Page 35 of By Any Beans Necessary

"Just thinking about how lucky I am," he admitted, his voice barely penetrating the noise of the diner.

"Good answer," she smiled, raising her milkshake for a clink against his. "To us, to our town, to successes, and to whatever crazy idea we both come up with next."

"Whatever it is, I know we'll be right there making it happen together," Jeff said, and he meant every word.

"Always," Michelle affirmed, and they sealed their pact with a sip and an exchange of knowing glances—a silent promise to share the rest of their lives together.

An hour later, the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in streaks of orange and purple as Jeff and Michelle meandered down Main Street after their celebratory dinner. Winston trotted alongside, his tail wagging contentedly.

"Race you to the Coffee Loft," Michelle teased, a twinkle in her eye that matched the first stars appearing above.

"Ha, with Winston here? You don't stand a chance," Jeff laughed. He took off anyway, his K9 partner bounding ahead as if in on the joke, barking joyously.

Michelle sprinted after them, her laughter trailing like music through the quieting town. They arrived at the Coffee Loft, breathless, with Michelle playfully accusing Winston of being a traitor for not tripping Jeff up.

"Traitor? Hardly. He's the best wingman ever. He was the one who ended up getting us to talk again." Jeff grinned, ruffling the German shepherd's fur.

Winston responded with an affectionate nuzzle against Jeff's hand, his loyalty unquestionable.

"I suppose you're right," Michelle said with a nod. "Come on, let's sit." She motioned toward the bench outside her shop, still catching her breath.

They settled side by side, the evening's cool breeze whispering secrets only they could hear. Winston lay at their feet, a guardian of their shared solitude.

"Remember when this was all just a 'what if'?" Michelle mused, resting her head on Jeff's shoulder.

"Feels like a lifetime ago." Jeff's arm wrapped around her, pulling her close. "But I knew we'd make it."

"Confident, weren't you?" She raised an eyebrow, playful accusation lacing her tone.

"Only because I had you." He kissed the top of her head, the scent of her lavender shampoo mingling with the fresh night air.

"Sweet talker." She leaned into him, her sigh content. "So, what's next for us?"

"More of the same," Jeff decided. "Love, laughter...maybe a dog or two more?"

"Or three?" Michelle countered, her voice brimming with hope.

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves," he chuckled. "One step at a time."

"Agreed," she said. "But whatever steps they are, we'll take them together."

"Absolutely." Jeff squeezed her hand, a silent vow. "Together."

"Forever," she whispered back, sealing their unspoken promise.

"I love you, Michelle Kenney," he told her as he leaned over and placed a tender kiss on her lips.

The kiss lingered, soft and full of promise, before they finally pulled away, both smiling at each other in the dimming light.Winston, sensing their contentment, let out a soft whine and rested his head on his paws.

"And I love you, too, Jeff Parker," Michelle replied with a soft smile. She leaned her head back on his shoulder, the simple gesture making his heart swell with love for this woman who had become his rock, his partner, his best friend.

As the last light of day faded, leaving them in the soft glow of The Coffee Loft's sign, Jeff knew this was just the beginning. Together, they would face tomorrow and all the tomorrows after that, and he wouldn't have it any other way.

THE END