But I’m too strong and greedy.
The moment our lips part, she places a soft kiss inside my palm. “Tomorrow, I think I’m going to see my brother since he finally unpacked all of his moving boxes in his new house.”
“Okay, we can do that.”
She shakes her head. “No. I want to go alone. I need a little breathing space.”
My stomach drops with fear that she’s running away with regrets, but at the same time, she needs to get perspective. She deserves that. “Sure, are you taking Bo with?”
“If it’s okay, I’ll leave him with you. Your mom wanted to spend time with him.”
Her kindness is in full swing. That’s just Summer. Her heart is soft for others and hesitant around only me.
“You know I love you, right?” I remind her.
“I do, because I love you too. I’m just a bit of a wired mess now.”
I kiss her again on her mouth, eager to shake her until she believes that everything will be alright.
But true love is when you let someone find their path to you on their own terms.
Which is what I will give to her.
22
SUMMER
How did I end up here?
In the Dizzy Duck Inn reception on the day after Thanksgiving, bright and early at 9am. Nothing is going according to plan today. Then again, it hasn’t been for months.
Staring down at the pile of papers, I can’t believe I forgot to sign off on the invoices that need to be paid by Monday. My mind has been muddled lately to say the least.
Staring at my name on the paper, I still sometimes wonder how a name could inflict so much emotion. I’m carrying the last name that has changed my life.
Sliding the papers into a yellow envelope, I write a quick note so Holden knows the contents. Now I can get on my way and drive to my brother’s. My plan is to stay there until late afternoon.
Sighing, I turn to leave the lobby, but I hear someone call my name.
My eyes search and find an older lady who is smiling brightly at me. “Mrs. Nix?”
I point to myself. “Me?” She nods, and I step forward. “Isit my mother-in-law that you’re after?” After all, what does this old lady want with me?
Her smile remains. “No, dear, you. You live in my house now.”
“Oh. You must be Mrs. Grace?” I never met her, but I heard about the friendly lady.
“Yes. I’m staying here while I’m in town to see my granddaughter. I do hope that you’re enjoying my old house.”
“What’s not to love.”
Her eyes bow for a second. “I’m sorry about your husband.”
My lips purse out. “Thank you. “
“He was a special man. You know, when he heard I might sell, he first came to me almost two years ago, asking if I would sell early. I thought it was the most heartbreaking thing.”
My head perks to the side. “How so?”
