Page 19 of All You Need Is Macchiato

"I believe in what it could mean for Elk Ridge." I turn to face him fully. "But I can't do it alone."

Our eyes meet, and for a moment I forget we're not alone in the room. Then Jake clears his throat.

"Well," he says, sharing a look with Sophia that makes me blush, "I'd say your coffee shop's in good hands."

Evie, who's definitely been eavesdropping, swoops in to suggest showing Jake and Sophia to their rooms. As they gather their things, I notice Nolan still studying the photo album.

"What are you thinking?" I ask.

"I'm thinking..." He traces a finger over a photo of smiling people gathered around the Wishing Wall. "I'm thinking Old Joe Thompson might have more wishes than just knitting lessons."

"Is that a yes?"

He looks at me then, really looks at me, and my heart does that complicated thing it's been doing a lot lately.

"That's a 'convince me,'" he says with that half-smile that's becoming dangerously familiar.

"Challenge accepted." I close the album, very aware of how close we're sitting. "Though I should warn you, I can be pretty convincing when I believe in something."

"Oh, I'm counting on it."

Chapter Eight

Nolan

Her laugh hits me first. Not the polite chuckle I've heard her use in meetings, but something real and bright that carries across the coffee shop. Kathryn's sitting with Jake near the newly installed Wishing Wall, her hands animated as she talks, her smile wider than I've seen it.

"And then," Jake's saying as I approach, "she actually convinced the health inspector to write a wish."

"He did not!" But Kathryn's already laughing again, and something twists in my chest at how easily they fit together.

The wall behind them is starting to fill with colorful cards. Sophia moves around them with her camera, capturing different angles, while Kathryn and Jake share another joke I'm not part of.

"Coffee?" Annie appears at my elbow with a knowing look.

"Please." I follow her to the counter, trying not to watch how Jake leans in when Kathryn speaks, how natural they look together. "They seem close."

"Mmm." Annie starts the espresso machine. "Jake's been telling us about their Wilmington days. Apparently, Kathryn was one of the first people to believe in his crazy wall idea."

Of course she was.

"It's sweet, really." Annie continues, steaming milk. "The whole coffee shop family thing they had going. Jake would read the wishes every morning, try to figure out who could help who. Kathryn would stay late matching people up."

"Sounds efficient."

Annie gives me a look. "Sounds like you're jealous."

"I'm not—" But I'm saved by Sophia joining us at the counter.

"Your lighting is gorgeous in here." She shows me a few shots on her camera. "The way the morning sun hits the brick? Perfect for capturing community moments."

I study the photos, trying not to notice how many feature Kathryn's smile. "You do this professionally?"

"Started as a hobby while covering the Wishing Wall story for my news station." She accepts a tea from Annie. "Now Jake and I inspire wishing walls all over the country. People helping people. It's addictive."

"Seems complicated."

"Oh, it is." She laughs. "You should have seen his first attempt. Jake had this grand vision of changing the world one wish at a time. I came across it on assignment. It sounded better than working on yet another piece about seasonal coffee drinks."

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