Molly paid Jason for the car repairs, and he handed her the keys. “Here you go, ma’am. It’s all ready to go for you. We even cleaned it up good.”

“Thank you. I appreciate everything, especially keeping the car here for a couple weeks until I could afford to fix it.”

“No problem,” the mechanic said. “Happy to help you out.”

“You did. Definitely,” Molly said. “So, she’ll get me all the way to Virginia, now?” That was the main concern. Molly didn’t expect the old car to last much longer, but it had to get her to Chesapeake. She’d called Dustin’s parents the night before, and had a pleasant and productive conversation with them. They were expecting her, and she was anxious to get there. Even if it did mean leaving the Happy Endings Resort, and all of her new friends, behind.

Jason nodded. “And then some. She’ll be good for a while yet.”

It was hard to believe, but when they’d bought the car, used, right after they were married, Dustin had assured Molly they’d have a lot of good years with it. It turns out she got more years with the car than she did with Dustin.

Keys in hand, Molly walked out of body shop office in the direction of where her Nellie sat in the parking lot. Dak stood beside the car.

“They even washed her,” he said. “She looks good as new.”

Molly chuckled. “I wouldn’t go quite that far, but Jason assures me she’ll get to Virginia with no problem.”

Dak nodded. “Yeah, and they do excellent work here.” He opened the door to his own car. “I’ll meet you over at the café.”

“You got it.” It was her last night town, and she’d promised Kelly and Trish that she’d be at the restaurant for dinner.

When she got inside her car and turned the key, Molly couldn’t believe how easily the engine roared to life. “Good girl,” she praised, easing the car out of the parking lot.

She followed Dak the short distance to the restaurant, wondering what she’d find when she got there. Hopefully it wouldn’t be a huge crowd of people from the campground, because Molly didn’t think she could handle that. She didn’t want a big production, or any messy goodbyes. She just wanted to have a nice meal with Dak, get a little bit of rest, and be on the road the next morning. Julie had agreed to watch Timmy for one last time.

As they were seated, Molly remarked, “I was afraid you might try to throw a surprise party or something. I’m so glad you didn’t.”

He smiled and shook his head. “No. I knew you didn’t want that, and to be honest, neither do I. I want you to myself tonight.”

A couple weeks ago, those words would have made Molly uncomfortable, but not anymore. She knew she could trust Dak to be a total gentleman. She also had a strong hunch that even though this was goodbye, that it wouldn’t be the last time she saw him, and she was okay with that. In fact, she hoped it wasn’t. He must’ve had the same thought, because he hadn’t even tried to persuade her to stay longer.

“I wonder if I should be disappointed,” she remarked as they ate. Her meatloaf and garlic mashed potatoes were delicious, leaving Molly with little doubt that the Happy Days Café would be just fine without her, even if Kelly insisted she would be missed.

Dak finished chewing before he replied, “Why is that?” He frowned. “Don’t tell me you did want me to throw a big party.”

Molly was quick to shake her head. “No, definitely not. I did think you might try to talk me out of leaving, though.”

Dak took another bite of his steak sandwich and washed it down with a swallow of beer. “No. I want to, but that would be selfish,” he said. “I know this is something you need to do for yourself, and for your son.”

“I do, yes.” Starting over on her own would be difficult, and even though she’d done okay here for a few weeks, and she was grateful for the friendships, it would be better to have family around. “And Timmy’s anxious to see his grandparents.”

Dak smiled. “I know. It’s all he was talking about earlier. They must be close.”

Molly nodded. “Yeah.” It was why, despite the differences she’d had with Dustin’s parents, their house became her destination when she left J.D., and it was her destination now. She’d just taken a short detour.

“Do you know much longer you’re staying at Happy Endings?” she asked Dak.

“Not really. I should stay until I get the book done, which will probably be a few more days, maybe a week.” He gave a shrug. “We’ll see.”

“At least you won’t have me around to distract you anymore,” Molly said. “You’ll probably get a lot more work done.”

Before Dak could reply, Kelly walked over to their table. “I hope you two are ready for dessert,” she said. “It’s on the house.”

“Sure. Do you have any more of that key lime pie left?” Molly asked.

“The one you made?” Kelly shook her head. “Nope. Trace finished that off last night.”

“Ah, your handsome cop.” Molly chuckled. “I hope it did at least land you a date with him.”

“Damn straight. Tomorrow night, as soon as he gets off work.” Kelly grinned. “He says he’s even going to take me to a fancy restaurant. Imagine that!”

“Wow. Good for you,” Molly said. “I’m glad my pie was helpful.” She owed a lot to Kelly, and hoped perhaps her date with the handsome police officer would lead to more.

“Me too. Oh, and Trace wanted me to tell you that the loser who was messing with you the other day got bonded out of jail this morning,” Kelly said. “Not before some harsh words from the judge, though, about causing trouble here. I don’t think you’ll hear from him again.”

“I don’t either,” Molly said, and it had nothing to do with the lecture from the judge. “If I do, though, I can handle it.”

“Sure you can, especially if you keep this guy around.” Kelly nodded toward Dak before giving Molly a wink. “Anyway, let me grow grab you a couple slices of apple pie. I’ll even put ice cream on top.”