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As Mrs. Bennett recognized Sarah Brandon’s hesitation, she moved in like the protector she was. Charm had always been her innate weapon, and she was never one to shy away from a new challenge. And Matthew’s watchful mother was definitely looking like a challenge.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you both,” she said, holding Mrs. Brandon’s hand. “Sarah, I must say that I find your son to be an absolute delight. The Chief and I had Matthew by our home for dinner, and he was nothing less than a perfect gentleman. We were both very impressed with him. And I know my husband continues to be, now that Matthew’s a member of our police department.”

Praise for Matthew seemed to soften Sarah, and she thanked Katherine’s mother for extending such kind hospitality to their son.

“This was a big move for our Matthew. He’s never lived this far from home, and then with the accident—” Sarah glanced at Katherine as if she regretted bringing up Julia. “Well, anyway, we drove over to check on him and help out with our granddaughter.”

Then Mr. Brandon smiled at Katherine as she held Libby.

“Suffice it to say, we were happy to find out Matthew wasn’t alone,” he added. “If we’d known Katie was helping with Libby and keeping Matthew company, we wouldn’t have worried about him.”

Ginny glanced at Katherine, fighting hard to hide her astonishment. Her expression seemed to sayI’ll be getting all the details from you later, young lady.

For now, Ginny turned to the Brandons with a pleasant grin and boasted, “Yes, well, we raised our girls to treat friends like family. And family always helps family.”

With her mother laying on the charm pretty thick, Katherine wondered if there was a way to escape to the sanctuary of her kitchen and leave them there talking. But before she could think of a good enough excuse to disappear, the front door of the diner opened, and Matthew walked in with Justin trailing close behind.

“Mom? Dad?”

Immediately, relief washed over Katherine when she saw Matthew. His timing couldn’t have been better. He was like a knight in shining armor riding in to save the day. Smiling, she admired her handsome hero in his uniform, then, for a second, remembered what he looked like without it.

“Katherine…” her mother whispered, snapping her out of her daydream as Matthew stepped forward to take Libby.

“Da-da!” Libby said, wrapping her arms around his neck.

“You okay?” Matthew asked Katherine under his breath.

“Yes, but I think my mother is on the verge of doing backflips,” Katherine whispered, aware that Ginny was watching them.

“Officer Macomb!” Beth Ann called out, stepping forward to play even more interference for Katherine. “It’s almost time for lunch. How about an ice-cold Coke and a BLT?”

Seeing the Bennetts and Brandons together, Justin let Beth Ann usher him to his favorite booth. “Sir… ma’am…” he said with the tilt of his head, smiling politely as he passed by.

After everyone greeted one another, Matthew turned to his parents. “So, what are you doing here?”

“Your dad and I thought we’d stop by this adorable little diner for an early lunch,” Sarah explained. “And we happened to run into Katie and her mother.”

“Happened to,Mom?” Matthew teased. “Then I guess it’s pretty fortunate you justhappenedto come to Katie’s diner.”

“Yes, it was,” Sarah agreed, turning to Ginny. “Otherwise, we wouldn’t have gotten the chance to meet her mother. Which has been wonderful.”

“Yes, it’s been wonderful meeting you, too,” Ginny agreed. “But I’m sorry, I must be off. I have so many things to do today.”

“You can’t stay for lunch?” Katherine asked, her composure crumbling at the thought of being left to fend for herself.

“I’m afraid not, darling,” she said, giving Katherine a quick hug. “But I’m pleased to see that everything is alright.”

Matthew’s parents looked confused.

“It seems the citizens of Windsong thought something was wrong when Katherine closed the diner early yesterday,” Ginny explained as Mr. and Mrs. Brandon nodded, even though it was obvious they still didn’t understand. “So, imagine my surprise and relief to find out there was nothing worry about, and that she was only helping a friend with his adorable baby girl.”

As Ginny smiled at Libby, Sarah’s brows lifted in curiosity while Matt only smiled his approval at Katherine and his son.

“Mom, before you go, can you at least talk for a second?”

“I’m sorry, darling, but I really can’t right now. I’ll call you later.” Then Ginny added that Matthew should bring Libby and his parents by for dinner. “I’m sure I can throw a little something together.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Bennett,” Matthew said. “We’ll try.”