“He told me how he was dying and wanted to ensure that you would have the house and everything you would need.”
“W-what?” It makes no sense. He only found out he was terminal a month before Bo was born. Everything happened so quickly. “It can’t be. He was sick but not that sick then.”
Confusion paints onto her face. “Huh. I clearly remember him telling me how he didn’t have much time. He pleaded with me to sell because he thought it would be a house that you would want. I wasn’t quite ready, even though he pulled on my heartstrings.”
“But I only moved in much later.”
She shrugs. “Well, I only decided later.”
“Are you sure you have the timing right?” It simply can’t be. Zac wouldn’t have kept that from me.
Mrs. Grace seems to grasp that she’s sharing new information with me, and she gently touches my shoulder. “Forgetwhat I said. I’m just happy you live in my old house. It’s a perfect little place.”
I nod with an attempted closed-mouth smile. “Uhm, I need to be somewhere, but it was lovely meeting you.” Swallowing, I do my best to digest her information. “Have a lovely holiday weekend.”
“You too, dear.”
Fleeing, I find myself behind the wheel of my car, paused and wondering what the hell.
“I’ve made sure that you have everything that you’ll need, I promise.”
Shaking my head, I’m even more happy now to get the fuck out of Lake Spark.
Wanderingthrough Keats’s home to the kitchen, it’s clear this restored old house is far too big for him. Despite the farmhouse kitchen that brings a bit of lightness, this place screams bachelor pad, down to his tray of whiskey tumblers and crystal decanter near a restored fireplace.
“Juice or water? I actually went to the grocery store this morning,” he informs me as he disappears behind his fridge door.
Sitting at the island, I twiddle my thumbs as I tell him a water.
He reappears with a bottle for me. “I’m happy you came, though without my nephew, but still a relief that you feel this place is a refuge. I just wish it was under better circumstances.”
My lips twist as I play with the cap of the water bottle. “I wanted some air to clear my head, and since you said you wanted to work yesterday and let me enjoy time alone withthe Nix family, then I have no choice but to drive here. And trust me, I didn’t enjoy the time alone.”
Keats reaches out to soothe my arm with his hand. “I’m sorry. I wish things were better. They didn’t take it well that you and Nash are something, did they?”
“His father, absolutely not. Gail seemed okay. She wants to keep me in the family, even if that means switching sons. I’m getting confused if I’ve ruined their family or if they ruined my life. But after unraveling it all, I’m well aware that they didn’t destroy my life and they probably didn’t mean their words.”
“Nah, they don’t hate you or anything. They’re just sensitive considering the last year. But to be honest, the parents are not bothering you. It’s something else. Or rather someone.”
Clawing my hair with my fingers, I growl a sound of frustration. “I love him, but I fear I’ve been blinded.” My hands slide down to rub the back of my neck. “Everything is spinning so fast that I’m not sure I’m looking the right way,” I admit. The clouded judgment isn’t just a theory, I’m now an example of it.
“Summer, I was convinced that’s what you and Nash are. But you smile around him, seem more yourself. It’s more a question of if you’re truly ready to move on.”
Licking my lips, the question in my head confronts me again. “That’s when the guilt cycle begins to turn. I’ve never really moved on from Nash, just tucked him away. It’s a horrible thing to say out loud because I had a husband, but I loved him too, just in an altered way. Not many people would realize that, nor am I going to correct them. Zac wanted a wife, and he got one, so I won’t let the world know that it was anything different.”
“You never explained it fully, but you’re my kid sister, and it was always my sixth sense.”
“The thing is… to everyone it must appear that Nash is sliding right in where his brother left off, but I don’t see any other way. It’s a wall about what the future may look like. I’m just stuck in a moment.”
Keats tips his head in the direction of the couch. “Come on. This conversation deserves a more relaxed setting.”
I half smile in agreement and hop off the stool. Walking to the living room, I glance out the window to see the gray sky and notice the neighbor’s house. “It’s empty. Your new neighbor hasn’t moved in yet?”
“Why? Want to move closer to me? You know I would love it.”
“Ha, ha. You’ve offered many times for Bo and me to move in here for a bit, but we’re staying in Lake Spark.”
My brother flops onto the sofa. “The neighbor better move in soon, otherwise I swear a family of raccoons might take up occupancy. Now back to you, and no more small talk.” He narrows his eyes at me.
