Page 98 of Hero Mine

Another item to add to the growing list of strange thefts around town. Another thing that made no sense to steal.

“You look like you’re ready to throw down with someone,” Hudson observed. “This is supposed to be a celebration.”

Bear forced his shoulders to relax. “Just thinking about the break-in at the storage garage.”

“Joy’s ladder?” Hudson shook his head. “Weird shit. You talk to Callum about it?”

“Added it to the list of stuff.” Bear’s gaze swept the crowd again. “Joy took it in stride, thankfully.”

Joy had definitely been more annoyed than frightened when they’d discovered the missing ladder. She’d rolled her eyes then immediately jumped into final prep for today’s launch rather than fixating on the theft.

Bear pushed off from his truck as he spotted Mrs. Fuller making a beeline toward him, determination written across her weathered face.

“There you are.” She patted his arm with a familiar affection that came from having known him since birth. “I need to thank you properly.”

“For what, Mrs. Fuller?”

“For finally making an honest woman of Joy Davis.” Her eyes twinkled. “You two have been dancing around each other for years. Word is you’re officially a couple now.”

Bear felt a slow smile spread across his face. “That’s right.”

“Good. It’s about time.” She squeezed his arm. “That girl finally returned my casserole dish, too. Must be your influence.”

“I take full credit,” he said with a wink.

Mrs. Fuller’s gaze shifted toward the food truck. “Those little pastry things with the lavender are divine. Absolutely divine. And to think, our Joy made them—the same girl who used to put frogs in my mailbox.”

Bear chuckled. “People change.”

“Some parts do.” Mrs. Fuller’s eyes were knowing. “The important parts stay the same.”

She patted his arm once more before wandering off toward a group of her friends. Bear watched her go, turning her words over in his mind.The important parts stay the same.It was true of Joy—her fire, her determination, her heart. The trauma had changed her, but those essential qualities remained.

The good thought was destroyed by the sight of Daniel on the other side of Main Street.

“Still think he’s the burglar?” Callum’s voice came from behind him.

Bear turned. “Just keeping an eye out.”

“He checks out, you know. Background’s clean. He’s some sort of freelance writer.”

“Doesn’t mean he’s not our guy.” Bear’s eyes narrowed. “Think I’ll have a chat with him.”

Callum shrugged. “Your call. But maybe wait until after you’ve tried those cinnamon roll things Joy made. They’re worth focusing on.”

Bear clapped him on the shoulder before heading toward Daniel, weaving through the crowd with determined strides. The man straightened as Bear approached, his expression shifting to something more guarded.

“Morning,” Bear greeted, keeping his tone neutral. “Enjoying the food?”

Daniel lifted his cup. “Good coffee. Haven’t tried the food yet.”

“You should. Joy’s an amazing cook.”

“So everyone keeps saying.” Daniel glanced toward the truck. “Quite the turnout for her.”

“Oak Creek takes care of its own.” Bear studied the man’s face. “You’ve been in town a while for someone who’s just passing through.”

Something flickered in Daniel’s eyes—too quick to identify. “I like the hiking trails. Thought I might stay a bit longer. Nice talking to you.”