Page 56 of Espresso Your Love

“It’s wonderful to meet you. I don’t mean to barge in—” Cassie starts but is interrupted by Sadie.

“Oh nonsense, we’re happy you’re here. Right, Ryan?” Sadie looks pointedly at me, hiding her smirk behind a napkin.

“Yes, delighted,” I say as I walk to the kitchen to make Cassie a plate.

“Ryan was just filling us in on his new life in Meadowbrook. It’s such a cute town.”

“Yes, it is. I’ve lived here my whole life so I may be a little biased.”

“I’m sure your fondness for this community is well placed. The town has been very welcoming to Ryan being here.”

“What do you do, Cassie?” Sadie chimes in.

“I’m an event planner,” Cassie answers proudly. “We just had our Autumn Festival yesterday, which Ryan was Head of Security for.”

“Mm, so you two worked together on it. How wonderful!” Mom exclaims. “Is that how you met?”

“We met at Coffee Loft actually. My first day here in Meadowbrook.”

Sadie squeals, and I give her a sharp look.

“Sorry,” Sadie giggles. “I just love Coffee Loft.”

“I don’t know how long you're staying, but if you’re here tomorrow, stop by. My best friend’s family owns it, and I’ll get you something, my treat.”

“You’re so sweet. We might just take you up on it,” Mom replies to her.

All through dinner, Cassie keeps up the conversation with them, answering their never-ending questions. She fits in so effortlessly here. A flash of images plays in my head from more dates to monthly dinners at Moms with Cassie by my side to me dropping down on one knee and asking her to be my forever…

My heart aches knowing she can’t stay here. Knowing we can’t have that. I can’t have that. There’s risks with this job. As much as I want what my parents had, I willingly can’t bring her into the possibility of losing me.

“I must be going; I have a long day tomorrow.” She thanks them for the meal. “I hope to see you two at Coffee Loft?”

“We wouldn’t miss it!”

“Ryan, maybe you can sneak a quick break and meet us there too?”

“I’ll try my best, Mom.”

I walk Cassie to the door. “Sorry you got roped into dinner here.”

“They’re wonderful people, Ryan. I see where you got it from.”

I run my hand through my hair and chuckle. “I’ll walk you home?”

“I think I can manage crossing the lawn.” She starts walking down the stairs.

I start to close the door then reopen it and walk onto the porch. “Wait, what did you come by for?”

She tucks a strand of hair behind her ears. “Well, I got the Mercer wedding. They were impressed at the meeting today.”

I walk down the steps and hug her. “Cass! That’s amazing!”

Her jasmine perfume envelops my senses. I want this moment forever—my arms around her back, her curly hair fluffed into my face.

“I know! I think I’m still in shock. I just got home and wanted to tell you.”

The dim streetlights reflect off her blue eyes, and I’m mesmerized by her.

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