Page 61 of Mack

She almost believed it. But he was in law enforcement and that was a frightening thing to love about a person. She’d seen it in his eyes though, the way he talked about the job even on the bad days. He loved it. It was part of who he was.

So, if this was going to work, she had to accept that. All of it. The late calls and the bad roads and the not knowing until she heard his voice.

She would. She’d already decided.

For the first time in a long time, she actually wanted something to work. Not just hoped it wouldn’t fall apart, not just braced for the inevitable. Wanted it. Actively, deliberately, with her whole heart. She picked up her fork and finished her dinner.

Mallory jerked awake and looked around the dark room. She sat up and held her hand over her heart as it beat in double-time. Another dream about Troy. God! She couldn’t breathe. He had told her he’d kill her and take T.J. from her. In the dream, she had turned into a protective mama bear and told him he’d never take her child. He laughed, drew his fist back and that was when she woke up and stayed that way until the morning’s sunrays drifted through the windows.

After Georgia picked up T.J., Mallory drove to town. The roads were clear and she mentally thanked Mr. Barton. After parking, she crossed the street, walked to her door, unlocked it, flipped the sign to open, and settled onto the stool behind the counter. The snow was falling again outside, light, and unhurried, drifting past the window but the shop felt even warmer than it was. She sipped her coffee, watched it, and felt quietly content.

Two hours later she slid a bag across the counter and smiled. “Thank you for coming in.”

“Oh, I’ll be back.” The woman tucked the bag under her arm. “Have a wonderful day.”

“You too.”

The door chimed as she left, and the next person through it made Mallory’s smile widen without thinking.

Juliana Reinhardt unwound her scarf and looked around the shop with wide eyes.

“Mallory. I’m not sure I can stay away. The snow is terrible, but the roads are clear, thanks to Mr. Barton.”

“I’m glad you came in, but you shouldn’t be out in this.” Mallory came around the counter. “Can I get you a coffee?”

“I would love one. Plain, if you have it. None of that flavored business.”

Mallory laughed. “My mother would like you. She drinks coffee all day and won’t touch the flavored kind.”

“Smart woman. I’d like to meet her.”

“Look around. I’ll be right back.” Mallory headed for the back.

“Take your time, honey.”

When Mallory returned with two cups Juliana was at the back wall, turning a small pink nutcracker over in her hands with an expression of pure delight.

“I’ve never seen a pink one.”

“The ornament size comes in every color.”

“I’m buying it.” She said it with great finality, then looked around at the rest of the wall. “And possibly several other things.”

Mallory watched as Juliana walked around the store. Mack’s mother was a wonderful woman and Mallory liked her.

“Have you made plans for lunch?” Juliana asked as she picked up a snow globe.

“No, I haven’t.”

“Would you like to join me?”

Mallory smiled. “I would love to.”

“Can you go now?”

“Yes. Let me get my purse, then we can go.”

“Alright. I’ll leave my things here and get them when we come back.”