“I already have plans,” she said. Steve didn’t need to know they involved another novel and the cushy bed in her room. If she had to return to the real world sooner than expected, she should enjoy one last day of fun.
While she immediately thought of Emmett yet again—if there was anyone who could make doing nothing fun, it was him—and she wanted him to be part of her last day. But that would make a clean break that much harder.
And the thought of saying good-bye was already enough to cause a hollow sensation she feared might never fully go away.
People accused Emmett of being overly suspicious, but he liked to think of it as more cautious and good at his job. Whenever a stranger arrived in town, he wanted to know who they were and why they were there. Which is why he stepped into the path of the dark-haired guy in a polo.
“Mornin’.”
The out-of-towner vacantly nodded and looked for a way around Emmett, but this reconnaissance mission wasn’t over yet.
“I’m Sheriff Haywood. I don’t believe we’ve met.”
The guy glanced at Emmett’s extended hand and hesitantly took it, giving it a weak shake. “Steve Mills. I just got into town this morning, but I’m not planning on staying long. I needed to talk to my fianc—my … Regina.”
Every muscle in Emmett’s body tensed. This was the ex? And why did he almost call Regina his fiancé? Not that calling her his was much better.
Because she’s mine.
Emmett instinctively knew Steve was responsible for why she’d been upset the other night. Why was he here, and was he trying to win her back, and was she considering it? The caveman in him said he could totally take Steve. As if that’d impress Regina.
“… told me to visit the gift shop. So, if you’ll excuse me, I have some presents to buy.”
Emmett let him pass. His gaze drifted toward the Cozy Cottage. He couldn’t see the building, but the urge to check on Regina crept over him. It’d hurt if she’d decided to work things out with Steve, but if she needed a shoulder to cry on, Emmett would happily provide one.
Only the radio on his shoulder buzzed. “Boss, we got a situation.”
“Can it wait? I’m in the middle of something.
” About to be anyway.
“Corbin wrecked his motorcycle. The ambulance is on the way, but—”
“I’ll be right there,” Emmett said as he spun on his heel and rushed to the cruiser.
It’d been a long day. Corbin broke his femur and had to be taken to the hospital in Somerhaven. The town pulled together to care for his kids so his wife could stay with him, and if things went well, Corbin should be back home in time for Christmas, although he’d be on crutches for a while.
It was all Emmett could do to shower and get to the Christmas party on time. As soon as he arrived, he searched for Regina’s dark hair in the crowd.
“Did you hear?” Fern asked, lips pursed.
“Don’t worry. Corbin’s gonna be fine.”
“Oh yes, I was sorry to hear about his accident, but that’s not the news I meant.” Fern wrung her hands together. “Regina’s leaving early—as in tonight after the party. I wasn’t sure if you’d talked to her yet.”
His heart sank. She’d decided to go back with that prick? Steve Mills wouldn’t appreciate her the way she deserved. Of course she’s leaving. You always knew she wouldn’t stay.
Hope had crept in though, and he’d let it. For all his talk about not letting the season get to him, it’d added to it. The idea of having someone to celebrate with, and he wanted that someone to be Regina.
“Excuse me,” he said, his voice tight, and Fern didn’t bother stopping him or arguing, so he could only imagine that he looked as stormy as he felt.
He circulated. Tried the punch. Watched the door.
An eternity later, Regina finally arrived. She exchanged smiles and greetings with the people near the entrance. One of the women took her coat, and Emmett’s lungs forgot how to take in oxygen. She had on a strappy floral dress with a flowy skirt.
Her gaze met his across the room, and everything inside of him reached for her. Shut it down. She’s leaving.
He arranged his features in a careful mask as she approached.