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“Yes. Yes, you can.”

Although the puffiness of her eyes and the red hive-like blotches on her face told a different story, Beth Ann actually looked excited.

“Oh my gosh, you gotta go. This is what we’ve been waiting for.”

“We?”

“Yes, we.” Beth Ann took the damp paper towels from Katherine’s hand and dabbed the rest of her face. Then she did a quick check of her mascara before dragging Katherine out of the ladies’ bathroom and toward the front door.

“Bethie… wait!”

“No. Don’t you see that you can’t wait? You’ve gotta go be with that amazing man, fall in love, and get married and have babies. Lots and lots of beautiful babies.”

“I can’t do that.” Katherine freed her wrist from Beth Ann’s grip. “I have to stay and help Zach. We open soon, and none of the morning baking is done.”

Beth Ann looked frenzied as she searched her mind for a solution. “Would you be willing to go once it is done?”

“I don’t know.” Katherine hesitated. “I feel like I’ve been gone too much lately. Besides, I’m supposed to show you guys everything I do in the morning.”

“But we know everything else after that,” Beth Ann explained. “Come on, Katherine, you just have to go!”

Katherine shook her head, trying not to smile at the idea of more time with Matthew. “I can’t leave you.”

“But I’m better now.”

“You were just white as a sheet a few minutes ago.”

“I’m probably just hungry. I didn’t eat much for breakfast, but Zach can make me food. And I promise to eat something good. No junk.”

Katherine wondered how she could walk out on the same Beth Ann who had always been there for her. Always and anytime. Whenever she needed a friend.

“Please stop overthinking it. I promise, there’s nothing wrong.”

“How can that be?You were about to tell me something when you broke down into a million littlepieces,” Katherinereasoned.“Maybe if I knew what you wanted to say, then I’d considerit.”

Beth Ann looked nervous as she swallowed the lump in her throat. “All I wanted to say is that I’m very happy for you, and I’ll be sad not to see you every day. But I’m sure your cookbook and produce business will be a great success.”

“You think so?”

“I do.” Beth Ann nodded. “You deserve to be happy and have a life outside of The Copperwall. Especially if it means you won’t be alone anymore.”

“Aww, Bethie.” Katherine teared up. “You’re such a good friend. Where would I be without you?”

Chapter 26

After plenty of prodding and promises that everything would run smoothly without her, Katherine agreed to leave the diner in the capable hands of Zach and Beth Ann.

Still, walking out before the end of breakfast caused a twinge of anxiety. A year ago, Katherine would’ve been angry at anyone for even suggesting she take a day off.

But today was a very different day. And the thought of more time with Matthew helped her feel at ease with her decision to leave. Also, with his parents returning to Kinsey soon, she thought it would be nice to see them again before they left.

Of course, it would’ve been really nice if Matthew was still sleeping in her bed. But when she got home, he was gone, so she went next door to find him.

“Oh, Katie, I’m sorry, but Matthew isn’t here,” Mrs. Brandon explained after opening the door. “I guess you didn’t hear about the accident.”

“What accident?” Katherine’s chest tightened in fear.

Hearing their conversation, Mr. Brandon came to the front door. “Don’t worry, Katie, Matthew’s fine. But two other officers were involved, so he was asked to go to the scene and help out.”