“After that, my dad just shut down. He started taking sleeping pills, barely got out of bed. It felt like I lost both of them the same day.” I swallow hard.
“My sister tried to hold things together for a while, but she could not. Drugs got her in the end, and she left when I turned eighteen.” My voice cracks.“We used to be happy. We used to be a real family. But when Mom died, everything else went with her.”
Josh leans forward, his broad shoulders grounding me.“Penny.” His voice is soft, sorrowful.“I am so sorry. That is a lot for anyone, especially a kid. I wish we could have been there for you.” He gives me a small, comforting smile.“But you are here now, and you need to know my family is your family too, if you want it to be. You do not have to be alone.”
Tears prick my eyes, and I blink quickly, trying to hold them back.
I swallow hard, my voice barely a whisper.“Thank you. That means more than I can say.”
Lily steps up behind me, placing a hand lightly on my shoulder.“We mean it, honey. You are part of this family now. You do not have to carry the weight of your past here. You can just be yourself and start building your life however you want.”
I manage a small smile.“Thank you, both of you. Really.”
We linger over breakfast, talking about everything and nothing, the B and B, Grace’s antics, the town, and how much life seems bigger than the small, painful box I had been trapped in.Josh jokes about how Grace and I seem to get along, talking in her room every night, and tells me about some odd customers who came to the B&B the other day, making me laugh. The kitchen feels alive, cozy, like home.
After coffee refills and Josh serving me more pancakes, he stands, stretching.“Work is waiting. We have a mare having her foal today, and Jude is already at the stables with the vet.” I smile.“Oh, that is so exciting!”
Josh grins and hugs me.“Why don’t you come by after lunch and help me name it?”
My smile grows.“I would love that.” He squeezes my shoulder.“Good. See you later, Penny.”
He kisses Lily on the cheek, and their love radiates warmth, making my chest ache in the best way. Lily shakes her head, blushing, and turns to me.“Any plans for today?” she asks.
“Um… is there a computer I could borrow? I want to look at the pictures I took with Grace Monday, if that is okay.”
Lily’s eyes light up.“Of course, sweetie. There is one in the little office corner. Make yourself comfortable. I will be nearby if you need anything.”
I carry my coffee mug over and settle into the chair, sunlight spilling across the desk. Clicking through the photos, I breathe in slowly. The mountains, the trails, Grace’s bright green eyes, the golden sunlight on the trees… my chest loosens a little.
“Those are stunning,” Lily says softly from behind me. I startle, turning to see her standing with a mug of coffee in her hands, warm sunlight catching the highlights in her curls.“You took these?” she asks, leaning closer.
“Yeah,” I say, a little self-conscious.“Grace and I drove out to the overlook on Monday. She is working on a photography project for school and needed help. It was fun teaching her, seeing her excitement as she captured the mountains.”
“You have a real gift for this,” Lily says, smiling. I shrug, embarrassed.“It is just a hobby, really.”
“Just a hobby?” Lily laughs softly, shaking her head.“No. These would look amazing on our brochure, on the website… perfect. Do you think I could use them?”
I look up, surprised.“Really?”
“Yes, absolutely. I want to pay you for them.”
“Oh no,” I say quickly, holding up my hands.“You are already helping me out so much. Let me do this for you.”
Lily smiles warmly.“Alright but just this once, the next pictures you take for us I pay.”
Lily reaches over and ruffles my hair gently.“And do not worry about staying with us, Penny. We love having you. It is good to have you here. You fit in with all of us just fine. I hope you feel it too.”
I nod, my chest full.“I do. I really do. Thank you.”
I walk toward the stables, my heart racing with excitement. Dust motes float in the golden afternoon light as Jude cleans the stalls, sleeves rolled up. Josh is already there with the vet, checking on the mare. The soft nickers and shuffling hooves make my stomach flutter.
“Hey, Penny,” Josh greets me with a grin.“Perfect timing. The foal should be out soon.”
I lean against the fence, eyes wide as I watch the mare strain, her muscles tense and shining with sweat. A small, warm brown foal slips onto the hay, wobbling on its long legs. My breath catches.
“Do you think it’s a boy or a girl?” I whisper, staring at him.
Josh chuckles.“Looks like a boy. Strong little guy, too. What are you thinking for a name?”
