“Biscuits and gravy with a side of crispy bacon,” I present, setting a plate in front of her at the table along with her sugary coffee. Today, she looks like she’s ready to kick someone’s ass.

“Thank you,” she says. “You made a true Southern breakfast. I’m proud of you.”

“I watched a YouTube video,” I admit with a shrug. “That’s homemade milk gravy, not any of that packaged stuff.”

A small smile plays on her lips. “Color me impressed.”

While we dig in, I try to keep the conversation moving, but I can tell she’s not in the mood for small talk.

“When I get back, want me to stay home with you today?” I ask.

“No, it’s okay. You should go in to work. I have errands to run anyway. I gotta meet with my insurance agent, and then I was gonna call the detective to see if I’m allowed to go to the shop yet. I want to see the damage and write down what I need to do to clean it up. That’ll probably take me all day, and I don’t want you to cancel with your clients again over my problems.”

“You’re more important than them, baby.”

“I know. I’d just feel guilty if you did.”

Not wanting to push her, I nod. “Well, if you change your mind, just call me, okay? I’ll cancel anything if you need me. Period.”

She smiles. “Thank you. I appreciate that. I don’t know what I’d do without you. I’d probably be going more crazy than I already am.”

I reach my hand across the table, and when she grabs it, I bring her knuckles to my lips. “I’ll always be here for you.”

Her phone buzzes with a call, and I continue eating as she chats. Once she hangs up, she sets her cell down. “Cathy. My insurance lady. She wants to meet me to take pictures around eight thirty.”

“Gives you some more time to finish your coffee.”

“Mmm. You made it perfect, too.”

Everleigh finishes eating, then takes Sassy outside as I rinse the dishes. When she returns, she wraps her arms around my waist and squeezes. “I’m sorry if I’m not my usual happy self.”

I turn around so I can see her beautiful face. “Sweetheart, you don’t have to pretend that everything is okay around me. I know it’s not.”

“Thanks,” she tells me, and I press my lips to hers.

“You’re welcome, sweetheart. I know it’s a lot to deal with right now, but they say the comeback is always stronger than the setback.”

“Good because I don’t think I can deal with any more bullshit right now,” she groans. “My life has had enough excitement in the past six months to last me a lifetime. But there’s been some good that’s happened too. Mainly meeting you.”