“I meant what I said,” Mark said quietly, his hand resting on the door handle. “I originally came in here to protect my sister. But I kept coming back because of you. I am so sorry for lying about my intentions.

You are an incredible woman.” He reached into his jacket, pulled out a business card, and set it on the reception desk.

“If you ever want to get dinner with a guy who isn’t asking you twenty questions for an investigation… call me. If you never want to see my face again, I completely understand.” He walked out into the evening light, joining his sister on the sidewalk.

I stood alone in the quiet salon, looking down at the small white card on the counter. My life hadn’t turned out anywhere close to how I planned. I had lost a husband, lost a career, and stumbled into a completely different reality. But as I picked up the card and slipped it into my apron pocket, I smiled.

For the first time in a very long time, I was exactly where I was supposed to be.