Page 41 of Rowdy St. Nick

As the sun dips lower, we're all sprawled on checkered blankets. I lean back on my elbows, watching Levi as he stands apart from the group.

"Alright, Levi, out with it. I can tell there’s something that’s got you quiet tonight. Spill," I call out, nudging Tess with my boot to draw her attention to what I’m seeing with our friend.

Levi's eyes snap over to us, and there's this sheepish grin that spreads across his face. "Well, uh..." He scratches the back of his head. "I reckon it might be time for me to... you know, find someone."

"Someone?" Clay echoes, almost dropping his plate of barbecue. "As in a lady friend?"

"Could be," Levi answers.

Romi sets down her glass with a thunk, nearly splashing margarita over the rim. "Levi Thompson, are you telling us you've got your eye on a gal?"

"Maybe," Levi drawls, and I can tell he's enjoying the suspense he's building. There's a hitch in my chest, excitement mingling with an odd pang of... what, concern? Change coming to our close-knit group and how Beck will handle the change.

"Who is she?" Tess leans in, her curiosity piqued, and I feel her warmth against my side.

"Ah, now that would be telling," Levi says slyly, and just like that, the conversation sparks into wildfire speculation. Beck's dad, our steadfast mechanic, embarking on a quest for love? The idea has everyone buzzing.

Everyone is throwing out names of every eligible woman in Heartville. From the barista at the Book Nook to the new veterinarian assistant who's a feisty one. However, Levi just smiles that enigmatic smile with his lips sealed.

Tess squeezes my hand, and I turn to catch her eye. Her look says it all—she's thrilled, intrigued, and every bit as caught up in the mystery as the rest of us. It's a moment that tightens something inside me, a deep-seated connection between us that's grown stronger and more electric in the two years we've been together.