1
SHERIFF CARTER
We’re supposed to be divorced, not end up with our clothes on the floor next to my bed.
That isnotthe thought that should be crossing my mind right now.
My cold gaze locks on the woman on the other side of my parents’ backyard that they spend way too much money on upkeep. She still has that smile that is light and fun, her blue eyes always gleaming in marvel, except for the day we said goodbye three years ago, and I haven’t seen her since. The light purple dress complements her brown hair that is always lighter in the summer, and it still flows halfway down her back. Of course, she’s charming my mother. The whole reason that my ex-wife showed up to my brother’s wedding is because of her, I’m sure of it.
“Why is my ex-wife here?” I seethe to my brother, Oliver, who winces in sympathetic pain. He’s dressed in a suit with no tie. This is a happy day for him, after all, he’s finally having a real wedding with Hailey after they eloped a while back. Then didn’t tell anyone they were married for weeks, but meh, to each their own.
“I told you. Mom went rogue with the invites.”
My eyes snap to my little brother, wanting so desperately to blame this on him for agreeing to have a wedding at my parents’ house along the river. I swear small-town rivers in Illinois, far enough away from Chicago, bring some mystical element to the romance department. But right now, I have bigger issues than scolding the groom on his wedding location choice on this late-afternoon day in June.
“I can see that. Still, why the hell would she show up?”
Oliver shrugs. “Rose and you. Well, it’s not like you divorced on the worst terms. I mean, Mom still loves her. Not to mention, she got along really well with everyone in Everhope, and she and Hailey are friendly to one another, too. I’m sure Rose was just in town and then got roped into this. She’s always too polite to say no.”
Plus, she likes adventure. This is probably a prime opportunity to experience that. It’s why we divorced because she wanted to see the world and live for the moment. She’s younger that me by twelve years, and I’m pushing forty. I wasn’t going to be the one to keep her in Everhope. But I couldn’t leave, I’m Sheriff for Lake Spark County, and my life is here. I can’t fault her for still believing the world is a wonder to explore.
“It’s just Rose. I’m sure she will say congratulations then leave.”
Some people call her Rose, but she’s Rosie to me. She always complained that Rosie is what she was called as a child and she’s a woman now. I would always snort a laugh at that idea and call her Rosie anyhow.
Rosie Blisswood.
It’s what she rasped when she first introduced herself. She dropped into my life and knocked me off my feet the moment our eyes met. I was working in Lake Spark a few towns over, and she was there to visit family.
“Fuck, Carter. Just be a gentleman and go say hi. It’s not like we have assigned seating for dinner and Mom placed you next to one another.” He chuckles, but then it dies and his face falls. Probably because he remembers that Mommy dearest perhaps decided to overstep boundaries again with a smile on her face.
We do love our parents, even if they need to loosen it a bolt or two. They’re classic local elite down to their membership at the country club. While Oliver makes millions working in law for the Lake Spark Spinners hockey team, we also have family money. That’s why I don’t worry about my salary as a sheriff, because let’s be honest, I’m not paying off a mortgage with that salary.
My eyes swing back to Rosie, and it’s a mistake. Our eyes latch, and her smile fades to a tiny weak one, but still, she doesn’t look away. The same feelings I’m having must be stirring inside of her.
Is the disappointment still there? What is this moment that we are about to walk into?
The feeling of a strong hand squeezing my shoulder breaks me away from the spell my ex-wife casts on me.
“We’ve gotta start this shindig, so if you don’t mind, can you figure out your mood for tonight? Stuff a dinner roll or something into your mouth at dinner so you don’t say anything you’ll regret. This is a happy occasion, and please don’t ruin the photos, either.” He’s half teasing me and half warning me, as he should. Oliver deserves this night.
We walk side by side along the stone path across the lawn, back to the main house where there is a patio full of decorations. The hanging lights are a nice touch. They are going for laidback, which also means not exactly a large crowd. Forty people maybe, not enough to escape certain individuals.
The spot in my chest that was torn out and was only just beginning to heal aches, and my heart begins to quicken. I do my best to stare at anything except Rosie. But as soon as Oliver goes in a different direction and I’m left where the guests are all smiles and chatter, the moment arrives.
Rosie delicately takes a few steps forward, and we both seem hesitant of what to say.
“Hi, Carter.” Her voice is fragile, and her eyes drift to the side, but her mouth wears a nuanced, pressed smile. There are not many things she fears. She’s the free spirit who had a sunflower in her hair when we went on our first date.
“Rosie.” It’s a little sharp.
But ah damn, I already hear it in my voice. A sort of swelter that I only get around her, and I’m fucking about to half-smile gently for this woman, and she doesn’t deserve it. We were a whirlwind, something that I never expected was in me. I’m structured and she’s wild. We were two opposites, but she brought out a part of me that made me breathe differently. I like to think that I did the same to her.
“I was in Everhope on my way back from Lake Spark to see my aunt Lucy and my cousin. I knew Hailey and Oliver were getting married, well, again. I thought I would quickly stop by their house to wish them well. We were all friends at some point.”
“And still, you show up here?” The hint of irritation is there.
She stifles a hollow laugh. “I thought I could quickly grab a coffee from Foxy Rox on my way out of town, except… your mother was there.”
