“Are you saying it is?”
“Of course.” She pulled her knee up and rested her head on it. “Can you sit down?”
He returned to the table and dropped into his chair. “I didn’t see this coming. I thought that part of your life was over.”
“So did I.” She shook her head. “But those sons of bitches are exploiting a vulnerable population once again.”
“And you want to be part of the fight.” He watched her leg drop to the floor as she nodded. “I get it.”
“Do you?” She bit the inside of her cheek. “Because I don’t. Why would I want to go back to working ninety-hour weeks, existing on takeout and only seeing sunlight every couple of days.”
“You make it sound so enticing.”
“Ha. Ha.” She stood and walked over, collapsing into his lap. “I like my job at legal aid, and being close to Aunt Sadie and hanging out with Faith and Hayle.” She pressed both of her hands to his face. “And being with you.”
“Glad I made the shortlist.” He leaned forward and pressed their mouths together, knowing that he’d never be able to give her up. They were in the first chapter of their book and had so many more to write.
“My old mentor wants me to fly up next week for a chat.”
“Are you going?”
She hitched her shoulder. “My caseload is full, and I don’t want to short-change my clients while I run up to DC to satisfy my curiosity.”
“I think you should go.”
“Really?”
He ran his finger over her cheekbone. “You won’t forgive yourself if you don’t.”
“Thank you for being so supportive.”
“I will always be in your corner, no matter what.”
“Thank you.” Sighing, he hugged him tightly. “You are a major component of my happy future, and that won’t disappear with an irresistible offer from the firm.”
“Okay.” He stroked her back and knew she wasn’t done with the old fight. Tancy had a warrior’s heart and wouldn’t skip a battle if she thought she could make a difference.
A trait that he hoped wouldn’t tear them apart.
TWENTY
Tancy walked into the back of her aunt’s shop and balanced two coffee cups. “Auntie, where are you?”
“Out front.”
She walked toward the front of the yarn shop and inhaled the familiar scent of wool, cinnamon, and her aunt’s Lady Dior perfume. “Good morning.”
“Hello.” She kissed Tancy’s cheek. “To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?”
“We haven’t had time to chat in a couple of days, and I thought I would check in.” She passed Sadie a cup of coffee. “I also need supplies since all I have left in my basket is muted, ugly brown yarn. I can’t create a masterpiece with that.”
“I have a bag for you in my office, so make sure to grab it before you leave.”
“Perfect.” She wandered over to her favorite red couch and collapsed into the soft cushions. “How is your garden doing?”
Sadie joined her and sipped her coffee. “Do you really care about the little bitty sprouts?” She patted her niece’s hand. “Ellie told me that your old firm is trying to lure you back with a case you can’t refuse.”
“It’s my mentor who’s trying to seduce me.”