Taylor catches my eye as Meg sinks her chopsticks into a mountain of lo mein.
Taylor still seems fragile to me—young and recently disappointed by the world. But I know fromwhat she’s done here that she’s stronger than she looks. And right now, there’s hope in her beautiful eyes, and something else that looks a lot like tenderness.
It would be the simplest thing in the world to tumble head over heels for her.
My heart thumps helplessly in my chest as I try to think of any reason why I shouldn’t just let myself fall.
12
TAYLOR
Last night at the bookshop made me feel closer to Roan than I have to anyone in a long, long time.
I never thought I’d see the big, grumpy farmer open his heart and let me see why he was hurting. But now that he’s trusted me with his pain, I know I would do anything to take it away and replace it with all the happiness he deserves.
And it makes me feel a little better that he doesn’t thinkStarhoofsounds terrible. That won’t put it in the hands of a million kids like I hoped, but it’s something.
Before bed last night, I put in a big order for the shop. Maybe it won’t be splashed all over the world, but that bookwillsit front and center of the display in my little corner of it. And if even just one or two kids get to read it here in town, I’ll feel like at least I brought it tosomeone.
If I hadn’t talked to Roan about it, I doubt I would have done more than purchase a copy for myself and tuck it away someplace. But he’s right, if I believe in the book, I should be happy to see it in print.
When I woke up this morning, I was still smiling at what a nice time we had when Meg joined us for dinner last night, and I couldn’t wait to see the two of them again today.
But now, as I stand at the shop entrance, waiting for Roan to pick me up as the sun begins to rise over Angel Mountain, I start feeling nervous.
I’ve seen his dad and brother through the window here and there, but I’ve never actually spoken with them. And I know the family has been growing trees on Angel Mountain for generations.
What will they think of him bringing a city girl home? Did his mom want to meet me because she’s interested or because she’s worried?
I smooth my hair down and hope that I dressed okay. I put on my newest pair of jeans and the nicest sweater I own. I don’t normally wear makeup, but I even put on a little lip gloss before coming downstairs.
Thankfully, Roan’s truck pulls up before I can freak myself out any more, and he and Meg hop out, all smiles.
“You look very pretty,” Meg says seriously, looking me up and down.
“It’s nice to have a day when I’m not cleaning andmoving things,” I say with a smile. “Are you excited for the Mingle?”
“Definitely,” she tells me. “We can go for a ride in a carriage.”
Her eyes are all dreamy and I can’t help pulling her into a half hug.
“I’m so glad you guys are taking me with you,” I tell her.
“But first we have a massive breakfast,” she tells me, leading me to the truck.
“Hey.” Roan gives me his usual greeting, his voice going a little husky as he opens the door for us.
Meg scrambles in, and I’m left standing just a few inches from Roan, looking up into his gorgeous blue eyes.
“Hey,” I murmur back.
“Come on, Taylor,” Meg says, smiling and patting the seat beside her.
I scramble in and we put on our seatbelts as Roan heads over to the driver’s side. It’s sort of awesome that his old truck has a bench seat. I like sitting side by side with the two of them.
And Meg is smiling ear to ear. I guess she doesn’t mind being sandwiched between two grownups who adore her.
“I finished the book,” she tells me as Roan finishes buckling up and pulls away from the curb. “It was really good. I think those kids are right.”
