Page 38 of Flare
As they walked, Emily hugged her shawl closer. Ward fought the urge to drape his arm around her shoulders.Don’t come on too strong.
“I haven’t been to Wildcat Springs in years,” she said.“Not since high school, actually.”
“Justin’s made a few changes to the menu since then,” Ward said.“Still has amazing barbecue, but he’s been experimenting with local ingredients more.”
He itched to place his hand on the small of her back as they crossed the street.
“I don’t remember the Lavender & Lilacs Festival being a thing,” Emily remarked, nodding toward the banners hanging from the lampposts.“Is it something new?”
Ward nodded.“Maggie and Aunt Annabeth came up with the idea last year to bring in visitors between the end of steelhead fishing season and the start of summer vacation.”
“Smart,” Emily said.“I’m sure it’ll be fun and good for local businesses.”
A large wreath of dried lavender hung on Wildcat Springs’ front door, surrounding a hand-painted sign advertising the festival.
The rich scent of smoked pork, beef, and chicken hit them as Ward pulled open the door for Emily. The restaurant was busy but not packed, with a mix of locals and a few out-of-towners who’d come early for the festival.
The restaurant’s trademark Texas memorabilia—vintage Stetson hats, cowboy boots, and antique ranch tools—still adorned the walls, but now Mason jars holding sprigs of lavender and bunches of lilacs stood on every table.
“Well, look who the cat dragged in!”
Emily giggled as Justin swept her into a bear hug and swung her around.
Ward’s bear growled softly at the sight of another male touching her, but he tamped down its ridiculous jealousy. Justin was happily mated to Grandma Elle.
“And Ward, my man,” Justin said, setting Emily down and giving Ward a firm handshake that turned into a back-slapping hug.“Good to see you two out and about.” There was a knowing gleam in Justin’s aquamarine eyes that made Ward’s neck heat and Emily’s cheeks go pink again.
“I used to wait tables here every summer during high school,” Emily explained, glancing at Ward.
“I remember,” Ward said, then felt heat climb into his face as Emily’s eyebrows twitched up inquiringly.“I mean, I remember seeing you here sometimes.”
She didn’t need to know he’d only come here on days when he knew she’d be working.
“Emily was one of the best employees I ever had,” Justin said, slinging an arm around Emily’s shoulders. He winked at Ward. “Glad you’re stayin’ put here for a spell, darlin’. We’ve missed you around here.”
“I’ve missed you, too, Justin,” Emily said, her gaze traveling around the restaurant with nostalgic fondness.
Justin led them to a cozy booth in the corner.
“Now, y’all are in for a treat tonight,” he proclaimed, handing them menus.“I consulted with Chef Daniel over at the Bearpaw Springs Resort to create a special menu for the festival: baby back ribs glazed with my house-made lavender-honey BBQ sauce.” He made a chef’s kiss gesture.“Served with lilac-pickled red onion slaw and smoked cheddar & chive cornbread with whipped lavender butter.”
Ward’s mouth watered at the description, and he saw Emily’s eyes widen with interest.
“Your choice of lavender lemonade or lilac sweet tea,” Justin continued.“And for dessert—” He paused dramatically.“It’s house-made blueberry-lavender cobbler with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.”
“That sounds amazing,” Emily said.
“It does,” Ward agreed, his eyes not leaving Emily’s face. The soft lighting cast a warm glow on her skin, making her look luminous.“Two orders?” he asked her.
“Yes, please!”
“Comin’ right up. Y’all let me know what you think of it.” Justin winked and sauntered back toward the kitchen.
Ward looked across the table at Emily, who was peering around the restaurant with a small smile playing on her lips.
After all those years of watching her from afar, he couldn’t believe she was actually here with him.
The booth was intimate, their knees almost touching beneath the table.
