“I am,” she said as she slipped an arm around his waist and leaned into him. “Everyone’s been so... kind.”
“That’s Bear Creek for you,” Leo said, and dropped a kiss on the top of her head.
As the day warmed toward noon, the market grew busier. Estelle felt the press of people more keenly then, but it no longer threatened to overwhelm her. The idea of running or hiding now felt slightly absurd.
A young woman with a professional camera stopped by the stall, admiring Leo’s display.
“These are gorgeous,” she said, lifting her camera. “Mind if I take some photos for the community newsletter? We’re doing a feature on local producers.”
“Not at all,” Leo replied easily.
The woman snapped several pictures of the produce, then captured Leo arranging a display of herbs. “Perfect,” the woman said, checking the screen on her camera. “These are great. I’ll tag you when I post some previews on the Bear Creek Community page later today.”
“I look forward to seeing them,” Leo said with a wave before he moved on to the next customer.
As the market began to wind down in the early afternoon, Estelle helped Leo pack up the remaining produce. Adara had made friends with the baker’s granddaughter and was showing her Fizz while the adults worked.
“Thank you for coming today,” Leo said as they loaded the last crate into his truck.
“Thank you for bringing us,” Estelle replied. “It was... not what I expected.”
“In a good way?”
She smiled, a real smile that came without effort. “In a good way.”
An hour later, they were back at the cottage, where Adara arranged her treasures from the market, the smooth green stone and the ribbons next to her fairy garden. Such small things, but they meant something far bigger. They were proof of a world beyond caution. Of a morning spent out in the open, not merely surviving it, but living it.
Then they headed inside for coffee and pastries they’d brought from the baker. Together they sat in complete contentment, Adara curled up in a chair watching cartoons, while Estelle and Leo sat side by side on the sofa.
This could be our life,her dragon whispered.Not just surviving. Living.
The thought frightened her. But it called to her, too.
A notification sounded.
Leo glanced down at his phone. “Looks like the market page posted already.”
Estelle leaned closer and looked over his shoulder.
Then everything inside her turned to ice.
There on the screen was a candid photograph of Leo’s stall. In the foreground, he was smiling at a customer, relaxed and open. And in the background, unmistakable despite not being the focus, were Estelle and Adara. Estelle was bent slightly, pointing something out to Adara, her face clear enough to be recognized. Adara was looking up at her, delight on her face, Fizz tucked beneath one arm.
The caption read: “Local favorite Leo Thornberg sharing his passion for heirloom produce at today’s market. #BearCreekCommunity #ShopLocal #MondayMarket.”
Already, the post had dozens of likes and a growing line of comments beneath it.
Estelle’s blood ran cold.
It’s online,her dragon whispered.Anyone could see them.
And they both knew exactly who might.
Chapter Twenty – Leo
Until this moment, the day had been perfect. But now, looking at the photo online and seeing Estelle’s face so clearly caught in the background, all the warmth that had filled the cottage only moments before was gone.
She’s seen it,his bear said, suddenly alert.Look at her face.
