Another wave of guilt swept over Frankie. So far, she’d managed to stand her ground, but…it really was difficult. Was she being as ungrateful as Mama said?

She told them she had a job here, a life…and a man she loved. They ignored or discounted everything she said.

After all, Birgit had said in a disparaging voice, Frankie didn’t have good taste in men. Look at what’d happened with Jaxson.

“Francesca, we’re being seated,” Anja called from the door.

“Coming.” Frankie patted the moose’s huge head and strode into the roadhouse.

Shortly, Amka, the night’s hostess, took them to their table. “Enjoy your meal, Frankie and family.”

As Amka moved away, Frankie frowned at the large round table they’d been given. Yes, it was in a quiet corner, but…the table seated twelve and was reserved for people who wanted to conduct a meeting and eat at the same time. Her family wouldn’t even fill half of the table.

But no point in asking Amka what she’d been thinking. Papà’d already sat down with Mama on his right.

“Hi there, everyone. Welcome to Alaska.” Felix gave the group his most charming smile. “I’m Felix, and I’ll be your server tonight.”

“Felix?” Frankie raised her eyebrows. “Since when have you waited tables in the restaurant?”

“Girl, I lost my waitstaff-virginity over here in the restaurant section.” He tucked an arm around her and kissed her cheek, then firmly seated her where she had an empty chair on each side of her.

He kept talking as he handed out menus. “Bull—the owner of the restaurant—heard our Frankie’s family was here. He plans to come over and say hi. When you see a huge guy with a shaved head, don’t panic. He’s ours.”

“That’s very kind of him.” Papà’s expression was pleased. “I’m sure he’s a busy man.”

“Oh, very. He has another restaurant in Homer and one in Anchorage. We’re gratified he prefers to live in Rescue.” Felix beamed at them all. “Who wants a pre-dinner drink?”

Her mother and sisters ordered wine, but Papà loved beer. “I’ll have a Beartooth from Bull’s Moose Brewery. Is there any connection to this roadhouse?”

“Excellent choice,” Felix said. “And yes, Bull owns the brewery.”

As her sisters and parents opened their menus, Frankie looked around the roadhouse. So familiar, so dear. No, she didn’t want to leave it.

How was she going to get that through to everyone?

Would they hate her forever if she stuck to her resolve?

But…just the thought of saying goodbye to Bull left her feeling as if her heart and lungs had been scooped out.

Her jaw tightened. I’m going to stay here.

Operation planned. Contingencies accounted for. Advance recon done.