“You have a nice stay in Verona. I’ll stop by tomorrow morning to check on Bill,” the deputy says before climbing into the patrol car.
“Thank you.” I look at the house again, and it’s to see my grandfather peeking through the curtains with his shotgun in his hand.
Stubborn old man.
“Let’s go,” Easton says.
“We wasted time coming here today,” I mutter as I head to the car. “I’m sorry. You should be at home resting and not out here dealing with my crap.”
“Stop apologizing.” Easton waits for me to climb into the back seat before he slides in beside me. He takes my hand and rests it on his thigh. “We’re a family, Nova, which means we deal with shit together. Okay?”
I lean my head against his shoulder. “Thank you.” I glance at the house as we’re driven away and let out a sigh. “I’ve forgotten how far the house is from town. That was quite a walk for someone his age.”
“And he survived it, so don’t worry about him. He’ll be fine on his own for one more night.”
“I don’t know why I worry,” I mutter. “It’s not like he ever cared about me.”
Easton lifts his arm and wraps it around my shoulder. “Should we drive to Madison for the night?”
“We can go to Sugar River Inn? I know the owner. She’s really nice.” I give him an apologetic look. “It’s close by, and we can get everythingtaken care of first thing tomorrow morning. I want to go home as soon as possible. I don’t like leaving Lainey for longer than absolutely necessary.”
“Sugar River Inn it is, then.”
I give Tyler the directions, and when he pulls up to the inn, which has a charming feel to it, my stomach grumbles.
“What are we going to do about food?” Easton asks.
“I can run to the diner and grab us something to eat,” I say. “But let’s first check with Maggie whether she has a room for us.”
“You’re not running anywhere,” Easton mutters. “Not without me.”
I let out a chuckle. “I love how protective you are.”
Tyler pulls our luggage from the trunk while we walk to the front door. Entering the home that’s decorated with sunflowers and chickens, I call out, “Hello? Maggie? Anyone home?”
“Coming,” Maggie replies, and a few seconds later, she walks into the foyer. “Nova. It’s been a while since I last saw you in town. How are you, dear?”
“I’m good. Do you have a couple of rooms available?”
“Business has been as dead as a doornail. You can have your pick of the rooms,” she replies, then her eyes lock on Easton, and her mouth drops open. “It’s ... it’s ... it’s ... Easton Rowe.”
Honestly, I don’t know how Easton does it. All the attention makes me super uncomfortable.
“Hi, Maggie,” Easton says when she just keeps staring. “How about those rooms?”
“Oh, of course!” She hurries to the small desk and grabs keys from the keyholder.
“Four rooms, please,” I add.
When we follow her up the stairs, Easton says, “I’d appreciate it if you don’t tell anyone I’m staying here. I’ll sign the wall in the foyer, which should be good for business.”
“Of course. My lips are sealed. It’s such an honor. Here are the keys. Have you all eaten? Should I make something for dinner?” She thinksfor a moment, then her face falls. “Gosh, I don’t think I have enough ingredients to feed you all. I didn’t expect to be fully booked tonight.”
“It’s okay.” I pat her arm. “I’ll grab something from Reggie’s Diner.”
“Oh, good. Let me know if you need anything. You’re welcome to make yourselves a cup of tea or coffee. There’s also some lemonade in the fridge.”
“Thank you.”
