Meet Me Where the Oak Tree Grows novel Chapter 38

After a bit, she remarked, "I've made way too many dishes. Why don't you invite that young officer for dinner tonight?"

Jonah was caught off guard for a second but then nodded. They were talking about Officer Cooper.

Officer Cooper was practically a regular, showing up most evenings. Sometimes he'd bring over a bag of veggies he grew himself, other times fresh fruits from the market, and occasionally even some plush toys he'd snagged from claw machines.

Jonah always told him to just swing by without bringing anything, but Officer Cooper insisted. He'd say that even though he wasn't raised by his parents, he knew good manners.

Oddly enough, Marie was usually the epitome of warmth and hospitality, but kept her distance from Officer Cooper. It was almost like she was wearing her reluctance like a badge.

At first, when she met Officer Cooper, she had praised his good looks. But once she learned he was Jonah's old classmate and now a cop, she cooled off considerably.

Officer Cooper noticed this change but didn't let it bother him. He kept visiting the shop with his trademark grin, helping Marie pick fresh produce at the market, trimming the garden's rose bushes, and even warning neighborhood gossipers about the legal dangers of rumors—all while in his police uniform.

In short, he had a special kind of respect for Marie.

When Officer Cooper showed up that evening, he was loaded with gifts.

Marie said, "Cooper, you really don’t need to bring anything."

His face changed, almost like panic was written all over it.

Marie quickly added, "I mean, we're like family here. Relax."

He let out a sigh of relief and quipped, "You almost gave me a heart attack. I thought tonight's dinner was my last meal!"

This cracked Marie up.

After dinner, we all gathered around to watch TV.

Officer Cooper, eyes glistening, said he wasn't expecting any gifts.

The only one who hadn't said a word was Jonah. He stared hopefully at my empty hands and, realizing there was nothing for him, cleared his throat.

I pretended not to notice, focusing back on the TV.

The throat-clearing grew more insistent. Then, the cushion next to me dipped a little.

I felt warm breath near my ear, "Everyone else got something. What about me?"

I turned to him, feigning innocence, "Jonah, didn't you say you weren't into these kinds of things?"

I’d already asked him before, and he mentioned that he never wore scarves or stuff like that. He had said, with a chuckle, that men should focus on working out instead of bundling up with accessories.