Page 100 of The Cinnamon Bun Book Store

They leaned against the bar as they waited for the drinks and there were so many things Noah wanted to say that the words all jammed up in his throat. Should he lead with, so I may have accidentally fallen in love with you because you are kind and sweet and beautiful and funny and so freaking perfect for me, and I really hope you could someday love me too, even though I’m basically an irresponsible idiot? Or was that the sort of thing he should build up to? Maybe just, how are you? Or I’ve missed you? Or what are you reading, tell me all about it?

While he was debating with himself on where to begin, Hazel spoke first.

‘I wanted to tell you that I know,’ she said, her cheeks pinkening.

‘Um... What?’She knew?She knew! She knew he was madly in love with her? She didn’t look horrified or disgusted, so that was probably a good start.

‘I mean, I know that it was you and I think it’s really sweet and I’m not sure what else you have planned for tonight, but just know that I really appreciate it and I...’ A wrinkle of worry appeared between her brows right as the realization of what she was saying dawned on Noah. And the expression on his face must have given away just how confused he was.

Hazel’s face fell. ‘Shit. I thought ... shit.’

Oh, no. Oh, no, no, no...

‘Haze, wait, listen––’

‘No, it’s my fault. I jumped to conclusions and I should have realized when you said you were leaving that it couldn’t have been you.’

‘I’m not leaving. I mean, I am leaving but only for a few months, tops and...’

‘Noah, really, it’s fine, you don’t have to pretend.’ She was pulling away from him, her smile dimming and he hated it. He had to make it right.

‘Haze, just let me explain.’

He reached for her hand but at that exact moment her dads, a woman holding two dogs wearing matching sweaters, the entire Dream Harbor Book Club, Hazel’s bookstore employees, George from the bakery, and a half-dozen other residents Noah didn’t recognize crammed through the door.

The mayor was holding a giant bundle of balloons.

Frank had a cake.

The dogs were also wearing bow ties.

The book club was yelling, ‘Happy birthday!’

It was her party. And Hazel had thought he was the one throwing it. She thought he’d planned this whole summer for her and in reality, he hadn’t done a damn thing.

Shit.

Noah watched the emotions flicker across Hazel’s face in rapid succession. Shock, confusion, surprise, and he didn’t miss the flash of disappointment,disappointment in him,before she plastered a happy smile on her face.

‘Dad, Mom, Frank! What is this?’

‘Happy Birthday, Hazelnut!’ Mayor Kelly was beaming as he walked toward Hazel. ‘We got you good, huh? It’s like a reverse surprise party!’

‘I surprised you?’ Hazel asked and the Mayor frowned.

‘No, no, that’s not what I meant.’

Hazel laughed. ‘Just kidding, Dad. I get it. This is so wonderful. Thank you.’

Mayor Kelly thrust the bundle of balloons at Noah so he could hug his daughter. Noah stood there, frozen, with balloons in his face and Hazel’s words running on a loop in his mind.

‘Did you like our little clues?’ he asked, pulling away.

Hazel’s gaze flicked to Noah before returning to her dad. ‘That was you?’ she asked and Noah hated the undercurrent of hurt he heard in them. Disappointment. Embarrassment.

‘Yep. Well, I had help to hide them. A few of the book club members helped me pick the books and that sweet new employee of yours, Lyndsay, I think, she was very helpful. She hid them for us.’ Mayor Kelly beamed. ‘We thought it would be a fun little scavenger hunt for you.’

‘Your father thought it would be fun.’ The woman with the dogs moved in for a hug. ‘I thought you’d be mad about your inventory.’