Page 26 of Since the Day We Kissed

Ada’s eyes sparkled as she squeezed his bicep. “My goodness! These are the real deal. Why don’t they cast real heroes in those military movies? Wouldn’t need all that fancy camera work.”

Ethan chuckled, trying to ease his arm away. “You’re too kind, Ada. Really.”

Ada’s grip tightened, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “I mean it, Ethan. Take that guy who played the military hero in that movie—what was his name? ... Doesn’t matter. He looked like he’d never seen a push-up in his life, much less done one.” She gave his arm another affectionate squeeze.

Phil, observing with an amused grin, cleared his throat. “All right, Ada. Let’s not scare the poor boy off. We want him to actually come back, you know.”

Ada turned to Phil, her lower lip jutting out in an exaggerated pout. “Oh, you’re no fun.” She released Ethan’s arm with a dramatic sigh. “Fine, fine. I’ll behave.”

“Now Ethan, how long are ya sticking around?”

“Longer than I’d hoped.” Ethan let out a dry chuckle. “Hoping to tie things up in a week or so.”

Phil turned to Ethan. “I see, well at least I can feed you while you’re here. So, what’ll it be? Name it, and it’s yours. On the house, of course.”

Ethan shifted on his stool. “I appreciate it, but you don’t have to do that.”

“I won’t hear of it. Now, what can I get ya?”

Ethan’s eyes skimmed the menu. “All right, if you insist. How about hash browns, toast, some OJ, and a cup of coffee?”

“Coming right up,” Phil nodded, then glanced at Hero. “And don’t worry, I’ve got something special for your four-legged friend too.” With that, he disappeared into the kitchen.

Ada slid onto the stool next to Ethan, leaning in so close he could smell her floral perfume mixing with coffee and pancakes. “So, what’s on the agenda while you’re here? Any exciting plans for today?”

“Just working on my dad’s house, really,” Ethan said. “Like I said, I’m not staying long.”

Ada’s nose wrinkled. “Well, that sounds dreadfully dull. Say, why don’t you come by the animal rescue’s adoption day? Might liven things up a bit.”

Animal rescue?

Ethan refocused on Ada. “Actually, I used to work at a rescue back in Virginia. It was—”

“Wonderful! We’ll go together. I’ll be your personal tour guide.”

“But ...” Memories of the animal rescue in Virginia flooded back. Since an animal had saved his life, he figured he’d repay the favor; so, after he retired from the Army two years ago, he started volunteering at a local rescue to eat up time. Turned out he loved every minute. He’d thrown himself into the work, learning everything he could about animal care and behavior. It had become his passion, and the rescue had become like a second home, the staff and volunteers like family. But then, just a few months ago, the rescue had closed down because of lack of funding. It had been a gut punch, leaving Ethan feeling adrift once again. He’d lost not just a job, but a community, a sense of purpose.

Shaking off the bittersweet memories, Ethan’s fingers drummed on the counter. His gaze flickered between Ada’s hopeful face and the clock on the wall. “You know what? Maybe I’ll stop by. Just for a little while.”

Ada grinned. “Then it’s a date. We can ride over together.”

“Uh, I’ve got Hero with me, and I really need to get back to the house after. I don’t think—”

“Nonsense!” She swatted his arm. “Hero can come too. You can drive us.”

Ethan glanced up at the small window to the kitchen to see Phil laughing.

“All right Ada. We’ll all go together,” Ethan said accepting his fate. Saying “no” to Ada Harrison was like trying to stop a freight train with a feather.

Phil came out with a loaded plate of food—wisps of heat drifting up—and set it down in front of Ethan with a soft clatter. The plate was piled high with crispy golden hash browns, perfectly toasted bread, and a small dish of assorted jams. He followed it up with a steaming cup of coffee, setting it beside a tall glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice.

“Here ya go,” Phil said with a wink. Then he reached into his apron pocket and pulled out a small bag. “And for Hero ...”

Crouching, Phil scattered a few treats near Hero’s paws. The dog’s tail became a blur of motion as he investigated the unexpected bounty.

Phil straightened with a grunt. “They’re from Barking Orders. Started keeping ‘em for our four-legged customers.” He jerked a thumb towards Ada. “Got ‘em from that rescue she was yapping about, actually.”

Hero made quick work of the treats, looking up hopefully for more.

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