Page 67 of Wish I Didn't Want You Back

We stepped up to the courtyard, which had been transformed into a bustling market. The folding tables were covered with baked goods, crafts, a few CBD oils, and homemade pot gummies.

“Oh, my God. That lady has a cannabis stand.”

“Yep, and Ms. Romano sells out fast, so if you’re looking for any oils or creams, you better hurry over there.”

She laughed. “Is it always like this?”

We weaved through the crowd as a man in a wheelchair whizzed past us, holding a big jar of raspberry jam.

“These residents can get a little wild. Last month, a fight broke out during bingo. Mr. Spears accused Pastor Daniel of cheating.”

She snorted. “Who won?”

“I think it was Pastor Daniel. He used to be a marine. Pretty sure he could kick my ass if he wanted to.”

We made our way through all the baked goods and knitwear until we reached the end of the sidewalk. Marty’s stand was on the corner. His table was stacked with wooden frames, wall shelves, and miscellaneous engraved items.

When he looked up and saw the beautiful woman at my side, his entire face lit up.

“Well, I’ll be damned.” He shoved his glasses up the bridge of his nose. “Harlow Bennett. Get over here and give an old man a hug, will ya?”

She laughed as he tossed the newspaper aside. He wrapped her in a tight hug. “Hey, Marty, you haven’t changed a bit.”

He held her out at arm’s length. His eyes filled with warmth. He was clearly happy to see her. “You look the same, only prettier.”

Harlow blushed. My grandfather was on a roll. “You’re looking great, Marty.”

He puffed his chest out. “I know, right? Not too shabby for an old guy, huh?”

I shook my head and clasped him on the shoulder. “How are you doing, Grandpa?”

He knocked my hand away and scowled beneath his white mustache. “I told you not to call me that in public.”

Harlow inspected the table and picked up one of the wooden frames. “Did you make all these?”

“Damn right, I did. You want that one, sweetie, you can have it.”

Harlow ran her fingers over the frame. “Thank you, but I insist on paying you.” He waved his hands in the air. “You will do no such thing. You are about to become family. Think of it as an engagement present.”

I leaned back on my heels. I should have known we couldn’t surprise him. “Who told you?”

“I have connections everywhere.” He grabbed Harlow’s hand to see the ring better. “You really thought you could keep that kind of scoop under wraps? This town isn’t that big. News travels fast. Especially good news.” He winked. My grandfather was clearly happy about the news. It made me feel slightly guilty for lying to him, but then I remembered that was the plan.

“We were hoping to surprise you, that’s all.” Harlow beamed up at me.

“So, what in the world made you decide to come back and marry my idiot grandson? I thought you had more sense than that.”

I groaned. “We talked about this, remember? You promised to be on your best behavior.”

Marty squinted his eyes. “You talked, and I pretended to listen.”

Harlow smiled warmly. “Glad to see you haven’t lost your sense of humor.”

“That’s what keeps me young.” He settled back in his chair. “So, tell me about the wedding.”

I threw an arm around her shoulder. “We haven’t set a date yet.”

“Why the hell not?”

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