The girl’s cheeks tinge red when I say my brother’s name, and my insides skip with a giddy chuckle. This is the cutest thing ever!
Jackson gives her a shy smile and starts pointing out cupcakes, taking his time to ask her which are the best ones.
“Personally, I’m a fan of anything chocolate, but this salted caramel ripple one is pretty good too. What do you like?”
“I like chocolate.” The edge of Jackson’s mouth tips up, and I just want to melt right on the spot.
The girl’s smile lights up the store, and she starts describing each chocolate cupcake.
This could take a while.
“So, your accent tells me you’re not from around here. Are you just passing through?” the owner asks.
“Oh, uh… not sure yet. We’re staying just outside of town for now, and we’re tryin’ to decide where to settle.”
“Well, you tell your folks that Harborton is a very friendly place. We always welcome newbies.”
I let out an awkward laugh, not wanting to correct her.
Michael might not be ready for people to know he’s back yet. He’s always a little edgy about the past. I know at some point he’ll tell me more, but I get the impression that his family didn’t get too involved with town activities. Maybe it’s best I keep things low-key myself.
Biting my lips together, I turn my attention back to the cute little flirt-a-thon my brother is having.
“Aunt Joy?” The girl’s head pops up. “Do we have any of those chocolate raspberry delights out the back?”
“Aw, I’m sorry, honey. Those sold out yesterday. I’ll add them to the baking list for later in the week, though. If you guys want to come back for a top-up in a few days, I’ll have them ready for you.” The woman winks at me.
I give her a polite smile, almost relieved when the shop door opens and I don’t have to engage with her anymore. She’s friendly and I love that, but I’m starting to worry that I’ll either walk out of here with too much sugar or I’ll leave too much information behind.
“Hey, Aunt Joy.” A tall guy ambles in, his fingers intertwined with those of a short girl who’s about my height.
We look to be about the same age too.
She’s got big beautiful eyes and a smile that makes me want to reciprocate.
“Hello, you two.” Joy grins. “Hailey will be done in just a minute. She’s serving a customer right now.” Joy winks at them, and they give her a curious look before glancing at Jackson.
A smile pops over the girl’s face, and she grins up at her boyfriend. He studies Jackson with a protective glare that makes me wonder if he’s the girl’s older brother or something.
I kind of want to tell him to wipe that look off his face. My brother’s the kindest kid on the planet, and his sister is lucky to have his attention.
But I don’t.
My mouth gets me into too much trouble as it is, and I don’t want to start things off on the wrong foot here. Especially if we can make this work and are able to stay.
I can’t help studying the couple, wondering what their story is. Are they in high school the way I should have been this year?
The girl glances at me, her polite smile telling me I’ve stared for too long.
I return the gesture and turn away from the couple, walking to the register so I can pay for our treats.
It’s time we’re on our way.
“Nate, can you tell your mom that the Baxters are keen to come for dinner? I nearly invited them over tonight, but I couldn’t remember what everyone was up to. I think it’d be great if we’re all there. That way they can bring their kids and you can help look after them.”
I spy the tall guy out of the corner of my eye and watch him grimace.
“I’ll come help,” his girlfriend whispers. “If Luke sticks around too, that’ll make the ratio more even.”
“I don’t know how she’s expecting to fit six wild brats in the house along with all of us.”
“They’re not brats.” The girl pokes her boyfriend in the stomach with her elbow.
He chuckles. “But they are wild.”
She concedes with a grin.
How adorable are they?
A cute high school couple. It makes me think of Franks and Billy. I must text her again today. I’ve been giving her regular updates, and she’ll be expecting to hear from me.
“That’ll be twenty dollars and eighty cents, please.” Hailey’s voice is sweet but strong.
I hand her the money. “Thank you for the wonderful service.”
My compliment makes her stand a little taller, her eyes darting to Jackson as he takes the box of goodies.
“Nice to meet y’all.” I nod a goodbye at everyone.
“You too, sweetie. Hopefully we’ll see you again soon.” Joy tinkles her fingers at me, and I share one more silent gaze with the couple before walking out the door.
“I like this place.” Jackson gets into the Bronco, carefully laying the treat box between us before buckling up.
I chuckle and start the engine. “I bet you do.”
He scowls at me.
“What?” I start laughing a little harder. “She was cute.”
“Shut up, Annie.” He slumps down in his seat, his ears still burning.
“You know…” I cruise down Main Street. “If we stay and you go to school here, she might be in your class.”
His eyes pop wide and he sits up a little straighter.
I can’t help my laughter. “Look at you. Loved-up already. Have you just found the girl of your dreams?”
“Aw, zip your face, Annie!”
“You want me to zip my face? What does that even mean?”
He starts grinning and his smile quickly turns into a laugh. It’s the most beautiful sound in the world.
As we drive back to the ranch and I drink in the stunning views around us, I can’t help wishing with all my heart that we can make this work out here.
I want so badly to find someplace safe to call home.
And this beautiful Montana country makes me wonder if this is it.
53
Secrets in the Cellar
I park the Bronco in the spot Michael told me to, and we start unloading the groceries.
“Michael?” I call into the living area, wondering where he is.
I get no response and can’t shake that instant fear that captures me at the oddest moments. It freezes me up for a second, and I have to force my legs back out to the truck.
“This is the last one,” Jackson murmurs.
I close the trunk and gaze around, the ranch feeling vast and suddenly too big.
“Michael?” I holler a little louder.
“He might be down there.” Jackson points to the cellar door, which is perched open.
My shoulders sag with relief and I run over, calling down the steps. “Michael?”
“Yeah.” His response is quiet, and I head down the stairs wondering what I’m gonna find.
“Hey.” I run my hand down his arm.
He gives me a closed-mouth smile.
“What are you doin’ down here?”
“Just looking for stuff. These boxes must be storage. I’m wondering what’s inside them. Thought I might haul them out and see what we can find.”