Free Choosing Happiness by Melissa Stevens Page A

since we've seen you." She gave Andrea a genuine smile.
    "Good. I've been busy, Peg, with Ben's wedding, work and everything else. But I missed you, if that helps."
    "Of course it does, dear. Now you're bringing us someone new." She looked at Jake with a warm, welcoming smile.
    "Yep. As much as I hate to give away my best kept secrets, there are some people you just have to share these things with." She looked at Jake and smiled. "Peg, this is Jake. He's new in town but a good friend of Ben's,” she leaned close and whispered conspiratorially, “mine too.” Sitting back upright, she continued. “He's also Hastings newest police officer. Jake, this is Peg, she and her husband own and run this place."
    "Nice to meet you, ma'am." Jake nodded to Peg.
    "Oh, isn't he a polite one." Peg looked at Andrea before turning to Jake. "Nice to meet you, too. We always welcome Hastings Finest in here. You're welcome anytime, even just for a cup of coffee or a thermos refill."
    "I'll keep that in mind. I appreciate it, ma'am."
    "What can I get you to drink?" Peg turned her attention back to why she was there.
    "I'll have iced tea," Andrea said.
    "Do you have Pepsi?" Jake asked.
    "Of course, I'll bring those right out." She patted the edge of table before walking away.
    Jake picked up the menu and looked it over. They offered pretty standard diner fare. Andrea didn't even bother to pick hers up. She just watched Jake as he looked at his, trying decide on what he wanted to eat.
    "What's good?"
    "Everything." She watched him a moment longer until he closed his menu and set it down on the table.
    Peg appeared a moment later, carrying their drinks, she set them on the table and asked, "Are you ready to order?"
    "I am." Andrea looked at Jake, she saw him nod and turned back to Peg. "I'll have the enchilada plate."
    Peg nodded. "Extra cheese, no onions, right?"
    "You got it." Andrea set her menu on the edge of the table.
    Peg turned to Jake, pen held at the ready.
    "I'll have the chicken fried steak." He laid his menu on top of hers.
    "Baked, mashed or fries?"
    "Baked, butter and sour cream please."
    "No problem. I'll get it out for you as soon as we can." She headed back into the kitchen, taking the menus with her.
    "How long have you been coming here?" Jake asked.
    "All my life. This used to be one of only a couple restaurants in town, but with more chains coming in a lot of people are going there instead. I still come here as often as I can. Partly because I love Peg and her husband and I want to support them as much as possible, partly because it's tradition."
    "That's nice." He looked around a faint smile on his lips. "We never had any place like this when I was growing up."
    "I don't mind sharing mine.” She reached toward him, stopping halfway across the table as if unsure.
    "Thanks." He reached across the table to cover her hand with his. They sat quietly for a moment before Jake spoke again. "I talked to Ben couple days ago, about us."
    "Oh? What did he have to say?" She looked at him, brows high as she waited.
    "He invited me out for a drink. We met at a little bar and talked a little about his honeymoon, then he tried to intimidate me into leaving you alone."
    "I'm gonna kill him." Her eyes narrowed and fire flashed in her eyes.
    "Don't bother. I laughed and told him where he could shove the attitude."
    "Bet that didn't go over well,"
    "Better than you'd think, actually. He accepted what I had to say, then threatened to break me in half if I hurt you." Jake shrugged.
    Andrea laughed. "That sounds like Ben."
    A few minutes later Peg brought their food, made sure they had everything they needed then left them alone. Andrea waited for Jake to take a bite, waiting for the reaction she knew was coming.
    "Mmm..." He closed his eyes as he chewed and swallowed. "This is good."
    "I told you to trust me. I don't just come here because we always have. They truly have the best food in town."
    "This may qualify as the best food in the country." He