“That’s super nice of you to share, but no, thank you. You can gobble it all.” She ruffled his light hair and stood. “How is it going at your place?”

“I checked in with Pat about an hour ago, and he said it’s booming as usual. Having the only saloon is a definite advantage. I’m just taking this guy home for a nap.” She nudged Jacob, who pouted up at her.

“Sawyer doesn’t have to nap!”

“Well, I’m not Sawyer’s mommy,” Thea replied with a patient smile.

“Speaking of Sawyer, is Gideon around?” I asked.

“He’s over with James and Sawyer at the blacksmith’s. It’s good to see you outside the Historical Society, Cam.” She arched an eyebrow over a less-patient smile. “Maybe you could bring my best friend around every once in a while?”

I winced. “Point taken.”

“Good. It’s not like everyone doesn’t know that you’re together. And I’m super happy for you, of course,” she added at Willow. “It’s about darn time, if you ask me.”

Willow wrapped her arm around my waist, and I lifted mine over her shoulder. “We’ve just been…” She looked up at me, and the skin between her eyebrows crinkled. “I don’t know.”

“Not in Alba,” I stated bluntly. “I think you might be the only person happy for us, and Willow doesn’t need to take any crap for it.” Score a point for me—I remembered not to swear in front of Jacob.

Jacob, who was a mirror image of Pat, who hated me for bringing his best friend home in a box.

“I’m not worried,” Willow promised, leaning into me.

“That makes one of us.”

Thea’s gaze bounced between us. “Well, you’re never going to get past the gossip if you don’t get through it first. And the Cam I knew never gave a fig what people said.”

“Still don’t. I only care when Willow’s involved.”

Her lips flattened, and she shot a frustrated look at Willow. “Good luck with that one. Call me later?”

Willow agreed, and the two embraced before Thea took Jacob up the stairs to the parking lot on the hill above.

“You got grouchy fast,” Willow chastised.

I shoved my hands in my pockets. “It’s just easier when we’re at home.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Or when we’re in Salida? Or Buena Vista? Or hiking? Or anywhere but Alba?”

“Pretty much.”

“You know what would make you way less grouchy?” She slid her arm through mine, openly defying my attempt to pull away.

“Going home?” We took the wooden path that led behind the buildings and turned between the surveyor’s office and the bank.

“Sex.”

I shook my head, but I laughed when I did it.