“I know.” Rationally, Annie did know, but emotionally, it had been shocking to see them together again after all this time. “It’s okay.”

Jane didn’t say anything. Maybe she accepted it was okay, or maybe she didn’t know what to say.

Annie felt it was her job to reassure her wife. “Truly. It’s fine. She’s gone. Let’s enjoy the last of the evening. My till has been doing overtime. I’m already thinking about the next book signing.” Annie gave her wife a reassuring smile. “And don’t worry. You can be a relaxed bystander at that one.”

“Caitlin James?” Jane asked.

“I was just talking to Kristin.” A pang of guilt again. “According to her Caitlin is up for it.”

“That’s great.” Jane looked at the table she’d been sitting at for the better part of the evening. Annie had often glanced over and, apart from just a few moments ago, had been bursting with pride to be able to call herself Jane Quinn’s wife. “I only have one copy left of Hearts on Fire. I was just thinking about going upstairs and fetching the ones I keep in my office.”

“I’ll take care of that if needed.” They looked around the shop together. “It’s been a good night.” Annie brought a hand to Jane’s hair and let her fingers run through the fine strands of it. Jane’s hair was always so soft. She couldn’t get enough of touching it. “I’m proud of you.” Annie kissed Jane on the cheek.

“Thanks.” Jane leaned into her. “I feel like we should give Mia a percentage of tonight’s sales. It was her idea.”

“Despite pouring all that champagne, she sold plenty of cappuccinos.” Annie glanced at the coffee shop counter. The queue there had gotten longer. People were apparently keen on a last shot of caffeine before heading home. Lou was helping her prepare the coffees. Seeing the two of them working together reminded Annie of when she’d just opened the book shop and she and Jane were giddy with delight every time a box of books arrived they could put on display. It had been such an exciting time full of promise.

Annie was brusquely pulled from her memories because Kristin was headed in their direction.

“Thank you very much for contributing to my bottom line,” Kristin said, and briefly tapped Jane on the shoulder. “I hope your next book is coming out soon, so we can do this again.”

Annie felt Jane stiffen next to her. Did she know? Of course she didn’t. Annie shook off the thought, and, instead of looking Kristin in the eye, she stared past her.

“It shouldn’t be too long,” Jane said. “Meanwhile, we can get Caitlin James in here.”

“I have an even better idea,” Kristin said.