Sign here, Serena, and, sign there, Gabe. There, it’s official,” my cousin Reardon said as he looked over the documents. “Rena, you are the proud new owner of The Gallery on Main Street.”

I smiled at Reardon, then turned to Gabe, my eyes watering.

“Thank you so much, for everything,” I told him, then flew out of my chair and into his arms.

Gabe chuckled as he caught me.

“You’re welcome, Rena. I’m happy it all worked out.”

“The terms are very generous,” I told him, even though he already knew that.

Although, he would have happily given me the property for nothing if I’d let him. But, I hadn’t. Yes, I still got the family discount, but it was a discount I could live with, guilt free.

“Proud of you, Serena,” Reardon said, coming around his desk to give me a hug as well.

“Thanks, Rear, looks like you guys are stuck with me permanently.”

“Good,” Gabe said, then looked at Reardon and added, “And, we don’t have to kill our friend, Jed; they worked things out.”

“That’s good,” Reardon replied, “I kind of like the guy.”

“Me, too,” I said, getting in on the fun. “In fact, I think I’m going to marry him some day.”

They both stopped joking and looked at me with serious expressions.

“Really, it’s like that?” Gabe asked.

“Yeah, it really is,” I admitted, still feeling emotional and getting a little misty. “I’m in love with him.”

“I’m happy for you, Rena, welcome to the club,” Reardon said, grinning like a goof.

“Now we just need to bring Jasmine into the fold and we can all live happily ever after,” I said, thinking how wonderful it would be if Jasmine could find someone who made her as happy as Jed made me. “I wish she’d give Shane a chance, I think he’d be good to her.”

“Well, Shane may not be an option much longer,” Rear told us.

“What do you mean?” Gabe asked.

“His extension for his visa was just denied, looks like he’ll have to head back to Australia.”

“What?” I asked. The thought of Shane leaving Cherry Springs was unthinkable.

“No way, there has to be something we can do,” Gabe argued. He and Shane had been friends since college, and he was the reason Shane had chosen Cherry Springs to live. Out of all of us, Shane leaving would affect Gabe the most.

Well, since Jasmine denied her feelings for him … I wonder what she’ll do when she finds out our favorite Romeo is leaving town for good.

“I’ve been looking into it, but so far I haven’t found a solution,” Reardon replied, clapping Gabe on the shoulder. “But, don’t worry, we haven’t given up yet.”

Gabe nodded and said, “Keep me informed,” then he turned to me and said, “Congrats again, Rena. Zoey wants to have you and Jed over to celebrate.”

“Okay, I’ll call her,” I said, then I thanked them both and headed out of Reardon’s law office and walked down Main Street to my gallery.

Wow, that sounds amazing … my gallery.

By the time I got to the gallery, I was smiling like a fool and practically skipping down the street.

When I saw Jed’s truck in the parking lot, I rushed inside, eager to see him and tell him it was official, even though he knew I was meeting Gabe and Reardon to sign the paperwork. Saying it out loud to him would make it feel more real.

My heart stopped when I walked into the gallery to see a picnic spread out on the floor and Jed standing there with a bouquet of tulips in his hand.

“What’s all this?” I asked, my hands coming to my chest.

“A celebration,” Jed said sweetly, coming toward me and offering me the beautiful flowers. “Congratulations on becoming a business owner.”

“Thank you,” I gushed, taking the flowers then leaning in for a hug and a kiss. “You’re so sweet.”

“Aw, shucks,” Jed joked, but I could tell he was pleased that I liked his surprise.

“What did you bring?” I asked, realizing I’d been so excited about my meeting that morning, that I hadn’t eaten all day.

“We’ve got fried chicken, macaroni salad, rolls, and pie for dessert.”

“Wow, that sounds healthy,” I teased, dropping down to the blanket and laying the flowers out beside me.

“Oh, it is, part of the new see food diet.”

“I’ve heard of that one, it’s all the rage right now.”

Jed chuckled as he started pulling things out.

“Your Aunt Annabeth said it’s one of your favorite meals.”

I looked up at him, eyes wide.

“This is Aunt Annabeth’s fried chicken?” I asked.

When he nodded I told him, “You’re in for a treat. She makes the best I’ve ever had.”

“Good, I’m glad you like it. So, how’d everything go with Gabe and Reardon? Smoothly, I assume, since I saw you skipping down the street.”

I nearly choked on my roll.

“You saw that?” I asked, feeling my cheeks heat up.

“Yup, it was one of the most adorable things I’ve ever seen.”

“Oh my gosh, why do you always catch me during my most embarrassing moments?”

Jed smiled at me, eyes twinkling, and admitted, “It’s one of my favorite things about you.”