“Ah, breaks are for the weak. It’s time to get this thing done.”
“The bedroom could use a fresh coat of paint. The porch, too. And I need to work on the shutters.”
“I can swing by tomorrow and give you a hand with that.”
“By give me a hand, do you mean stand there and watch while I do it?”
“Absolutely.”
“Alright. Sounds like a plan.”
Laken laughed, and Presley shook her head. Even Baylor giggled, even though she had no idea why. And I couldn’t help but laugh right along with them.
I caught Presley watching me out of the corner of my eye, and there was softness in her expression. It looked like she was almost relieved. I knew she’d felt it, too.
The fog that had been hanging over me sincethat nightwasn’t gone. Not sure it ever would be. But tonight, it had loosened its grip.
I had my girl by my side, friends at my table, and a little girl with her bunny. And for the first time in days, I felt like myself again.
And for now, that was enough.
30
PRESLEY
ONE MONTH LATER
“Iwould love to go to the mountains for a few days.” Jenna took a sip from her lemonade before adding, “A little cabin by a creek or one that’s way up high with all the views and fresh air. Oh, and a hot tub. A hot tub is a must.”
“Sounds great.” Tallie grimaced. “But I don’t think I could survive without cell service or internet. That would be more like a nightmare instead of a vacation.”
“There are plenty of places with internet,” Jenna replied. “But I’d just as soon go without it. Someone could use a break from all the club stuff… not that he’d ever take it.”
“They could all use a break.”
Laken shifted in her lounge chair as she told us. “I’d settle for anywhere with a beach. Baylor’s never seen the ocean, and I’ve only been once.”
“Oh, I love the beach.” Tallie sighed. “The sound of the ocean, sand in your toes, and finding seashells. There’s nothing better.”
“Add a margarita and Lawson in a speedo, and I’d be all in.” Jenna giggled. “Not that it would ever happen.”
“I’d pay money to see it,” Tallie snickered. “Big money.”
“Oh, me too!” Tallie agreed.
I smiled and took a sip of my iced tea, letting the warmth of the day settle over me. The sun was bright, but not unbearable. It was still early, but a day like this was a sign that summer was just around the corner.
I glanced in front of me and watched as Luna and Baylor played in the kiddie pool Laken had brought. They were having the absolute best time and seemed completely unaware of all the hammering and sawing of the guys working to get the new back deck installed.
They had already finished the final touches on the inside, and the place looked absolutely stunning. Luke was so proud of it, and so was I. Everything had come together perfectly, and all that was left was the back deck.
It was coming along.
Slowly. Very slowly.
They had it framed out and were about to start laying the slats. There were tools scattered over the backyard and their drinks were lined up on the old steps that were now resting next to a tree.
Luke stood in the middle of it all with a tape measure clipped to his belt and a pencil tucked behind his ear. He was no longer wearing a shirt, and sweat was beading across his now sunburned chest. His ballcap was turned around backwards, and his dark hair was curling around the edges.
