Page 97 of Hero Mine

“Especially when you’re both trying to be the strong one,” Finn added with the wisdom of decades of marriage. “We both know a little about that too.”

Joy nodded, a small smile playing at her lips. “I need to be better at admitting when I’m struggling. Which is why I also need to tell you…” Her voice dropped, meant only for their table. “I spent the last two nights in the playhouse. After feeling paranoid about being watched. That’s why I got so upset about the break-ins—they confirmed I wasn’t just sliding backward for no reason.”

“I should have told you,” Bear said, guilt washing through him. “I’m going to do better.”

“Me too,” Joy assured him. “I talked to Dr. Diaz today. Made an appointment for tomorrow. I know I need more help than just trying to power through on my own.”

Pride and relief surged through Bear in equal measure. “That’s really good.”

“I think we should give you two some privacy,” Charlie said, standing suddenly. She slid out of the booth and walked over to Bear, pressing a kiss to his temple. “Next Sunday, dinner at our place. And I want to check those scars myself.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

After his parents left, Bear turned to Joy, still holding her hand. “Thank you for telling me about the playhouse. And Dr. Diaz.”

“I want us to be real partners,” she said simply. “That means sharing the hard stuff too, not just the good.”

“I agree.” He lifted her hand to his lips. “No more secrets.”

“Speaking of, I decided to set up Velvet Mornings in the town square tomorrow,” Joy announced, her eyes bright with determination. “Just pull the trigger and do it.”

“Yeah?” Bear asked, pride swelling in his chest.

“It’s time to stop keeping it a secret, stop waiting for the perfect moment.” She smiled, that familiar spark of the old Joy shining through. “Besides, I’ve got pretty amazing support now.”

“The truck is going to be a hit,” Bear assured her, meaning every word.

“I hope so. I already told Hudson I need to cut back my shifts here to focus on it.”

“You’re all in.”

“I am.” She glanced around at the curious onlookers, then laughed. “Um, and apparently, you and I have become a main attraction in here. Everyone is staring.”

“Let them,” Bear said, not caring who saw them. “I’m pretty damn lucky.”

Joy’s expression softened, her fingers intertwining with his. “We both are.”

Chapter28

The next day, Bear leaned against his truck, arms crossed as he surveyed the growing crowd. The entire town seemed to have shown up for Joy’s food truck debut in Oak Creek. Cars lined Main Street, and the grassy area of the town square was filled with folding chairs and picnic blankets, despite the colder weather. Families chatted while children darted between groups, their laughter carrying on the mild autumn breeze.

The light pink truck stood out in the middle of it all. A steady line had formed at the service window, where Joy and Sloane worked in synchronized harmony.

Pride swelled in Bear’s chest as he watched Joy hand a plate to Mrs. Peterson, whose eyes widened at the artful arrangement of French toast and berries. Joy’s smile was genuine—relaxed the way he loved to see her.

“Looks like a success,” Hudson said, materializing beside him with a steaming coffee cup from the truck. “Gotta admit, I was skeptical about fancy brunch, but this is damn good.”

Bear nodded. “She’s killing it.”

“Whole town turned out.” Hudson took a sip of his coffee. “Not bad for one day’s notice.”

“That’s Oak Creek for you.”

The quick turnaround had been a testament to both Joy’s determination and the town’s support. The permits had come through with a single phone call to Callum, who had connections at city hall.

It all would have been perfect if not for the latest theft.

Bear’s jaw tightened at the thought of discovering the missing ladder from Joy’s food truck this morning. It had been propped against the storage garage wall last night, taken off so Joy could finish painting the truck’s trim. By sunrise, it was gone.