The features Rosalina had focused on—his muscular physique, handsome face, and confidence—turned out not to be his best. It’s his kindness.

Skylar gave him a look. “You’re only saying that because I’m a single mother and need the money. Not that I’m complaining, because I’ll take all the work I can get.”

“Nope. I came to you because of your reputation. You’re sought-after in this town.”

Skylar’s features softened. “How do you know that?”

“Word gets around. You made Mrs. Onato cry in the diner last year.” He looked to Rosie. “Mrs. Onato was our middle school principal. She was like a mom to every kid in town. And, when she retired, she said she felt like she wasn’t anyone’s mom anymore. She couldn’t break out of the school administrator mindset, so she made an appointment with Sky, lost thirty pounds, and changed her hairstyle and her attitude.” He smiled at Skylar. “Now she does a parenting podcast and is getting married. So, yeah, I came to you because I trust you to get the job done, and I’ll pay you for your work.”

Skylar swallowed. Cleared her throat. “Well, thank you. That’s really nice to hear.” She gave Brodie a gentle punch in the shoulder. “Way to make me cry in the grocery store.” She spun dramatically and headed back to her cart. “I’m leaving now.” Once she set Rocco in the top basket, she looked to Rosie. “We should do something while you’re in town. Maybe get drinks.”

“I’d love that.” Rosie blurted it out so awkwardly that she wanted to fall through a hole in the floor. Way to sound too eager. But, whatever. She meant it. “How about tonight?”

“Tonight?” Skylar looked surprised.

“Or any night, really. I don’t know anyone here, and I’d love to have some fun.”

“Hello?” Brodie said. “Standing right here.”

“Yeah,” Skylar said. “But she said fun. And by fun she didn’t mean learning new ways to cook sweet potatoes.” Skylar gave Rosie a shrug. “I could get away for a little bit.”

“Good, because I’m in a mood.”

“A mood, huh? I should probably tell you right now I’m the perfect designated driver. This cutie likes to wake me up at the crack of dawn, so I don’t drink much, don’t stay out late, and I’m not into hookups. I’m your driver and your conscience all in one perky little package.”

“I don’t drink much, either, but I want to have some fun while I’m in town. I want to…I want to try everything.”

“And by everything you mean ordering a wine flight from the Tavern?” Skylar asked. “All the fun, outdoorsy things to do in Calamity? Or…the more R-rated version?”