Chapter 54
The day passed quickly, the hours slipping by while Mia worked. Caleb stopped in a few times, and each time she was smiling, relaxed, fully in her element.
The last time he stopped by, she looked up from the prep table. “Got two new clients.”
He grinned. “Congratulations.”
“It feels good,” she said.
“It should.” He glanced toward the door. “I’m going to check on your dad.”
“Thank you.” She smiled softly. Her father enjoyed Caleb’s company. He missed Roy, of course, but Caleb stayed longer, asked questions, listened. Her father told her the house felt less empty when he was there.
After he left, she pulled ingredients from the fridge and started a lemon-herb chicken marinade. Garlic, fresh thyme, a squeeze of lemon—simple, solid, reliable.
Her phone rang again. This call was about renting the event barn.
She laughed after she hung up, shaking her head a little.
For the first time in weeks, things felt manageable.
Heather and Sabrina had both reached out earlier, still shaken by what had happened to her.
Joy and Autumn checked in too. Autumn already wanted to come out and take more pictures once things settled.
Caleb hadn’t hovered all day, and she was grateful for that. Tonight they were meeting Ford and Tessa for dinner, conversation, something normal.
The day ended easily, the way it used to before everything changed, and soon they were on their way downtown to the Brick drinks clinked. The world narrowed to normal things. Mia leaned back against the booth. “I needed this,” she admitted softly.
Caleb nodded. “I know.”
Later, walking back to his truck, with the night air cool against her skin, Mia felt tired in the best way.
Ranger waited back at the cabin. She knew the cameras were on at the farmhouse.
Everything was quiet, and everything was where it should be.
At least for now.