Page 116 of Reckless King

“As long as I can steal one.”

My laugh is watery but genuine. “You can have two.”

I dive into setting out the pastry bites and pot after pot of rich, aromatic blends, forcing all thoughts of Tate and mybroken heart out of my head. Tonight is about True Brew and Dad, not my tangled emotions. This is my chance to honor his legacy and prove that I can rebuild my life on my own terms.

When I stop in to check on Jarrod, he’s finishing brewing the last few blends. “Almost done.” He winks.

I pat his arm and give it a friendly squeeze. “What would I do without you?”

“Lucky you, you won’t have to find out.” His grin fades as his expression turns serious. “I’m here for you, Violet. Whatever you’re going through, I’ve got your back.”

My throat constricts. “Thank you, Jarrod. That means so much to me.”

He watches me for a beat longer, then gives me a gentle smile and turns back to what he’s doing.

Finally, we’re ready. I unlock the door and wait, checking my watch a few times as my anxiety ramps up. But finally, the first customers trickle in. My nerves flutter, then turn to excitement as the initial arrivals greet me with smiles and enthusiastic comments.

A few minutes later, Mark and his girlfriend, Ashley, walk in. I give both of them big hugs. “Thank you so much for coming.”

“As if we’d miss it,” Mark says.

“It smells amazing in here.” Ashley closes her pretty brown eyes as she inhales deeply.

With his hands in his pockets, Mark lifts his chin and peruses the shop, which now features matching seating, new artwork on the walls, and twinkle lights hanging from the ceiling. “You’ve really transformed the place, but it still feels the way it always did.” He turns his warm gaze on me. “You did it, Violet. Dad would be so proud.”

I look around, hit with a swift burst of happiness. I can picture Dad here, a smile stretching from ear to ear as he talkedabout the coffee beans he loved so much, his big booming laugh filling the room. “I think so too.”

Mark leans close to his girlfriend. “Want to get started? I need to talk to Violet about something, then I’ll join you.”

Once she’s headed to one of the tasting stations, Mark turns to me, his brows furrowed.

“So, how’s it going being a free woman again?”

I try very hard to control my expression, but my chin wobbles, and for a moment, I’m not sure I can speak without breaking down.

Mark’s frown grows deeper, and he takes a step closer. “Vi, he didn’t hurt you… did he?”

I force my shoulders back. I have no interest in ruining Mark’s friendship with Tate, or worse, giving him a reason to risk his job. After all, it’s my fault for falling for a man I knew wasn’t interested in settling down. No matter how much he might have enjoyed the few months of pretending. “He didn’t hurt me. I’m just tired, that’s all.”

His frown eases a little, though it doesn’t disappear completely. “You’re sure? Because you know I’ll kick his ass if he?—”

I shake my head. “No ass kicking needed. I promise.” I give him a kiss on the cheek. “Go join Ashely, have fun and tell me what you think of the coffees we chose.”

Finally, the tension eases from his expression. He rubs his hands together. “I’m looking forward to it.” When he spots Ashley, a soft smile tips up his lips.

With that look in his eyes, I can’t help but wonder when he’ll propose. The thought brings with it mixed emotions. I’m thrilled that he’s found someone who makes him so happy, but even as the warmth of that sentiment spreads through me, a hard lump forms in my chest. I push it down. I’m happy for Mark, andtonight shouldn’t be about Tate. It should be about True Brew and my family.

An hour later, the event is in full swing, and the atmosphere inside the shop is buzzing. Patrons fill the space, sipping samples of our carefully curated coffees while chatting and sharing their favorites. I flit from table to table, answering questions and soaking up their enjoyment, pouring out samples and explaining the origins of each blend as well as the process we go through to source them.

When I drop into a seat between Anna and Mark, I let out a deep sigh. My feet ache, but my heart is full.

“These tasting cards are a great idea,” Anna says, waving the small booklet in front of me. “I love that I can easily compare the flavor profiles.”

Slumped back in my chair, I fan my hot face. “I thought it would be nice to make it interactive.”

As the earthy fragrance of the coffee tickles my nostrils, I’m filled with genuine contentment—a reminder of the simple joy that True Brew brought to my life, to my whole family.

Half an hour later, after I’ve made another round, I stop to take a deep breath and take the shop in again. The place is alive and vibrant, filled with conversation and laughter. We did it. We made Dad’s dream a reality again.

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