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“I’m sure she would like that.” Their eyes met. Harlow’s heart hammered so loudly she was sure he could hear it. “By the way, congrats on being promoted to fire chief.”

“Thanks. Congrats to you on making it to megastardom.”

“It’s not all it’s cracked up to be.”

“I bet.” Caleb shifted his feet. “I’m not sure I would like to have every move I made photographed and broadcast to the entire world.”

“My career has some challenges,” Harlow admitted. “I guess the same could be said for every career, even yours.”

“Very true.”

Birdie hurried out of the post office. She came to an abrupt halt when she noticed Caleb. “Caleb Jackson.”

“Hey, Aunt Birdie.” He kissed her cheek. “You’re looking as stunning as ever.”

Birdie tugged on a strand of curly gray hair. “Flattery will get you everywhere,” she joked. “How are your parents?”

“Great. My father is getting ready to retire and pass the plumbing business baton to my brother. I was telling Harlow that I wanted to remind David the city workers will be by to flush out the hydrants Monday morning. I’ll be there, as well.”

“Monday?” Birdie’s eyes lit. “Maybe you could hang around and have lunch with us after you’re done. Harlow could use a friend.”

A mortified Harlow quickly cut her aunt off. “I-I’m sure Caleb has a lot to do. Besides. I have friends. I have Eryn.”

“Who is busy with her job.”

Caleb, sensing Harlow’s discomfort, crossed his arms, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. “Thanks for the invite, Aunt Birdie. I would love to swing by and have lunch. We’re scheduled to be at the inn around eleven or eleven thirty.”

“Which will work out perfectly.” Birdie clapped her hands. “Let’s plan on twelve thirty or one.”

“I thought the water department was in charge of flushing the hydrants,” Harlow interrupted.

“They are. We’ve had a few past issues at your dad’s place. I want to make sure things go smoothly,” Caleb explained.

“This will work out perfectly. Come by David’s cottage around twelve thirty-ish.”

“Sounds good,” he said. “It’s nice seeing you again, Aunt Birdie.”

“Same here, Caleb.” Her aunt waited for him to walk away. “That Caleb Jackson is such a good-looking guy and so sweet. I wonder why you two never got together,” she mused.

“We did. Caleb and I dated until he broke up with me to join the Air Force.”

“Oh…I guess I forgot.” Birdie waved dismissively. “It was so long ago.”

“We both moved on with our lives.”

“You two would’ve made such cute babies,” her aunt sighed. “Instead of being saddled to wretched Robert, you could’ve had a catch like Caleb. I’m sure he’s married.”

“He was. His wife died of cancer.”

“What a shame, about his wife’s death, I mean.”

“It is. I can only imagine what Caleb has gone through. As far as our relationship ending, he chose his path a long time ago.We both did.” Harlow made the statement, but the pitter patter she felt when the man she’d loved with reckless abandon was standing nearby told a different story. “You can host Caleb for lunch. I think I’ll make myself scarce.”

Back home, her aunt insisted on accompanying her to the cottage. They found David watering the flower baskets hanging on the front porch.

“How did it go?”

“My mail is being forwarded until further notice.”