"Especially because we all knew you'd end up back together eventually," Emily said.
Riley's heart squeezed. "You did?"
"Please. You two were endgame from the start. Everyone knew it." Hannah's expression turned serious. "Are you thinking about staying? In Pine Valley?"
The question surprised Riley more than she expected. "I don't know. Maybe. My job?—"
"Your job makes you miserable," Hannah said bluntly. "You know it does."
"It's complicated."
"It always is. But Riley?" Hannah reached across the table. "Don't let fear make your decisions for you. If you want to stay, stay. If you want to make it work with Grant, make it work. Life's too short for 'what ifs.'"
Riley's throat went tight. "When did you get so wise?"
"Marriage and two kids. It ages you." Hannah grinned. "But seriously. We're all rooting for you. Whatever you decide."
The rest of lunch was lighter—gossip about people they'd gone to high school with, stories about Hannah's kids, plans for New Year's Eve. But Hannah's words stuck with Riley long after they'd paid the check and said goodbye.
Don't let fear make your decisions.
Was that what she was doing? Letting fear keep her from admitting what she really wanted?
By the time six-thirty rolled around, Riley was a mess of nerves and anticipation.
She changed her outfit three times, finally settling on jeans and a soft sweater. Nothing fancy. Just…her.
The drive to the farm felt both too long and too short. By the time she pulled into the driveway—now empty of customers, the lot quiet—her hands were shaking.
Grant was waiting on the porch, and the look on his face when he saw her made Riley's breath catch.
"Hey," she said, climbing out of the car.
"Hey." He closed the distance between them, his hands finding her waist like they belonged there. "You came."
"You asked me to."
"I know, but I thought maybe you'd change your mind. Realize this was a bad idea."
Riley's hands slid up his chest. "Is it a bad idea?"
"Probably."
"Then why does it feel so right?"
Grant's eyes darkened. "Come inside. It's cold."
"Where's your dad?"
"Dinner in town with some friends. He won't be back till late."
"So we're alone."
"Very alone."
They stared at each other, the tension thick enough to cut.
"Riley," Grant said, his voice rough. "If you want to stop, if you want to slow down, you need to tell me now. Because once we go inside?—"
