My head popped up at the familiar voice. My gaze landed on a guy my age. His face had rounded out since our college years, but his blue eyes were as kind as they’d always been and his grin was aimed at me. “Gabriel?”

He laughed and held his arms out. “Been a while, right?”

I rose and wrapped my arms around him. My college sweetheart. We could’ve been more than that, but we hadn’t gotten beyond the sweetheart stage to madly in love.

What would it have been like if we had? Would we have found jobs in the same city? Would I have two kids by now and my own wrestling tournaments to prepare for?

Longing tugged at my heart. When I pictured two kids running around, Aiden was in the background. It was why I’d quit imagining what it would be like to have kids with Aiden.

Gabriel let me go, still grinning. “Small world, eh?”

“What are you doing in town?” I gestured to where Dad had been sitting. “Have a seat.” Gabriel looked around, his gaze curious. I waved off his unspoken question. “I met my dad for lunch but he had to take off.”

He slid into the seat across from me. “How is your dad? How are you?” He chuckled. “First question first. I had a conference in town. I’m heading back to Helena tonight. You live here though? I heard you got married.” His eyes dipped to the hand my wedding ring should’ve been on.

My smile started to die before I caught it. “I did, and I work at the library. Dad is doing well. Caffeinated and chews through audiobooks on his long hauls.”

“That’s great, Katie.” His head bobbed and his eyes once again dipped to my bare wedding ring finger. If it wasn’t too obvious, I’d curl my arm into my stomach and hide it. “Were the rumors true? You married Aiden King?”

“Yes.” I wiggled my hand. Did I commit to a lie? It wasn’t a lie. I was still married. Technically. “I don’t wear the ring. It’s…” Talking to Gabriel had always been easy. He was an enthusiastic rambler like me, but he was also an active participant in the conversation. And he listened. “It made me self-conscious.”

“Ah. The Oil King got you a rock.”

“A boulder.”

He chuckled. “I admit to being disappointed when I heard you were off the market, but I’m happy for you. After you, I came close to marrying once, but I chose my job again.”

“There’s nothing wrong with loving your work.” Unless you use it to stay away from those you love.

The waitress stopped by, digging in her waist pouch for a pen. “Can I get you anything?”

Gabriel lifted his brows at me. “You have to go soon?”