Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 81986 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 410(@200wpm)___ 328(@250wpm)___ 273(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 81986 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 410(@200wpm)___ 328(@250wpm)___ 273(@300wpm)
“And a family,” I said softly, so overwhelmed I could scarcely get a word out. But Mitzi had nailed it. My kids. And they were also family to each other. In fact, this whole event had the feel of a giant family reunion, complete with dozens of selfies, back-slapping hugs, and people promising to keep in better touch. “But I didn’t do this alone.”
“Sure, you had help. You’re the one who tells the rest of us that everyone needs a team and no one should go it alone. But you’re the engine behind so much good. Without you, this place doesn’t exist.” Worth crouched in front of me to hold my hands, apparently not caring one bit who saw or had an opinion.
“I’m not sure I deserve…” I trailed off. I sounded exactly like Worth, and not surprisingly, he leveled a pointed stare at me.
“You’ve spent weeks telling me what I deserve, and you’re going to try to say you don’t deserve all these people supporting you?”
“Um. No. Guess not.” Continuing to feel like I might crumble like a day-old scone, I offered a tight smile. “It feels strange, though, being the recipient of so many nice gestures all at once.”
“Join the club.” Worth rolled his eyes at me. He wasn’t wrong. I was being ridiculous. However, I’d never seen myself in this light before. It was strange and more than a little jarring. But there was also Worth, keeping me centered, holding my hands when I would have shattered. “Like you keep insisting to me, you’re worthy.”
“I am.” I had to smile at the pun before I sighed. “I can’t help but feel I brought some of this on myself with poor record keeping and whatnot.”
“Why do you demand grace for everyone except yourself?” Worth made a frustrated noise. “You don’t have to be perfect.”
“You’re perfect as you are.” My father, trailed closely by my mom, stepped next to Worth. My parents held steaming cups of coffee and wore red-and-white SOS shirts with Blessed Bean’s logo underneath. “Imperfectly perfect.”
Unsure whether to laugh or weep, I settled for an unsteady chuckle. “No fair joining forces.”
“You’re perfect, and we love you,” my mom signed. She paused for Dad to translate for others listening, then added, “We’re all Team Sam.”
“Team Blessed Bean,” I corrected, pointing at their shirts.
“No, Team You.” Worth shook my hands gently. “Team Sam.”
“To Sam.” A giant cheer went up that echoed throughout the building, then carried onto the patio. I was humbled to my very core. And Worth was right. I talked so much about what others deserved and their value, and I seldom stopped to consider my own. To Sam. Apparently, this was one of those golden days. I’d won Worth Stapleton and the heart of an entire town, and my coffee shop would live to fight another day.
Dropping Worth’s hands, I stood and brushed off my jeans. “Well, I guess there’s only one thing left to do.”
“Make some coffee?” Worth beamed at me.
“Make some coffee.” I nodded. And maybe I didn’t quite believe all the wonderful things everyone kept saying about me, but this I could do. I could serve the people I loved, all of them here together, and that was a pretty brilliant start, especially with Worth by my side.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Worth
A little before noon, the crowd finally thinned to manageable proportions. We’d had a surplus of baristas all morning, and now that the long line had been handled, an efficient crew was cleaning and restocking, leaving me at loose ends. Sam was talking with a group of his former baristas, and I didn’t want to intrude on their reunion time.
However, I did have one piece of unfinished business. Over by the front window, Monroe and Holden sat at Holden’s usual table with empty cups in front of them. Their respective partners were nowhere to be seen. This was a chance that might not come again, so I quickly made two cold brews to their usual preferences and carried them over.
“Need a refill?”
“Sure.” Monroe’s expression was wary. “I hear you might be sticking around.”
“I’m planning to. Sam…” Licking my suddenly parched lips, I made a vague gesture. “We’re in love.”
“I noticed. Congrats.” Monroe kept his tone level.
“Happy for you.” Holden also seemed cautious, further evidence of how much I’d hurt two of my oldest friends. “So, love means you’re staying?”
I shrugged like it hadn’t been the most agonizing choice of my life. “Sam loves Safe Harbor, and Safe Harbor loves him right back.”
“They love you too, Worth. We all do.” Holden gestured for me to take one of the empty chairs at their table. I gratefully took a seat. Better to hide my trembling hands and jelly-like knees.
“I…I’m not going to say I know everyone loves me too because I don’t. But I’m working on letting myself see kindness and affection from others.” I took a deep breath. Time to say what I’d come to say. “And I’ve been kind of a crap friend since coming back. I’d like to apologize.”