“I remember her taking it.” Her answer was soft, almost self-directed. She wouldn’t for the world disappoint Alma, who’d been nothing but kind to her, welcoming her into the Weston family as if Mary Beth were the daughter she’d never had. And her dad had been just as grateful for Alma’s good-heartedness. However, it was clear to one and all that the widow and widower had formed a bond that went beyond friendship by this point.

Mary Beth pressed her lips together, vowing to ride out this rough patch as best she could. For Alma’s sake, if nothing else. Every engaged couple fought, she told herself. Bobby Joe wasn’t the first and only man who’d ever strayed on the eve of a lifelong commitment. And he hadn’t strayed that far. Just far enough to get caught and look foolish.

And he was doing the best he could to build a future for both of them. That was what she wanted. Security and stability. If both were first and foremost in his mind, she ought to be grateful.

She turned to him and let him take her in his arms once more. His embrace was warm and comforting.

Bobby Joe pressed a chaste kiss to her lips. She drew back, unsatisfied. His indicating nod puzzled her for a second, until she realized that Pete Corlear was right in the next room, scraping diligently away at the window. “We shouldn’t. Not now,” Bobby Joe whispered. “Besides, I think I know a better way to make you happy.”

He took her outside again. They stood on the sidewalk, reflected in the old window glass. Bobby Joe smiled down at her and took her by the shoulders. “I think it’s time you figured out what you want for us.”

“What do you mean?”

“You should start thinking about what you want for our wedding registry. I don’t know the first thing about tableware or china patterns or cooking sets. That’s going to be all up to you.”

“Bobby Joe, we haven’t even set a date.”

He shrugged as he dug into his pocket, removing a wad of cash and peeling off several big bills. “Doesn’t matter. Go look around. Buy yourself something nice.” He pressed the money into her palm and made her curl her fingers around it. The diamond band he’d given her yesterday sparkled under the streetlight.

“You already went all out on this ring,” she said. “It wasn’t necessary.” The understandable flash of irritation in his eyes made her add a hasty, “Although I love it.”

“Consider it a small token of my affection. Now head out to the mall and have some fun.”

“By myself?”

Bobby Joe looked at his watch. “Yes. Sorry. I have another meeting. And I promise you this is the last time I’ll go. I’m not going to be at Quinn’s beck and call.”