Chapter 16
Kira blew out a slow,calming breath as she inspected the studio. Three months.Wow,she could hardly believe it. Just three months ago she’d started a new chapter in life. And though time had gone by quickly, she’d accomplished more than she imagined was possible. Her planner was peppered with indoor studio sittings, outdoor shoots, upcoming dances, and large events, too. She enjoyed those the most. In fact, last month for Easter, Kira had snapped pictures at Cobble Creek’s Easter Egg Hunt. A gal at the community center had hired her to capture some of the goings-on that day, along with staged portraits with the Easter Bunny. It’d been a blast. But still, one thing Kira was most proud of was the graffiti wall she’d come up with for senior portraits. Prior to their scheduled appointments, graduates of Cobble Creek High were invited to come and personalize part of the studio’s brick wall by spray-painting a background that represented them—perfect for teens. Luckily, Hammers Hardware carried plenty of washable spray paint for theoccasion.
Another hit was her newly finished kids’ corner—a spot Anthony helped her create for the little ones. While small visitors sat up to the table for a tea party in the charming, miniature kitchen, Kira snapped away. Sisters giggling over tiny teacups, laced gloves accentuated lifted pinkies while knitted shawls hung over their small frames. Adjacent to the kitchen, mock tools dangled from small brass hooks on an old-time pegboard. Greasy coveralls draped over rusty-looking nails, ready for the next “mechanic” to work on the knickknacks on the workbench. A tiny tots library separated the two opposing scenes, offering a spot where kids could cuddle up to mom or dad, big sis or bro, and giggle at the selection of classic picture books. All of this while Kira captured themoments.
Business was good, and she’d never felt so accomplished in her life. But Kira wasn’t sure it would be enough to impress her older sister who, over time, had proven to be one of her toughest critics. And what would she say to Mom and Dad about the visit?Sure, Kira’s doing good now, but we all know it’s not going to last. Give her time, and she’ll mess it up like she does everythingelse.
Kira hated setting such low expectations for Marissa. It wasn’t fair, and she knew it. Perhaps this visit could mark a new beginning for themboth.
A ding sounded from her phone just as she thought to check the time. It was from Anthony. Speaking of good.Wonderfulwas more like it. She peered down at histext:
What time doesyour sister gethere?
Kira straightenedup and turned to look over her shoulder. If she squinted hard enough, looking beyond passersby on Main Street, she could possibly make out his impressive stature behind the bar. Or at least imagine seeing him between Chuck and Don as they ate their Saturday morning special. Her phone let out anotherding.
Areyou sure you don’t want me to come to the airport? I will, youknow.
Yes,bless him. But no, this was something she had to do herself. Besides, Anthony would meet Marissa soonenough.
Ido know that.Thank you for offering, but I’ve got this. I’ll be over in a minute to kiss yougoodbye.
It dinged back in a hurry.
Mmm… Can’t wait. Let’s kiss hello too. Then goodbye. I like it better when we dothat.
She chuckled,bathing in the thrill that bubbled up in her chest. She and Anthony were in the honeymoon phase of a relationship. The hate-being-apart, want-to-go-everywhere-together, make-a-special-trip-to-say-goodbye phase. And Kira was loving every minute of it. Which had made last night difficult; with the weather turning warm so quickly, Shadow River had risen too high, causing flooding along the edge of town. Rather than spending a nice quiet evening together like they’d planned, Anthony had gone off to help sandbag the firestation.
Today’s three-hour trip to the Jackson Hole Airport, when doubled, would take up most of the day. Which meant she wouldn’t see much of him today either. No early lunch before the studio opened. No quick visits between sittings. But Marissa had taken time out of her life to visit her—a visit Kira had cleared her schedule for once her sister confirmed the dates—it’d be worthit.
Sunlight poured over Main Street as Kira locked up the storefront. Cobble Creek hadn’t seen snow since the first of April, and Kira had finally unpacked her shorts and capris. She’d also tucked her winter coats away for the season, needing only an occasional jacket or raincoat. She paused to take in the magic of the quaint, side-by-side shops. One walk down Main offered townsfolk places like CC’s Salon, Top’s Bakery, and the Flower Girl Floral Shop. Kira’s new favorites were Books and Nooks, Frank and Signs, and of course the Old-Fashioned Soda Shop in the pharmacy. Baskets of fresh produce lined the storefront just a few doors from Tony’s Diner, the color as vibrant and diverse as the people she’d met. This was truly the place Kira belonged, and that knowledge meant more to her than she couldsay.
Kira intended to listen to an audiobook during the drive to the airport, but by the time she remembered that idea, she was more than halfway there. Her mind preoccupied with a mixing pot of memories. She and Marissa when they were young. Many put a smile on her face. Some were tender enough to make her cry. Others had Kira shaking her head, wondering why her older sister had often been soharsh.
When she’d stepped over to the diner to tell Anthony goodbye, he’d offered some encouraging words, assuring her there was no reason to dread the visit. “Your family loves you,” he assured. “And they want to see you succeed.” The best part about Anthony was that he never made her feel like she’d be less great without him. He simply had a way of helping Kira see her strengths—qualities that existed with or without him. She wasn’t sure why that felt so important to her, but itdid.
The sun shone in full force as Kira took the turn into the airport. Just the sight of the tarmac from a distance, the planes coming and going overhead, all of it caused an odd sort of cabin pressure to build right there in her compact car. Anthony had shown her how to use a pressure cooker just last week. He’d pointed out the dos and don’ts. Explained how the contraption needed time to build, and then release pressure with each use, which made Kira relate to the thing on some level. It was veryhumanto build pressure over time. Most explosive outbursts were layered with mounds of pressure. Layers that had built up over years. And then, with the simplest trigger, it could gooff.
Kira gripped the steering wheel and forced out a pursed-lipped breath. She didn’t have steam to let off, did she? She didn’t think so. Kira had finally found the happiness she was looking for. The place she belonged whether her family believed she’d stay put or not. And that’s what matteredmost.
After locking up the car, Kira weaved through the lot. This section of parking was covered, and the lack of sunlight made it feel like winter had made a sudden comeback. She folded her arms over her chest as she scanned the exit gate.Calm, Kira. Calm. Things will begreat.
* * *
“Burger, deep-fried mushrooms, and a root beer,”Anthony said as he slid Sheriff Trent Lockheart’s lunch across the counter. “Can I get you anythingelse?”
Trent shook his head. “No, looks great. Hey, I can’t thank you enough for all your help last night. According to Judy, the fire station suffered leaks in years past, but nothing sosevere.”
Anthony covered a yawn. “I was happy to help. Never know how much damage a runoff like that cancause.”
“I’ll say,” Benny said around a mouth of food. He nudged the sheriff. “That’s what I was telling Trent. We had one heck of a winter. And when things heat up quick, we can end up with a bigmess.”
Trent dabbed his mouth with a napkin. “Glad the majority of town sits outside the danger zone,” he said, lifting his drink to where the straw waited an inch from his lips. “Better to have the fire station at risk than the health clinic, or someone’s home or personalbusiness.”
Anthony nodded. “True enough. And we’ve got one heck of a community. That’s what I love about thisplace.”
“Hear, hear,” Benny cheered, lifting his cup of root beer with a stretched outarm.
Anthony secured a fresh glass from under the counter to play along, straightening his arm to clank it against the officers’. “Hear, hear.” He brought the empty glass to his lips and tipped it back, way back, before placing it solidly on the counter. “Goodstuff.”
