Leo had circled his arm around the back of Tessa’s chair as they chatted and laughed with family and friends. Like it was the most natural thing to do. Like their families hadn’t been mortal enemies for the past century. Tessa was overjoyed to be at Leo’s side, celebrating their first accomplishment.

They’d passed the first test. They’d done it. Together.

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Eighteen

Tessa got home in time to make a salad for their dinner with a charcuterie board and some lemon iced tea they could enjoy outside on the patio. She took a glass of tea outside and sat in the little garden, enjoying the late-afternoon sun, the faraway sound of a lawnmower, and Cosette’s little explorations.

She liked working normal hours. Having a life was…fun.

Something had changed between Leo and her. Something more than the high feeling of the successful day. She wasn’t sure what it was, but she knew that it was getting harder and harder to keep her guard up around him.

The gate squeaked, and she looked up to find Jack walking into the yard, a manila envelope in his hand.

Tessa automatically poured him an iced tea, using the glass she’d brought out for Leo. “Have a seat, Mayor.”

He sat down, lifting his sunglasses to the top of his head and looking around the tiny yard. “It’s really peaceful back here.”

“One of my favorite places,” she said. “Thanks for coming to support Leo this afternoon. I think it meant a lot to him to have you guys there.”

“It meant a lot for us to be there. Besides the free food, I mean.” He gave a little laugh. “Although I personally think his dad caved because he has a soft spot for you.”

“Whatever it was, I’m glad it worked.”

He nudged the big envelope toward her on the yellow table. “I brought your official marriage certificate.”

“Thank you.” She took it and set it on an extra seat, out of sight but unfortunately not out of mind.

He leaned back and put his feet up on one of the seats. “Leo’s changed a lot since you two connected again.”

“How so?” Her heart sped up a little despite herself.

“I just think he’s looking at life a bit differently.”

“In what way?”

“Well, he seems to be opening his mind to new things.” He watched Cosette stalk a spider. “Like owning a cat.”

“He did say that he was more of a dog person.”

He studied her closely, which led her to believe that something was up. He seemed to choose his words carefully. “Well, I tend to believe his newfound love of cats might be because of the fact that he’s no longer in danger of dropping dead after he comes into contact with one.”