“Don’t thank me yet. We still have a girlfriend to find!”
TEN
SYLVIE
God, I’m so stupid. Naïve, dumb, all the words to describe how shitty I feel flood my head as I toss Hunter’s clothes in my washer. The boots lay abandoned at my front door, already in a plastic bag ready to be handed off.
I should know better. Sex is one thing, but commitment is another. And although he’d been hedging on the idea of me staying, the reminder of his daughter was obviously enough to wake him up from the fantasy.
Because that’s all we could really be, right? We were two people from completely different worlds, with different lifestyles and worldviews. He was right. He has a daughter, and I’ve always considered myself childless. Perhaps not by choice, but it’s not like I’ve been surrounded by people who show parenthood as being anything worth having.
Already, that makes us different people. I’m sure he’d be open to having more babies if he could, since he’s done so well with Opal, but I don’t know if I should do that—or want it.
And then there’s Willow Ridge.
Could I stay in a small town forever? I think about the last month living here; the peacefulness of the town, how slow and quiet it is. It isn’t always on the go, and the people are far morewelcoming and kind than I ever could have imagined. I will admit, small towns have their way of charming people based on their exterior, but once you get to know them, you realise there’s something dark hidden within.
But not Willow Ridge. At least, not from what I’ve seen so far. The community comes together and supports one another in ways I haven’t seen before. It goes beyond the fundraiser. There’s a deeper respect for one another here that blows my mind.
But is that enough to make me want to stay? I don’t know. If it were with Hunter…
I close my eyes, leaning back against the washer. I can’t bring myself to turn it on and wash away today’s memories just yet. Why am I even hesitating? Being asked to leave was a wake-up call. Even if we could make it work, I’d always be an outsider in his life—in their lives.
As much as I care for him—and Opal—I just don’t know if that’ll be enough.
The hard knocks on my front door have my eyes flying open. I check my watch for any missed calls or texts, but none have come through. Granted, I only just charged both devices since coming home. But I’m not expecting anyone.
As three more knocks sound through the house, I leave my small laundry room and start down the short hall towards the entry, each step making my heart pound with anticipation.
I don’t even stop to wonder who’s there, not as I throw open the front door. A breath catches in my throat as I take in both Hunter and Opal standing outside, bundled in heavy jackets. As soon as Opal sees me, a giant smile forms on her lips, and she throws herself into my arms.
“I’m sorry Dad kicked you out because of me,” she says in a rush. “I wasn’t upset about the two of you. I promise. It was something else, and he overreacted. Please don’t go.”
As I hold her in a hug, my heart flutters. “Hey, I’m not upset.”
Opal sniffles. “Can we come in, please? It’s freezing.”
I look from her to her father, standing with his hands in his pockets, uncertainty playing across his features. “We’ll leave if you don’t want us here. But I won’t go without a fight.”
My belly does a flip, but I silently nod and push the door open for him. In my arms, Opal releases a shaky breath, and together they enter my house.
It isn’t much, and I haven’t spent any time doing anything with it. Honestly, I decided to rent it on the off chance I wanted to purchase something in town, but I wasn’t sure whether I could commit to anything like that here. I own my townhouse in Manhattan—well I inherited it. But it’s all I’ve ever needed.
Only now, I don’t know if I see myself returning to it.
Hunter immediately finds my stare, his gaze burning. The entire morning hits me with harsh clarity, something I don’t know if I’m ready to admit yet.
“Opal is right. I shouldn’t have asked you to leave,” he starts, pulling his hands from his pockets and wrapping an arm around Opal. “It wasn’t right.”
I shake my head. “No, I get it. You did what you had to do.” I look from him to Opal. “I don’t blame your dad. Really. I’d probably do the same. You were clearly upset, and that needed to be addressed. But are you sure you aren’t…worried?”
Opal shrugs. “Why would I be?” she asks. “I have been trying—not so subtly—to get you guys together all month. Last night was the final straw. And I couldnotlet Mr. Henderson win the date with you.”
I frown, despite the relief flooding through me. “Mr. Henderson?”
“The gym teacher.” Opal rolls her eyes. “Beside the point. I’m not mad about you and Dad. That was my whole master plan. I was upset about something my mom did, but that literally hasnothing to do with either of you. I know you kissed, and I willnotget in the way of you two dating. But I don’t want you to leave Willow Ridge.”
The tears burning in my eyes are an unfamiliar feeling, one I don’t know how to hide—especially from them. Because as soon as Hunter takes my hand, I feel the first one fall, and there’s nothing I can do to stop it.
