“Pinch me,” Blayne demanded as she went over her inventory list of party rentals one more time the day before the gala. She anticipated the coming sting like a masochist, yearning for the pleasure-pain validation that this moment was actually real.

She’d done it.

Well, she and Jamie. A thank you to Ryker was on tap, but she didn’t want to make his head any bigger than it already was with Larkin by his side and a house full of people as witnesses.

“Larkin.” Snapping her fingers in quick succession, Blayne refused to stop until she had her attention.

The bright green gaze of her well-beyond pregnant friend drifted to hers in a lazy haze of love and possibility. “What? I’m sorry. I was—

“Daydreaming?” Blayne said. “Yeah, I can see that.” She grabbed Larkin’s arm and gave a small shake. “I said, pinch me.”

Larkin blinked. “I certainly didn’t think you were serious.”

“Well, I am.” Blayne shoved her forearm under Larkin’s perky little nose.

“I am not going to pinch you.”

“Oh, for fuck’s sake. Don’t be ridiculous and pinch me.”

Heat flared in Larkin’s eyes and she grabbed a chunk of skin and squeezed.

“Ouch!” She yanked her arm away, rubbing the spot with a grin on her face. “Thank you.”

Larkin returned the smile but shook her head. “I may never completely understand you.”

“Ha, yes you do. Which is why you’re worried.” Adjusting her clipboard in her arm, she balanced a few boxes in the other and walked them to the front room of the Cape house, Puzzle weaving his furry little body around her legs as she went. The cat really seemed to thrive with all the different people coming in and out of the house.

She couldn’t believe the transformation of the bold, almost gothic color scheme from Maxine’s home into the fresh and modern seaside escape surrounding her now. It was just as warm, just as inviting as the home had always been, but a bit more approachable. A crisp and clean amalgamation of nature and industry. The perfect place to create art, hold meetings, give a workshop, or enjoy a holiday get together. A fresh start and a new beginning in a place that already resided in every Cape Van Buren heart.

And she was responsible for the launch. Possibility rushed through her in a wave that left her feeling a bit buzzed and out of breath, better than winning a roller derby jam on the rink.

Setting the boxes down, she spun to Larkin. “Can you believe this is really happening?”

“I never doubted it. Why do you think I wanted you to head this up? I wouldn’t trust anyone else to understand my vision and make it real more than you.” Larkin’s answer was softly spoken, but her eyes held Blayne’s in an iron grip.

Ryker joined them, sliding his arm around Larkin’s very round waist and placing a kiss on her temple. “I completely agree.” His deep voice rumbled, and a smile broke out under dark bushy eyebrows that always seemed furrowed in a scowl. It almost made him look friendly.

Her heart did a little flip-flop of envy as it celebrated in their joy. She, too, had found the love of her life, but not every love was destined for forever. The idea of leaving Jamie behind stole the air from her lungs.

Trying to breathe through the pain, she focused on Larkin. Seeing her loved and cared for gave her such peace. She could go home to her family in Ireland without any worries about her friend. In a moment that seemed impossibly dark, Larkin had found love on the Cape.

With a wink, Blayne couldn’t resist one last chance to tease. “I’ve even picked out the perfect pair of skates for tomorrow night.”

The grin left Ryker’s face so fast that both women giggled. On a sigh, he grabbed a stack of dish towels off the sofa. “Don’t you dare. All we need is you to break something…or someone.” He gave her a pointed look.

“Oh, please. Tell me you’re worried about Jamie, and I’ll know you’re lying. By the way. Are those towels going in the kitchen?”

He glanced at the load in his arms. “Yes. Why? We agreed on white. I have all the cupboards loaded with dishes, utensils, platters, and an assortment of other serving ware. We’ve also stocked paper products and snacks. The community kitchen will be in full working order.”

She just wanted to hear him say it. “Don’t forget, as you get the programs up and running, you’ll need to approach Janice about the community gardens and farm-to-table initiative we’re thinking about.”

He dipped his chin. “We will. What about Claire? Have you spoken to her about any of the art classes?”

Larkin and Blayne exchanged glances. “We’re easing into it,” Larkin said.

Ryker tilted his head. “Why? What’s the problem?”

Blayne peeked past him to make sure they wouldn’t be overheard. “She’s been a bit too eager and bright with, well, everything. The baby, the community center. She planned the baby shower down to every last baby’s breath in the centerpieces.”

“So…again, what’s the problem?”

Larkin slid her arm through her husband’s. “We’re worried that she isn’t really dealing with everything that’s happened. That she’s hiding behind all the work and the excitement to avoid how hard it really must be to see us married…and pregnant after…well, you know. She swears she’s fine, but…” Her voice trailed off.

“Maybe the work is just what she needs.” Lifting the stack higher against his chest, he added, “Tell me if I can do anything else to help. And, Blayne?”

Opening the boxes she’d brought in from the other room, she turned. “Yeah?”

Ryker looked through the large front windows toward the lawn and circular drive. The fountain was in perfect working order and white globe lights were strung like a canopy across the lawn toward the sea of wild blueberries.

As he turned to her, she smiled, awaiting the words of praise for the incredible transformation the cape was going through for the gala.

“I told you so,” he quipped.

She watched his retreating back, then stepped forward. “Why that…”

Larkin grabbed her arm. “He’s right, and you know it. You and Jamie are better together.”

Blayne’s reflexive posturing of self-righteous indignation melted as soon as it started and was replaced with a swirling, bittersweet warmth radiating from deep within her soul. Jamie did make her better, and she liked to think she made him better, too.

Nope, scratch that. She absolutely made him better.

With a wink, she grabbed Larkin’s hand. “Come on. I want to show you something.”

The low din coming from the kitchen suddenly went quiet.

“Maxine!”

Judge Carter’s booming voice carried in as if from a loudspeaker.

Larkin’s eyes grew wide with concern. “Oh no.”

Blayne followed Larkin into the kitchen that was already packed with what seemed like half of Cape Van Buren. With all the renovations, they’d left the kitchen virtually unchanged with its white tin ceiling that mirrored the huge white granite island. Black cupboards rose from the counter, flanking each side of a large commercial stove, and the black-and-white checkered tile floor wrapped it all together. She’d always loved this room.

Maxine stood frozen, taking money from Shelly Anne’s outstretched hand. And in the Flat Iron Coffeehouse owner’s other arm were two cobalt blue jars of moonshine.

“Shit,” Larkin whispered, grabbing Blayne.

“It’ll be okay. Don’t worry,” She assured her. And it would be as long as Judge Carter backed off immediately. But he had another think coming if he thought to showdown with his lady love in front of a crowd.

“Don’t you dare use that tone with me, Theodore Carter.” Maxine wouldn’t accept that from anyone, not Ryker, not Stuart, her deceased husband, and certainly not the judge. No matter how much she loved him, Maxine had fallen into her own woman a long time ago. It was something Blayne had learned from her since moving to the Cape and strived to achieve every day. She was both in awe of and terrified of the woman.

As the judge should be.

Jamie came whistling in through the front door then strolled on into the kitchen while texting on his phone.

“Jamie!” Blayne’s whisper was more desperate than quiet and could be heard throughout the kitchen, but not a soul looked their way. All eyes were on Maxine.

She was splendid in a white shirt with a popped collar that met the sharp edge of her shiny silver hair. Her cut was blunt, longer in the front and shorter in the back, and today was set off by a pair of gorgeous silver hoops. With groomed, arched brows and a bright red lip, Maxine looked like she’d just finished lunching with Raquel Welch rather than boot-legging her moonshine.

Judge Carter drew his bushy brows together and slapped his hat upon the island top. “I knew you were still up to your tricks. It has to stop now. I cannot be married to a woman who breaks the law as casually as Mitch Brennan picks up women.”

Mitch’s head snapped up from the string of lights he was testing. “Hey!”

His mother slapped him on the arm.

Claire joined Blayne and Larkin, mumbling, “He’s not lying.”

Jamie stepped close to Blayne, his heat enveloping her like a safety net. “What’s going on?”

“Moonshine.”

Jamie’s grin dropped. “Aw, hell.”

“Exactly.”

Maxine winced. Nothing very apparent, but Blayne saw it. With her painted lips in a thin line, she rolled up the bills. Then, while defiantly holding the judge’s gaze, opened her clutch and dropped them in. “Then it seems your social calendar has just opened up, Judge Carter. The wedding is off.”

Larkin gasped in unison with a low expletive from Ryker. He stepped between the judge and Maxine. “Grandmother, now wait just a second.”

“No, Ryker. I don’t think I will.” She tucked her clutch under her arm. “No one tells me what to do.” She walked toward the front door but stopped in front of Blayne. “I’ll be here tomorrow, but you can cancel my plus one.”

Blayne grimaced. There were no reservations to begin with. But when Maxine wanted to make a point, she’d make a point.

The front door slammed, leaving the house in an awkward silence.

Jamie stepped up to Shelly Anne and tapped one of the jars in her arms. “Now it’s a party.”

“Jay, now’s not the time,” Judge Carter snapped.

Jamie chuckled. “Sorry, Judge, but Maxine’s moonshine is the finest kind. It’s always the time.”

The love of her life was sorely forgetting he wouldn’t be getting any in the near future. He’d had one job as far as Maxine was concerned. Blayne sighed. Now he’d be expecting her to share.

Not bleedin’ likely.

Shelly Anne raised her brows, then moved toward the sliding doors. “Anyway, I’ll be going now. Needed at the shop.” She found Blayne’s gaze in the crowd. “I have everything ready for the coffee tomorrow so don’t fret.”

Snapping to attention, Blayne stepped into action. The judge looked like he was in a state of shock and the best thing she could do for the poor guy was to get him out of the spotlight.

“Great. Thanks, Shelly Anne.” She clapped. “Alright, there’s nothing to see here. Mitch, finish hanging the lights. Miss Janice, the rest of the flowers for the arrangements are in the honey room, and, Jamie, you need to tell me what’s going on with that eyesore of a tarp in the side lawn.”

With a worried look at Larkin, Jamie nudged Ryker. The tarp was over Archer’s wishing well. That thing had been the center of Larkin’s life back when Ryker was thinking of parceling off the land. The boys had promised they’d have the sod replaced and everything completely taken care of by the gala.

“Yeah. We’ve got it covered,” Jamie said.

“I can see that. I’m hoping you won’t by tomorrow.” What was wrong with him? They could not leave it like that for the party.

Ryker swung his arm around Blayne and guided her away from Larkin. In a low voice, he said, “We’re taking care of it.”

“By tomorrow, it’ll be pristine.”

She gave him a solid side-eye. “It better be.” She tried not to let it bother her, but she’d asked him to take care of it weeks ago. Shaking the disappointment away, she nodded. “I mean…okay.” It was time to fight against her knee-jerk reactions of irritation with him. So much of that stuck around from when he’d left and was no longer fair.

She couldn’t look away from his intense gaze, and he took it as an invitation. Stepping close, he placed held her hips.

Ryker saluted. “I’m out. Going to check the beehives.”

With a chuckle, Jamie placed a warm kiss on her mouth, lingering against her bottom lip. Her heart fluttered opened a bit more, and she had to fight the sigh of contentment that wanted to escape.

“What are we going to do about the judge and Maxine?” she asked him.

He shrugged. “We can’t fix it. Only they can. I’m more worried about me in this instance.”

She worried her lip, giving him a nudge. “I can’t believe Judge called her out like that. I mean…”

“Can you blame him?” He tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “He’s a judge. There’s no integrity in breaking the law. It’s like she’s laughing at his life’s work.”

She tensed, feeling a bit of an itch hearing a woman she admired being spoken of in anything but admiration.

“Don’t pull away.” Jamie tightened his grip. “Look, it was a fair assessment of me when I’d left you, and I’ve been trying to make it right. And it’s fair for the judge to feel the disappointment…even with Maxine.”

He was right. And she decidedly did not like how it felt. Maxine was treading a bit on the judge’s life’s work, whether she saw it that way or not.

Relaxing into Jamie’s arms, she looked up at him with a bit of a frown. “I’m not sure if I like this new, thought-provoking side of you.”

His grin was swift, and she felt it clear to her toes. He stole a kiss. “Yes, you do. I’ve been working hard to change so I don’t make the same mistakes again. So I don’t hurt you. Honor is my new middle name.”

Blayne’s laugh was strained. He’d worked too hard to change, to be a man she could love. And he’d accomplished it. Deep down, she knew she’d never stopped.

But her return home was imminent. Too important to change over the chance at love. Not when that love had hurt her once already.

They just needed a chance to sit down and work it all out. After the gala, they’d make a plan.

“Seriously, though.” He held her tighter. “I think we have a real chance to make our future really special.” He glanced around the kitchen. “Look at what we’ve done together.”

She shook her head with a feeling of awe, replaying the scene of when she ran into him and fell ass-over-end his first day in town. They’d come a long way in a short time. She’d never imagined anything like it. “You’re right…again. I want to resist, I want to fall into my old patterns and argue, but the truth is all around us, isn’t it?”

And it was. From everything she’d heard from Emma, her father seemed detached from the relationship she thought they’d had. It killed her, and as Jamie had worked so hard for her, she needed to do the same for her da. Her regret caused an ache unlike anything else. She’d always been her daddy’s little girl.

Resting her cheek against Jamie’s chest, she concentrated on the steady beat of his heart, wanting to remember the sound, allowing it to ease the sorrow of her own. Yesterday was lost to change, but the possibility of tomorrow opened with endless options.

If only the timing was different.

Everything she wanted was right here. Working for the center, her friendship with Larkin, and just maybe, a future with the only man she’d ever loved.

She hated to admit to being afraid of anything, but she also hated being fake. The truth was, she wanted a future with Jamie so much she was terrified stepping toward it for fear of losing him again.

Picking herself up once had been a hard-fought battle of wills and survival in a country of strangers. Having to do it again…

She couldn’t even finish the thought.

She loved Jamie. The words were wrapped tight in her bruised and tender heart, but they were there if she let herself really listen.

But it was time to quit putting herself first. That’s what had hurt the people she loved from the beginning. Her da deserved so much more than she’d given him.

Turning her face into Jamie’s neck, aching from the impossibility of the situation, she whispered, “You and I make each other better.”

And with the acceptance of those words, her heart fluttered in eager and ecstatic anticipation for the man she was afraid she could never have.