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Harrison laughed as he wrapped both arms around her and hugged her tight.

“She doesn’t usually warm up to people she doesn’t know,” Reggie said with a grin. “She likes you.”

“What kind of dog is she?”

“A Great Dane. She weighs a hundred twenty pounds.”

Harrison’s eyes widened. “That’s a lot.”

“It is.” Reggie glanced at Toby. “We were on a walk and Shaye invited us in. The store is nice.”

“Thank you.”

Okay, this was incredibly awkward, she thought, not sure what she was supposed to say or not say. The last time she’d seen Toby, she’d been seventeen and heartbroken. She’d accused him of betraying her and violating everything they were supposed to mean to each other. His impassioned “it wasn’t what you think” hadn’t moved her at all, and she’d broken up with him, turning her back on him and walking away.

She’d cried for three days, waiting for him to show up and try to convince her she was wrong, but he never had. A little later, she’d learned he’d simply up and left town, never to be seen again. Until, apparently, last year, when he’d returned with his son and his hand pie fortune.

“Can I walk her?” Harrison asked his father.

“That’s up to Reggie.”

“Sure. She’s really good on the leash.”

She waved to Shaye, then stepped outside with Belle. Harrison and Toby followed. Reggie handed over the leash. Normally Belle would have shot her a look of incredulity, but instead she simply moved close to Harrison, prepared to go where he went.

Harrison started down the walkway, Belle at his side.

“A Great Dane?” Toby asked. “What were you thinking?”

“I know. I wanted a midsized dog, but there she was, looking so scared and sad, trembling in the corner of her kennel. She’d been brought in by a family who couldn’t handle her. They said a neighbor had abused her, but I think it was more than just a single incident. Once I saw her, I couldn’t leave her there. So I took her home. She’s actually really sweet, although not what anyone would call brave.”

Harrison tried to walk across the middle of The Wreath, but Belle came to a stop and wouldn’t budge until he returned to the path.

“She’s a rule follower,” Reggie added.

“She is.” He angled toward her. “It’s good to see you, Reggie. It’s been a long time.”

Good to see her? What did that mean? The moment was beyond surreal. She had no idea what she was feeling. Or supposed to feel. “It has been.”

“I’ve been back a year, and this is the first time I’ve run into you. I take it you don’t spend much time in town these days?”

There was so much to deal with in those two sentences. She couldn’t decide which to address, then decided to ignore it all.

“I’m back for the holidays. My parents are renewing their vows with a big wedding.” She smiled. “They eloped the first time around, and my mom has always had regrets. I’m helping with the planning.”

Harrison and Belle turned and started back toward them. Reggie watched them rather than risk looking at Toby. So much was the same, but so much was different. He seemed taller and broader than he had before. A man now, rather than a teenager. She wondered what else was different—not that she would ask.

“I understand we’re dating again,” he said conversationally. “How’s that going?”

Her mouth dropped open. She consciously closed it, feeling heat flare on her cheeks.

“You didn’t just say that.”

He flashed her a smile that made her knees get a little wiggly. “I heard it from two sources. One of them was my grandmother. Rumors are flying all over.”

She covered her face with both hands. “No. This isn’t happening.” She forced herself to look at him. “Paisley was joking, okay? It was meant to be funny. I’m sorry someone overheard us. We’re not dating. I mean, obviously you know that.”

Where was that ground-splitting earthquake when she needed one?