“Apple farm?”Charlie’s voice rose about an octave.“Do you think that’s our apple farm, Dad?”
Nash ruffled his hair.“It could be.”
Ginny smiled.“Then you must be Nash and Charlie.I heard you were arriving soon.”
Charlie’s eyes widened.“You know about us?”
Ginny laughed.“A little bit.It’s a small town and we all know each other well, even those of you who live on the outskirts.We’ve got each other’s backs here in Phail.You’re going to love it.”
Charlie’s excitement had him chattering throughout the meal.Through Ginny, they found out more about the town, the people, and their destination.
Ginny smiled at Olivia.“It’s too bad the No Phailed Apples Inn at the farm isn’t open yet.It should be ready in a few months.But if you want to stay in town for a bit, we have a terrific B&B a few streets over.”
Olivia nodded but didn’t respond right away.He found himself hoping she thought it was as good an idea as he did.
He wanted to know more about Olivia and the danger she worried about.Hell, he just wanted to know more.Maybe even explore the attraction he felt.
A zing of guilt shot through him.He’d loved Charlotte with every cell of his being.He missed her so damn much.
He had no business being attracted to this woman with shadows in her eyes.
That didn’t make the attraction any less real.
Chapter3
Home And Away
Olivia felt overwhelmed by pretty much everything.The town was warm and welcoming.Ginny felt like a friend after one meal in her diner.Charlie was officially one of her favorite people, and she was pretty sure Ella Mae was already in love with the boy.
Then there was Nash Cooper, also known as Alice.She wanted to know more about the man.Why Alice?Why just the two of them?Was there a wife or girlfriend in the picture, and they just hadn’t mentioned her yet?
Although she figured Charlie probably would have by now.The boy was a happy chatterbox, ready to make friends and make the world a better place.He was a great kid.
Which said so much about his dad.She hoped she would be even half as good a mom to Ella.The girl deserved the world, and Olivia was going to work her butt off to see that she got it.
When they finished off the taco platter, she was full in many ways.The contentment she felt sitting in this diner with people who had been strangers only hours before surprised her.
When was the last time she felt content?Had she ever?Her foster care homes had been mostly safe, some had even been good.But she’d never reached contentment anywhere but with her laptop creating her stories.
There had always been an element of danger, a worry about what would happen next.The group home where she’d met Mary Mae and Liam was probably the closest place to peaceful she’d ever lived as a child.
But there had still been the worry.When the three of them had turned eighteen they’d shared a tiny apartment.She’d thought Mary Mae and Liam might have preferred to be on their own, but they’d laughed her off.The three amigos weren’t going to be split up.
Those had been her happiest years despite the countless meals of ramen and nights on the lumpy couch.
Maybe now she could have more.Maybe she could choose to stay in Phail and explore the town.Find out if it was safe enough to stay for good, or even for a while.
Her bank account could afford a few nights in a B&B.Then she’d have a better feel for the town.
Ella Mae picked up a piece of broccoli from the plate of steamed veggies Manuel had made for her and held it up in triumph.With a happy squeal she shoved it in her mouth and laughed.
Olivia grinned and used the napkin to wipe her chin.“Manners, my precious Ella Mae.One of these days you’ll get some.”
Charlie laughed.“She’s too little to worry about manners.She sure loves broccoli.”
Olivia smiled.“She does.Actually, she pretty much loves everything so far.Except carrots.Not a fan of carrots.”
Nash chuckled, making her skin react again.“Sounds familiar.”
