“My mom is already planning her next trip out here,” Caleb told her. “I’d love for you to hang out with us so you can get to know Daisy. She’s a trip.”
“That would be nice,” Sophia murmured. “I love a strong woman.”
He had surprised himself by broaching the subject of his mother and Sophia spending time together. Caleb really wasn’t one to introduce the women in his life to Daisy. Matter of fact, he never had, other than a few high school girlfriends. He wasn’t sure where things were going with himand Sophia, but he hoped her feelings were growing, along with his own. Lately, he’d been picturing himself settling down in Moose Falls. He was growing more attached every day to this quaint little Alaskan town. And to Sophia.
Could he really give up a career in Hollywood to work for Yukon Cider?
Although the idea of giving up the thing he’d always thought he wanted for another shot at love terrified him, the idea of losing Sophia scared him even more.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
In the weeks after the campaign rolled out, it became abundantly clear to Sophia, and everyone else in creation, that Caleb Stone had star power. Social media was abuzz with chatter about his dark good looks and magnetic personality. As a photographer, Sophia knew that certain people popped on camera and came vibrantly alive. Caleb was one of those individuals. And the public was eating him up with a spoon. It was too soon to know if sales of the new product had been positively impacted, but hope buzzed in the air.
Sophia was getting a lot of accolades as well for the campaign, but she knew Caleb was the true star of the show. She was just happy to have been a part of the process. So far, working for Yukon Cider was a dream job, one that allowed her flexible hours and a generous salary. Seeing this campaign soar filled her with pride and a wild sense of joy. Her life was getting better by the day. She had grown so much in the last four years.
Caleb’s past onLove Him or Leave Himwas mentioned, but not focused on, as he had feared. This, she realized, wasthe best news possible for his future. Being on the show had tarnished his image. Being the ambassador for Yukon Cider was a golden opportunity to turn things around. Sophia couldn’t help but wonder what was next for Caleb. Would this catapult him back into a world that had chewed him up and spit him out? Or would he stick around Moose Falls? He did seem exceptionally close to his grandmother. Perhaps he would choose to honor her wishes and make a life here in Alaska.
“Penny for your thoughts?” Her father’s voice drew her out of her thoughts as he walked into her kitchen as she washed dishes from lunch. Spending time with her father always made Sophia happy, and with a scheduled day off, she’d wanted to treat him to a meal while Lily was at preschool. Their strong bond was one of the main reasons why she wanted to keep an open mind. There had always been a kernel of hope in her heart that Donny would grow into his fatherhood role and become the type of presence in their daughter’s life that Lily deserved, one like Sophia had. She had to admit that he’d stepped up in the last few months. He was putting his words into actions and keeping his promises.
“You might have to raise your rates,” she teased. “I’m thinking some pretty deep thoughts, I’ll have you know.”
“Care to talk? I’m always here to listen to my girls.” Skip looped his arm around Sophia’s waist. Sophia turned her head toward her dad and pressed a kiss on his cheek.
“I’ll take you up on that. Why don’t you put the kettle on, and we can chat over tea and some of the oatmeal raisin cookies you brought over?”
“Sure thing,” Skip told her, turning away from her to begin making the tea. Sophia quickly finished up the dishes.
She sat down at the table just as a teacup and saucer wereplaced down in front of her, along with milk, lemon, and sugar.
“Thanks, Daddio,” she said as she blew on the steaming liquid.
“My pleasure,” he said, sinking down into a seat across from her with his own cup.
“This is about Caleb,” she explained. “I think about him all the time now.”
Skip smiled at her, little creases forming at the sides of his mouth. “And is that a bad thing?” he asked.
“I’m not sure,” she said, shrugging. “When I met him, I thought he was just a big ol’ flirt with zero substance. I judged him unfairly.”
He let out a snort. “Based on that reality show, I presume.”
“Yes,” she said with a nod. Guilt had taken hold of her. It had been pretty shallow to judge Caleb before she had ever met him. She really should have known better, since a lot of reality shows were scripted or shot in a way to make certain participants look like they were villains. And viewers ate it up with a fork and spoon.
He had texted her a little while ago about taking her out to lunch, but she’d told him that she was busy. Even though she would have loved to see him today, maybe it was important for her to take a little step back from him before she tumbled over the edge.
“Having met Caleb, I can only tell you that he struck me as one of the good ones,” her father told her. “A really decent guy.” He knitted his brows together. “Are the two of you an item?”
“I think so. Sort of. Ish.” She bit her lip. “We’re definitely seeing each other, but neither one of us has put a label on it.”
Skip shook his head. “I miss the old days when things were more transparent. Back in the day we didn’t have to scratch our heads about it. When I met your mother, I madeit clear that she was my girl and I was her guy.” His voice cracked a little bit, causing a pang in Sophia’s heart.
“Oh, Dad,” she said, reaching out and patting his hand. “I know you’ve been through it with Mom.”
“And so have you, sweetheart. If I could have, I would have taken every ounce of heartbreak and put it on myself.” His face crumpled, and he appeared to be fighting back tears. “It’s agonizing seeing one’s child so broken, all because she fell in love with the wrong person.”
“My heart healed from that experience, but I’m wary now of falling for Caleb. He might not be sticking around Moose Falls,” she said. “If he leaves, it’s going to be really hard for me.”
“Have you asked him what his plans are? That might help.”
