Page 87 of All Dressed Up

Rachel reached out and latched onto his shirt, pulling him back.

“Everything okay?”

“Yeah.” She squinted up at him. “I just wanted to say that I think you are doing a wonderful job, and I’m so glad I hired you. I hope you’ll stay now that I don’t need Mary.”

“I’d like to continue working for you.” He chuckled. “And I suspect she isn’t done with me.”

Rachel laughed back. “Probably not.” She glanced down at her watch.

1:59!

“Jesse, I’m sorry that you couldn’t return to town for so many years. I believe you deserve a second chance.”

“Thank you. That means a lot. I’m trying my best.”

“I know you are.” She pointed across the street. “Are you ready to get that second chance?”

His eyes widened. “What do you mean?”

She smiled and pointed toward the Star Lite. “Someone’s waiting to have lunch with you.”

He stood, removing his hat. “Is that?”

“It’s Emma.” She nodded her head toward the restaurant. “Go meet your daughter.”

Jesse stood motionless.

“Go on,” she said encouragingly.

“What should I say?” he asked, his voice full of trepidation.

“You introduce yourself and ask if you can join her. That would be a good start.” She reached in her purse and pulled out a wad of cash. “Here. Let me pay you for today’s work. This way, you can treat your daughter to lunch.”

“Thank you.” He shoved the cash in his pants pocket. Before Rachel knew what was happening, Jesse flung his bony arms around her. “Thank you so much, Boss.”

“Rachel,” she corrected him, because it was time he called her something different. “You can call me Rachel. I’m also your friend.”

“Rachel.” He beamed and stepped off the curb.

She watched as Jesse crossed the street. It didn’t take him long to enter the Star Lite, and the reunion between father and daughter that Emma had waited for every Sunday at 2:00 p.m. since she was thirteen finally took place.

Rachel wiped away a tear from her cheek. A low whistle behind her caused her to freeze in place.Will.

She smiled widely, her heart beating fast. She turned to see Will standing in front of her in a white button-down shirt and jeans, a bright pink snapdragon in one hand and the note in the other.

“You’re back.”

“I’m back.”

She cocked her head, studying him. Was all of him back including his heart? “I see you got the note.”

He closed the space between them, sweeping her into his arms. “I wrote the note.” His lips lowered to hers for the softest of kisses.

She easily melted into his embrace. He was all back.

“This flower is for you.”

She took the snapdragon, admiring the petals. “You remember?”

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