Caleb would never be content to stick around Moose Falls, not after going viral almost overnight. Honestly, she couldn’t blame him. Who wouldn’t grab hold of the brass ring if they were in his position? It was all he’d ever wanted. She was happy for his success, especially since he was now being portrayed in a positive light. The focus wasn’t on his reality show past but on the present.
“I haven’t told him yet,” Hattie said. “He knows how well the campaign is doing and that sales are way up. I wanted to know if you’re interested in going along for a few weeks? I know it might be tricky with your little one, but I think it’ll be a great opportunity for you.”
Could she really go on tour with Caleb and keep things platonic? This was the problem with mixing business with pleasure. Sophia adored her position at Yukon Cider. She finally felt valued and respected as a photographer. This opportunity was allowing her to soar and make a new life for herself.
“I-I’m not sure that would work out,” she admitted, breaking eye contact with Hattie. Her boss was too perceptive. She would definitely pick up on the fact that something was wrong. She was desperate to keep things professional and not burst into tears.
“What’s wrong, Sophia? I thought that I might be imagining things, but you look lower than an ant’s belly.”
“It’s nothing,” Sophia said, trying to keep her chin up to meet the older woman’s gaze. Rookie mistake! There was something about looking into Hattie’s soulful brown eyes that made her tear up. Despite her best intentions, she was falling apart at the seams.
“Oh, sweetheart, please don’t cry.” Hattie dug in her bag and took out a tissue. She handed it to Sophia, who dabbed at her eyes.
“I’m sorry, Hattie. I promise you, I’m usually more professional,” Sophia said. Embarrassment washed over her, threatening to drown her.
Hattie waved her hand in the air. “Don’t you dare worry about that. I value you and your work. That’s not going to change over a few tears.”
Sophia’s voice shook. “I don’t think things are going to work out between me and Caleb,” she admitted. “And if you can’t tell, I’m pretty heartbroken about it.”
“May I ask what happened? I heard one of the twins showed up the other night at the tavern.” Hattie let out a growl. “If I’d been there, I would have run her out of town with just my cane.”
Sophia chuckled at the image. “I would have given anything to see that. Seeing her with Caleb brought up every insecurity that I have about myself. And it made me doubt my relationship with him and whether he’s truly ready to move on with me.”
“I can see how her showing up would have shaken you, but if you really care for Caleb, that shouldn’t have been a deal-breaker.” She arched an eyebrow in Sophia’s direction. “Should it?”
“I don’t want to get hurt again,” she blurted out. “I went through the emotional wringer with Lily’s dad, and I just can’t go down that road again.”
Hattie nodded. “Forgive me, but it sounds like Caleb is paying the price for your ex’s missteps. That’s not only unfair, but it’s downright foolish.”
Sophia let out a little gasp. Hattie was nothing if not outspoken.
“I’m saying this with love and affection, Sophia. Caleb is a good man who’s wild about you. The two of you make an incredible pair.” She frowned. “Yet you’re going to let his ex and a fear of getting hurt stand in your way?
“Life ends up hurting us, one way or another. I can’t describe the pain I felt when my husband died in an accident. It was unexpected and well before his time. I’ve always thought he should have passed at the age of one hundred after trekking in the Himalayas. But that’s not the card I was dealt.”
“I’m so sorry, Hattie. That’s terribly sad.” Sophia couldn’t imagine losing so tragically someone she loved.
“Unfortunately, that’s life. My point is that we can’t always shield ourselves from getting hurt. So I understand that you feel the need to protect yourself, but if you cut the person you love out of your life, what have you gained?”
“Is it so obvious that I love him?” Sophia asked, dabbing at the moisture in her eyes.
“It’s crystal clear to me,” Hattie said. “And my eyesight is pretty bad. Just saying.”
Sophia began to chuckle, with Hattie laughing along with her. She couldn’t believe that she was able to chuckle while feeling such sadness, but Hattie had a spectacular way of boiling things down to their most essential parts. Her body shook with laughter until her stomach ached.
Hattie was right. Life brought pain to everyone. And it would be ridiculous for Sophia to think that she could shield herself from that reality. She’d be cutting off her nose to spite her face if she walked away from Caleb out of fear and her insecurities. What kind of role model would she be for her own daughter if she didn’t embrace love, no matter where it took her?
“You know what, Hattie? When I grow up, I want to bejust like you,” Sophia said, reaching out and grabbing hold of Hattie’s hand.
“As far as I’m concerned, you’re well on your way,” Hattie said, grinning with pleasure.
If you’re ever lucky enough to find the one, hold on to her.Red’s voice crashed over Caleb like a tsunami, reminding him of what the stakes were. This wasn’t the time to fade into the background or step aside. He was a Stone brother. He wasn’t going to give up and walk away with his tail between his legs. These past few days without Sophia had been miserable. He couldn’t go on like this.
Hold on to her. He could hear Red’s voice again, precious words of wisdom from a father who had been absent for most of his life. How odd was it that he was now playing such a monumental role in Caleb’s life? Because of Red, Caleb was going to lay it on the line with Sophia, the way he should have done the other day.
When he drove up to Sophia’s house, Caleb saw that her truck was parked outside. Score! She was at home. At least this part of his master plan had gone smoothly. Now he just needed to speak from the heart. For a few minutes he paced back and forth in front of Sophia’s door trying to gather his thoughts. What if she sent him away? Rejected him again? Caleb wasn’t sure he had the strength to deal with it head-on.
All of a sudden the door swung open. Sophia was standing on the doorstep, her long hair swept up in a high ponytail and wearing matching pink sweatpants and sweatshirt. She looked enticing and wholesome at the same time. All he wanted to do was scoop her up in his arms and kiss her silly. But that would have to wait until later.
