“Claire, you’re not broken. You’re one of the strongest people I know. And you have your whole life ahead of you, right?”
She sniffs as I bring up the hem of my shirt to dry her cheeks. “Even my imagination must know that stuff isn’t possible for me anymore, since I can’t see anything past the way things are now.”
I furrow my brow, already feeling guilty for pushing her too far. “Of course it’s possible. And maybe you don’t see anyone else because your heart is telling you that you need to focus on loving yourself for now.”
“I didn’t say I was alone,” she admits, and my pulse quickens.
“Oh. So there is someone with you?” I ask, barely able to get the words out.
“It doesn’t matter. I can’t see myself getting married ever again, which pretty much nullifies the rest,” she mutters as she takes a step back, but I involuntarily reach for her arm.
“Claire, wait?—”
“Can we please drop it?” she interrupts me before I can ask for more, and I let out a loud exhale.
“Yeah, sorry.”
She sniffles again. “We should go inside before your mom starts to worry.”
“Sure,” I reply and lead her out.
CHAPTER THIRTY
rowan
Claireand I are both silent as we lock up the barn and walk toward the house, waving to my dad when he acknowledges us from across the yard. The rest of my family is still gathered around the kitchen when we get there, and I gesture for Claire to use the sink first as my mom starts doling out slices of homemade king cake.
“Yes, but they aren’t obligated to observe their Lenten penances on Sundays,” my mother argues, and Heath exhales in defeat when she places a piece in front of each of his children.
“So,” my brother begins once I’m done washing my hands. “I see why you weren’t interested in that blind date we’ve been trying to set up for you.”
My gaze darts over to Claire, who forces a smile and keeps her eyes locked onto the dish towel she’s folding.
“I’ve been busy,” is all I say.
My mom swats at my arm. “You’d better not be dating more than one woman at a time.”
“Oh, no,” Claire volunteers. “Rowan and I are just … besties. He’s free to date whomever he wants.”
My stomach bottoms out, and the way she rolls her lips in as if the words taste sour is the only thing keeping me from breaking down infront of everyone. The sympathetic look my brother exchanges with his wife is nearly enough to do me in, though.
“Besties?” my mom asks with a fist on her hip. “Is that slang for one of those open relationships?”
“It means they’re best friends and they tell each other everything,” Gertie leans up to whisper to my mother, who feigns understanding.
“Oh, right,” she confirms as she moves closer to Claire and wraps an arm around her waist. “Either way, we’re glad to hear Rowan and Daisy have been keeping such lovely company, and we’re grateful that they’re willing to share you with us. You’re welcome here any time, Claire, even if you don’t plan on becoming a LaFleur officially.”
My head falls back, and I let out a groan as the rest of my family laughs. “That’s real helpful, Ma. Thanks.”
“Well, someone has to propose to her, and you’re not getting any younger,cher,” my mom retorts, running a hand over Claire’s braid before backing away.
Claire’s cheeks pinken adorably, though I’m not sure whether it’s due to my mother’s overly affectionate disposition or the subject matter itself, and she clears her throat before she speaks.
“I mean, hehastried—you know what, never mind,” she says, waving her hands apologetically. “Thanks for the open invitation.”
I whimper and shovel king cake into my mouth, and Heath pats me on the back with a chuckle.
“Naomi’s still willing to set you up with her church friend,” he offers, sounding amused. My eyes flash to Claire’s again as I force myself to chew, though I couldn’t even name the flavor. And at this point, I wouldn’t mind if it were peanut butter filled.
