She recalled the helpless look on his face when she’d broken down in tears and choked back a chuckle as she wiped her face dry. “Right. I’ll try to remember.”
“And this business between our dad and Gavin and me... you might want to stay out of it. There’s a lot of water under that bridge.”
“Fair enough.”
“Let’s give this a little time.” He straightened from the railing and fished his keys from his pocket. “I’m sure we’ll see each other around.”
“I’ll be at Trail Days.” How she’d manage it all, she had no idea.
“All right. I’ll see you there then.” He made his way down the porch steps.
“Thanks for coming by, Cooper.”
He gave her a nod before he was swallowed by the shadows of the night.
Charlotte slipped inside, her thoughts and feelings a big jumble. The conversation had left her hopeful. Hopeful that the Robinsons might forgive her. Cooper could only speak for himself. But still, that was something. She might be able to build a relationship with one of her brothers at least.
She went to the kitchen, feeling somewhat dazed by the roller coaster of emotions today. Her appetite was gone now and her stomach had ceased growling, so she left the mac ’n’ cheese in the microwave and started on the dirty dishes instead.
It didn’t take long for her thoughts to return to Gunner. Was he still in Riverbend or had he left already? What did it matter? He’d made it clear their relationship was over. They didn’t want the same things out of life. She longed for roots, and he didn’t want to be tethered by relationships or towns or jobs.
Or her.
Tears prickled her eyes, and this time she let them fall unhindered. She’d shed more tears today than she had since her mom had passed.
“Oh, Mom, I miss you so much.”
Charlotte wanted her there. Wanted to fall into her armsand sob. Her mom would understand how she was feeling. She’d loved and lost and lived to tell about it. And given how Charlotte was feeling just now, she wasn’t sure how.
She didn’t hear Emerson’s arrival until she burst through the kitchen door. “Guess what? Vivian wants me to open the new bakery in Greensboro!”
Charlotte used her dry wrist to swipe away the tears. What did Emerson just say? She was leaving Riverbend? Leaving the ranch? Suddenly the thought of losing the extra help paled in comparison to living three and a half hours from her sister.
“Did you hear me, Char? They want me to open the bakery and manage it by myself!”
Face now dry, Charlotte turned and tried for a smile. “Wow, that’s wonderful, Emmie. What a great opportunity. I’m really proud of you.”
Emerson’s smile slipped. She slowly closed the distance between them. “Hey, what’s wrong?”
Charlotte drew a shuddering breath and opened her mouth to say she’d just had a bad day. She didn’t want to rain on Emerson’s parade. But nothing came out. Nothing at all. Instead the words tangled up, forming a knot in her throat. Tears filled her eyes again and began trickling down her face.
Compassion filled Emerson’s eyes, softened the planes of her face. “Tell me what’s wrong. I know it isn’t my news. You look like you’ve been crying for hours.”
In fact, she had. She dried her hands on the towel, tossed it aside, and met her sister’s gaze. “So much has happened in the past twenty-four hours. The Robinsons found out who I am and... Gunner left.” Her words died off as sobs wracked her body.
“Oh, honey.” Emerson drew her into her arms and held her tight. She rubbed her back, murmuring soothing words. “Everything will be okay.”
But nothing felt like it would ever be okay again. And now she was losing Emerson too.
Her grip tightened on her sister. “It hurts. It hurts so bad.”
“I know. I’m so sorry this is happening.”
“He doesn’t want roots. He doesn’t wantme.”
“He must be crazy then.”
“But he isn’t,” Charlotte said. “He’s wonderful. He’s kind and patient and honorable...”
