Then she laughed, because loving him was wonderful. “I love loving you, and I guess I love telling you, too.”

Those devastating eyes locked on hers. “Good. Because I thought we could get engaged.”

Honest to God, her jaw dropped. “Lawson,” she sputtered, completely taken off guard. “You don’t have to—”

“Back up. I already told you this has nothing to do with Betty’s expectations. In fact...” He lifted a hip, dug in his pocket and took out a small box.

Eyes wide, she stared. Was that a jewelry box? It was. She covered her mouth with a suddenly shaking hand. Long, long ago she’d given up on imagining a scenario like this. She’d resigned herself to living alone, protecting her heart and what was left of her reputation. Then she’d moved to Cemetery, and he’d moved there, too, and now...

“I got you this today.”

“How?” she asked with a burst of laughter. “When?” His day had been as busy as hers. Their entire schedule had been upended by Chad and his nonsense.

“Will helped out a lot while I ran over to Albee.”

Her jaw loosened again. “The next town?”

“Don’t say it like I left the state.” He held the small box against his thigh. “Albee isn’t that far away, and I found what I liked within minutes—but if you don’t like it, we can get something different.”

Curious, she licked her lips. “I have to actually see it before I can decide.”

“Right.” He flipped it open with his thumb, gently took her hand and slipped a delicate five-stone ring onto her finger. Keeping her hand, he said, “I mean it, Berkley. If you don’t like it—”

She whispered, “I love it.” Seeing the ring, she wondered how he could doubt that for a single second. A moderate center diamond had two smaller diamonds set on either side of it. The bright, late-day sunlight through the windshield made it sparkle.

As if searching for the truth, Lawson’s gaze stayed on her face. “I was thinking in practical terms, which probably wasn’t the best move when telling a woman how much you care. It’s just that you’re always working with animals. I thought something big would maybe get in the way, but if you want something bigger, I swear that wouldn’t be a problem.”

She curled her fingers protectively around the band. “I love that you were practical, that you took into consideration my work.” Her eyes were again drawn to the ring. “It’s so beautiful, I never would have known that factored in.”

He started to relax. “It’s platinum, so it looks silver like the rest of your jewelry.”

Lightly, she touched the different stones, then smiled up at him. “It’s perfect.”

He rubbed the back of his neck. “When we got home tonight, after showing off Kathleen and Kingston, I was going to ask you. Then you said Betty had expectations.”

“Betty is so wise.”

He laughed. “I’ll be sure to tell her you said so.” He took her hand and kissed her palm. “I love you, Berkley. I want to be with you, but there’s no rush. We can have a short engagement or a long engagement. We can marry tomorrow, or a year from now. Whatever works for you.”

“For us,” she clarified, because Lawson’s business was important, too. “There’s a lot we need to think about. I mean, you have a house, I have a house.”

“And you want to be close to the shelter. I get it. When you’re ready, I don’t mind selling mine.”

Giddiness bubbled up. Sleeping with Lawson each night, waking with him each morning... Sign her up. “But you’re on the lake.” There was so much to consider.

Touching a finger under her chin, he tipped up her face. “We can keep both places if you want.”

She frowned. “I want you with me.”

“That’s where I want to be.” He glanced at Hero, who patiently watched their interaction. “You, Cheese and this astute fellow, you’re all important to me. If you’re ready for me to move in, I’m there.”

“I’m ready.”

His grin was lazy and sexy and full of satisfaction. “The houses aren’t far apart. The shelter is growing already, and if one day you get a full-time employee, maybe your house would work as a perk and we could live in mine.” He cupped her cheek. “Or we can stay in yours and use mine for time away. I promise, it doesn’t matter to me.”

“As long as we’re together,” she finished for him, knowing that was his thought.

He nodded. “Now that I’ve found you again, I don’t want to let you go. Ever.”

A car drove by, giving them a friendly honk as they passed. Smiling, Berkley said, “We need to get to the beach.” She threw her arms around his neck and hugged him. “Let’s present Kingston, and tonight, as you planned, we can talk things out.”

“Should I put that ring back in the box for now?”

Laughing, she held her hand to her heart. “No way. Let’s just wait and see if Betty notices. That might be even more fun.”

Agreeing with a grin, he gave Hero a few pats, kissed her once more, then got them on their way.

A few minutes later, they arrived to find the beach packed. Umbrellas were set up, lawn chairs and beach towels spread over the sand. Every available picnic table along the perimeter of the lot was occupied. Cars had filled all the parking spots.

Fortunately, Oliver waved them over to a cleared space that he’d saved for them. Since he’d come by earlier to get Handsome, the dog was at his side, crooked teeth and all.

Lawson backed in. Berkley took Handsome for Oliver, then he and Lawson, accompanied by Berkley, Lark and the dogs, carried their hidden cargo to a small platform. Lark had arranged the setting, surrounded by flowers and, thanks to Yardley, some decorative poofs of netting.

It was perfect. Like a backyard wedding, except they faced a beach full of onlookers.

Betty hustled up to them, bringing Gladys along on a leash. The three dogs happily greeted each other, but Betty wore a frown. “Young lady,” she said, while pulling Berkley aside. “What are you up to?”

For once she wasn’t in her usual wardrobe. No business dress or low-heeled shoes. Betty wore a lightweight, flowing caftan in beach colors, and she was barefoot! Berkley stared at her small feet, a little spellbound by the sight.

“They’re called toes,” Betty said, reclaiming her attention.

Seeing the flush on her face, Berkley couldn’t stop the grin. “The hat is cool.”

“It shades my face. At my age, in this heat, too much time on the beach is not ideal.”

Oh, no. She hadn’t considered that. “I’m so sorry. I should have—”

Betty sniffed. “I’m enjoying it.” She flexed her toes, then leaned in close, conspiratorial. “Shocked a lot of people, seeing me here, dressed casually, so it’s been worth it. Now, what—” Suddenly her eyes widened. She stared at Berkley’s hand, then up to her face, then back at her hand. “Is that an engagement ring?”

“Shh.” Berkley crowded closer still. “I swear, I’ll tell you all about it later, in private. But not here, okay?” She didn’t want to draw attention.

With tears in her eyes, Betty said, “Your mother would be so pleased.” She gave a quiet, sniffling laugh. “I’m so pleased.”

Proving he’d been listening in, Lawson leaned near to Betty’s ear and said, “I’m pleased most of all.” Then he gave Betty a hug, and really sealed the deal by adding, “Maybe this week you could join Berkley and me for dinner, with Oliver and Lark.”

“And the dogs,” Berkley said, knowing that Betty now took Gladys everywhere, and Handsome could always use more interaction.

Betty bloomed. “I would love that. Thank you.” In the next second, she turned cross again. “Now, what are you young people up to?”

He deferred to Berkley, and she said, “Maybe Betty could do the honors. After all, she is the namesake of this town.”

“Great idea,” Oliver said, joining them.

Then Lark came close, too. “The crowd is getting restless, and everything is ready.” She handed a megaphone to Betty. “What do you say?”

Beaming at each of them, she agreed. “I’d be honored—if someone would tell me what’s going on!”

They quickly clued her in. Delighted, she agreed to make the announcement. The men helped her up to the small stage, where the covered mannequins waited.

Lark stepped back with the promise that she’d take plenty of photos for Betty to use on the town’s social media pages.

Holding the leashes for the dogs, Berkley moved to the side, included but out of the limelight, as she preferred.

Oliver and Lawson stood ready for the unveiling.

In a clear voice made louder by the megaphone, a very colorful version of Betty said, “Quiet, quiet. I have an announcement.”

A hush fell over the beach.

Going off script, she said, “Most of you don’t know that our very own Kathleen was vandalized.”

Gasps filled the air, along with heartfelt exclamations. Groaning, Berkley inched farther back. Eventually, everyone would know what Chad had done, but she would have liked to be a little more prepared.

But Betty continued without mentioning him, or Berkley, at all. Instead, she gestured at Lawson and Oliver. “Cemetery also has two very fine heroes who stepped up and saved our Kathleen.”

Abashed, both men scowled, but it didn’t matter.

With a loud, shrill whistle, Lark got the cheers going and soon everyone on the beach was applauding so loudly, even the dogs got excited. Seeing the guys’ expressions had her laughing out loud.

“After ensuring that the miscreant—an outsider, by the way—was turned in to the Albee police, they not only bathed Kathleen and washed her hair, they dressed her and...” Her gaze moved over the crowd, building the expectation. “They got her a friend.” Turning to Lawson and Oliver, she said, “Gentlemen, if you would.”

Lawson huffed a breath.

Oliver smirked.

In unison, they removed the sheets.

Kathleen was dressed entirely in apparel that advertised the shelter, but affixed to her hand was a sign that said He’s such a lucky guy.

Next to her, Kingston wore a shirt advertising Lawson’s print shop. His head was turned to face Kathleen, his fixed gaze on her.

While everyone exclaimed in excitement, Lawson and Oliver left the stage so Betty could continue her show.

Oliver went to Lark, who applauded him again, at least until he lifted her in his arms and swung her in a circle.

Through the megaphone, Betty said “You young people” to the laughter of the crowd. She added, “But you can see what that fitness center of his does. Even I’m feeling more fit.”

“Looking it, too,” Saul called out.

Followed by Emily saying “Love the outfit.”

Yardley yelled, “You’re going to be front-page news, Betty.”

Everyone cheered.

Wearing a smile, Lawson reached Berkley and said, “I’m feeling damned lucky myself.”

In that moment, she no longer cared if anyone looked at her. Laughing, she put her arms around his waist and smiled up at him. “Ditto.”

When he kissed her, the cheers escalated, and it wasn’t until then that they realized Betty had switched from talking about the mannequins to focusing on them, which had everyone else doing the same.

Into that megaphone, Betty said, “You’re all now truly a part of Cemetery.” Gaze landing on Berkley, she smiled. “You’re home.”

Yes, these were her people, Lawson was her love, and she was a part of it all.

Accepting the position of director at The Love Shack was clearly the best decision she’d ever made. Here, she’d found everything.

Most of all, she’d found home.