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“I’m just overwhelmed,” I answer.

The truth is, the closer it comes to Jack and Denise’s date, the more tension coils in my chest. I planned this date, yes, but thinking about Jack sitting at the table with Denise puts me on edge for some reason. I know I’m acting crazy, but I can’t help it.

“I’ve never seen you like this,” Emma complains. “But you’ve been so pensive since Jack came into town. If there’s something bothering you, you can confide in me.”

I suddenly understand how my friends and family feel whenever I meddle in their affairs. I’m a little frustrated that I’m trying to hide my emotions, but Emma is insisting.

Before I can respond, the bell over the door rings, signaling someone’s entry. I quickly turn, eager to get away from Emma. But the person who steps through the door shocks me more, and my heart does a strange flip in my chest.

Standing in the doorway, smiling like he’s never been away, is Ryan.

I blink and feel Emma freeze beside me. No!

Ryan—my high school sweetheart, the boy who promised me forever, the one I watched walk out of my life all those years ago. His smile is just as I remember—warm and easy, the kind of smile that made me feel safe and like everything would be okay.

My breath catches in my throat. It’s been seven years since he left town, since he chose the city over me. And here he is. Back.

Emma immediately lights up. “Ryan!” she calls, her voice full of excitement. She practically jumps over the counter, enveloping him in a hug like no time has passed.

“My goodness. I haven’t seen you in forever.”

“Seven years,” he laughs, his gaze finding mine.

I stand frozen, my heart in my throat, watching them.Ryan’s back?

He steps toward me, and I can’t help the wave of emotions that rush over me. It’s him. I feel like I’m still that seventeen-year-old girl eager for his attention. But we’ve both changed.

“Look at you,” he says with a grin, pulling me into a hug, just like old times. It’s like no years have passed. But they have. So many things have happened since he walked out of my life.

“Hi, Ryan,” I manage to say, pulling away but keeping my hands on his arms. I smile. There’s really no bad blood between us, just painful memories. “It’s good to see you.”

“Yeah, you too,” he says, his voice soft. “I’ve been meaning to come back. Needed a change. Figured it was time.”

I take a step back, still unsure how to process his sudden reappearance. “What brings you back to Bardstown? I thought you were building your career in the city?”

Ryan nods, running a hand through his hair. “I’m moving my private dental practice here. Figured it’s a good place to settle down. I missed the peace of the town. It’s a good change.”

The words feel like a punch to the gut. He’s moving back? After all these years, he’s here. In this small town, where I’ve spent the last seven years building a life without him. I didn’t expect this.

Emma grins, clearly thrilled. “You’re moving back for good?” she asks, her eyes shining with curiosity.

Ryan shrugs casually, his hands in his pockets. “Yeah, for good this time.”

I swallow hard, trying to keep my composure. “That’s… that’s great, Ryan.”

I smile again, though this time it feels strained. I’m in a great place now, and I’m okay with Ryan, but to constantly see him around and share the same world with him? I don’t know.

“Well,” he says, glancing at both of us, “I just wanted to stop by and let you know I’m back.” He looks at me again, and a flicker of something in his eyes makes my heart skip. “I’ll be around.”

With a final nod, Ryan turns and heads toward the door. Emma waves, calling after him, “We should grab dinner soon!”

He turns back with a smile. “Definitely. Take care, Mia.”

And just like that, he’s gone. The door chimes softly behind him.

I stand there, unsure of what to feel. Ryan’s back.

It takes a moment for Emma to speak, but when she does, it’s with an air of excitement. “Well, that was unexpected!” she says, her eyes gleaming. “How do you feel about that, Mia?”