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“Perfect. Should we ask what they want?”

Tommy shakes his head. “I’ve got their favorites down, so we’ll get a slice of chocolate cake and a slice of apple pie with caramel drizzle.”

I just smile and hold his hand as he pulls out of the lot. Of course he knows their favorite desserts. He’s the kind of guy that remembers the little things that can make a big difference in someone’s day.

Right now, I don’t know how I could love him more.

Chapter 54: Tommy

Maybel’s is more of a bar than a restaurant, but walking in while holding Sam’s hand feels like we’re at a five-star place with a private chef. There’s one table in the far corner with a white tablecloth, a single rose, and a little sign that says “reserved” just like Keith said.

“Is this for us?” Sam asks.

“I might know a few people who work here,” I reply, pulling out a chair for her so she can see the rest of the bar if she’d like. I’ll only be looking at her so it doesn’t matter which one I take.

“Thank you,” she says, looking around for a moment before leaning her purse against the wall next to her chair so no one can trip on it.

“If you’ll give me a minute, I have something to get at the bar.”

“Okay, I’ll go check my lipstick to make sure I’m still wearing some after greeting you.”

I flash her a full smile, kiss her cheek, and walk over to the bar where Elliot is working tonight. There are a handful of people ordering so I wait as patiently as possible to catch his attention. I just want tonight to be perfect for Sam.

It’s not like this is the first time she’s been out to eat in town, let alone here at Maybel’s. We’ve already been here the night of Sharon’s presentation. But I want her to see how much she means to me and what this town has to offer someone who is used to a big city. I don’t want her to feel stuck or trapped here like our mom. I don’t want her to think there aren’t hidden perks to everyone knowing each other, even if most of what’s here is casual. She didn’t actually grow up with cotillions, but she’s used to having plenty of restaurants to choose from, versus two main ones that are bars plus one cafe.

A hand removes my Stetson and I hold still for a moment. Is Samantha wearing my hat in front of everyone here? Does she remember what it means? I catch Elliot’s confused look at Sam right before I turn around, which doesn’t make much sense.

Except, when I turn, it’s not Samantha Davies wearing my hat…

It’s Maisy Jones.

Sam

Oh seriously, my heart is so fluttery that my brain has apparently stopped working because I get to the bathroom only to realize I didn’t bring my purse which has my lipstick in it. And I could use a touch up because half of it seems to be missing from my lips. Rolling my eyes at my forgetfulness, I push the door open and cross over to our adorable little table.

It’s really the sweetest thing. Whenever it was set up, they pushed the closest tables a little farther away. They must host fancier events than I was led to believe because the cloth is commercial grade and silky and while the rose in the mini vase is real, there are fabric rose petals carefully dropped around it. From what their website and Hank have said, they do great wings and pizza for large crowds.

Once I grab my purse, I push in my chair and look for Tommy’s white hat at the bar. His back should be to me so if I’m lucky, I’ll get another peek at his butt in these pants.

Huh, I don’t see it.

I take my first step back to the bathrooms when something white catches my eye. Smiling, I turn to see him for a second.

But it doesn’t make sense.

Tommy’s at the far end of the bar, so I can’t see his butt because he’s leaning against the bar itself. And he’s facing a gorgeous, short, curvy woman wearing his hat.

What on earth?

He said that wearing a cowboy’s hat was a signal to everyone that you’re riding the cowboy and that it’s a big deal to do that. Is this a cousin I haven’t heard about? I know I haven’t met everyone in this town enough times to memorize their names and faces, but I can’t place her at any events or even the grocery store. But she looks a little familiar.

And then my eyes are drawn to something shiny as she swings her purse. It's completely bedazzled. It’s the woman from the office who acted oddly while asking for a printout of the upcoming events.

Oh my God. Her name was Maisy.

I’m looking at Tommy’s Maisy.

No, I’m looking at Tommy’s Maisy wearing his hat in the middle of a bar.