“Oh, I’m good. I was just coming over here to ask how the press conference went. It’s been the talk around the tables. Should we be worried?” she asks, rubbing her hands on her apron.
“Nah. No need to panic. We’ve put out a profile, so I’ll make sure that gets around to you in case you see anyone that raises concerns. For now, our guy has a certain type so we just need those women to stay alert and aware.”
“Oh, thank goodness. I’ve been so worried.”
“I promise we are doing our very best to catch this guy.”
Misty places her hand on West’s shoulder, giving it a squeeze. “Thanks for all you do, Sheriff. I’ll let you two sweethearts get back to your date now. Oh, and you tell that brother of yours to bring in those adorable children of his this weekend. Aunt Misty will make extra special pancakes for them cuties.” She smiles before heading back to the kitchen.
“I didn’t realize Misty is your aunt,” I say, taking another bite of my sandwich.
“She’s not.” He chuckles. “She’s just Aunt Misty to all the kids in town. Back when we were kids, we called her aunt as well.” He smiles, shaking his head.
My heart pangs at the connections everyone in Lavender Falls has. The town has treated me like I’ve always been here, but it makes me sad knowing everything I’ve left behind. I also grew up in a small town, and while we never called anyone aunt that was outside the family, it was still a close-knit community. My parents were very involved and we knew just about everyone. I had friends and a town I loved.
“You okay?” West asks between bites, sensing my mood.
I swallow the lump in my throat, pushing the memories away and bringing myself back to the here and now. “So, how many nieces and nephews do you have?” I ask, trying for a lighter topic.
“There’s just Cade’s children. A boy and a girl. My Nephew just turned seven and my niece is four until September.”
“Awe.” I smile.
“Though, it wouldn’t surprise me if there’s a mini Hayes or two running around out there that we don’t know about.” He chuckles, shaking his head.
“What about your other brother?”
“Colter?” West asks, furrowing his brows. “Nah. He doesn’t really date. Too busy with the farm and the fire station. I wouldlike to see him settle down one day, though. If he’d ever actually act interested in someone.”
“And you?” I ask, biting my lip. “Do you ever want to get married or have children?”
He watches me for a beat, and I feel my pulse start to race, eager for his answer that I’m both scared and excited for.
“That’s the dream,” he says, his eyes still on mine.
Goosebumps snake across my skin at the thought of him meaning that’s the dream he sees with me.
“So,” he says, breaking the silence. “What about you? Any siblings or nieces and nephews?”
I bring my coffee to my lips to give myself a moment to debate how to answer. I normally redirect questions about myself, but there is something comforting about West. Like I can almost tell him everything. Of course, I can never tell him my real name, but at least I can give him pieces of me.
“I did,” I say quietly, rubbing my thumbs over the mug and fighting back tears. “I had a brother. He was six when I lost him.” I smile sadly, remembering how amazing he was. “We actually had a large age gap. My mom struggled with fertility after having me, so he was a surprise. I swear, even though I was eleven at the time, he became my best buddy right from birth.” Blinking back tears, I bring my mug back to my lips to try to stop my voice from breaking.
Reaching out his hands, West grabs mine after I place the mug back down, giving them a gentle squeeze. “I’m so sorry, Jade.”
I nod, still not sure I won’t let the tears spill, but West is an observant man and changes the subject, knowing I need it.
“So, for this weekend. What time works for you?”
Stuffing down the painful memories, I let myself be excited about the upcoming weekend. “I have to go early to help Wrenand Sarah set up our booth, and then I’ll need to go home for a quick shower, so would five o’clock work?”
“Five sounds perfect.”
We finish up our lunch, and by the time we get back to the bakery, there has finally been a clearing in the clouds. Rain drizzles softly now, and the sun begins to shine.
“Thanks for lunch.”
“Anytime,” he tells me, walking me inside.
