Faux Vows, True Desires

Owen had been lingering in the Serendipity Cafe for the better part of half an hour, nursing a cup of joe when Cecilia, the charming waitress with a glint of mischief in her eyes, nudged him to get a move on his workday.

He dragged his feet, secretly wishing for a torrential downpour to give him the excuse to play hooky. Unfortunately, as he escorted Cecilia back inside, the rain came to an abrupt halt.

"Cecilia, come on, see me off, will ya?" he pleaded with a grin.

She chuckled in response. "You don't know your way? It's just a few steps from the door. You really need me to walk you?"

Though she teased him, Cecilia turned around, heading back inside. Moments later, she emerged with a box of pastries, freshly baked by Basil, the cafe's renowned pastry chef. Tucking the box into a bag, she handed it to Owen. "You barely touched your breakfast rolls. I don't want you to starve, so here's a little something to tie you over."

"No charge, consider it a gift," she added with a wink.

Owen felt a warm buzz in his heart but couldn't resist a playful jab: "These are just for me, right? Not like those two boxes you gave to Ike Moore on the house."

He hadn't forgotten how Cecilia had once favored Ike with her generosity.

Cecilia's laughter filled the air. "Still clinging to that old story? You've got a heart smaller than a needle's eye. Now scoot, off to work with you!"

Yet, she couldn't resist walking him to his car.

As Owen reluctantly rolled down his window, he made one last request: "Cecilia, it's gonna be hours before I see you again. How about a couple of pecks to keep the longing at bay and spare me the pangs of lovesickness?"

face flushed with a mix of amusement and embarrassment. They were in the middle of the street, for goodness' sake, and

had her dignity, even if he

was merely stirring the pot. He glanced at Jay and Rex, ensuring Cecilia would have their assistance whenever needed, before reluctantly rolling up his window and driving off. Soon

nearby all

into the distance, then turned back to the cafe, asking Jay and Rex to stay inside. She didn't want their imposing presence to scare off potential

had to head back to work, and a customer entered a woman dressed to the nines, her belly slightly protruding beneath a tight dress, her long hair flowing, and sunglasses perched on her

bypassed the waitress and made a beeline

the woman

"May I ask who

a proper introduction, the woman pulled out a document from her stylish tote and slapped it on the counter

Cecilia asked,

medical

Why are you showing me your pregnancy test? Am I supposed to be responsible

waitress bit back a chuckle; the

bombshell: "Cecilia, I'm pregnant, and your man is the

and the playful atmosphere from moments ago

must have just gotten back

Owen, who answered promptly. "Is Cecilia in trouble?"

Jay murmured, trying to keep the situation under wraps. "It's a big mess, Mr.

I'm perfectly fine!" Owen