Hollie looked up when Maria came into the kitchen. “The Maverick Mechanics are here,” Maria grinned. “They all ordered the Chef’s Special!”
“I’ll get it,” Joe said, smiling. “And...I’ll make that four sets.”
“Three,” Hollie corrected.
Joe wagged a finger at her. “I know you haven’t had your lunch.”
“I...”
“The lunch crowd is gone,” Joe said. “Go out and take a breather. Go sit with your mate and your friends.”
“But...”
Joe waved her away. “Maria will be out with your food shortly. Make sure you finish everything on your plate, Hollie,” he ordered.
Hollie laughed. “Yes, boss!”
Hollie went out to the diner and saw Kyle sitting in his usual booth, chatting and laughing with Shane and Ian. She took a moment to admire Kyle’s handsome profile. Her mate was incredibly sexy, and he was sweet, protective and hardworking. She loved him so much and she was so proud to be his mate.
Kyle, Shane and Ian came to Joe’s Diner pretty often. They loved the food, and they liked popping in to chat with Hollie when she wasn’t too busy.
Hollie glanced around the diner and smiled at the regulars. Business was great at Joe’s Diner, and Hollie led a busy, happy and fulfilling life.
Hollie never took her newfound happiness for granted. Every day and everyone she encountered was a blessing to her.
Joe and Maria had been discharged from the hospital after the doctor gave them the all-clear. They had recovered fully and were back at work within a week. The diner was crowded with well-wishers and Hollie kept an eye on Joe to make sure that he didn’t overwork himself.
Hollie smiled when she saw Shane and Ian enthusiastically waving her over. “Join us for lunch, Hollie!” Ian said, grinning. Hollie grinned back. She was really happy to see them too. Shane and Ian were like brothers to her. They were caring and protective, and they were great fun to be around.
Kyle stood up and gave her a kiss on the cheek. Without hesitation, Hollie pulled him to her and kissed him full on the mouth.
Both Shane and Ian hooted and clapped in approval.
“Wow,” Kyle said when she released him. She gazed at him and saw so much love, pride and joy in his eyes.
“Yeah,” Hollie breathed. “Wow.”
She smiled and repeated softly to herself, “Wow.”
That single word described her life so perfectly.
It was wow, just wow.
* * * * *
End