It comes to me instantly, my mind scrolling through snapshots of my day with detailed images.
A well-worn path beneath my boots. Sun puddles after a deluge of much-needed rain. Dirt roads and a big red barn with a windmill in the distance. Rows and rows of lavender, the scent lingering in my hair, clothes, and on my fingers. A pretty girl stopping by my produce stand who isn’t a mirage.Sharing a peanut butter and strawberry jam sandwich at the two-person kitchen table.
I feel myself relax and take a deep breath. “Right here.”
She pulls back from me, her heartbreaker brown eyes pinning me with her stare. We’re quiet for a moment, and I study our fingers laced together between us. My chest feels too small for my heart, and I struggle to breathe. But I don’t let go.
“You want to know something, George?” she asks.
“What?”
“Today might not have been the day you or I planned, but it’s definitely been a day I needed. Thank you for adjusting your routine and allowing me to join you.”
Her smile tips up into something beautiful. I want to stamp that image on my memory for the nights when I feel lonely and friendless.
“Today has been a great day,” I boldly proclaim.
“I agree.” She lets go of my hands. “Now, why don’t you get your flowers together so you can show me how you arrange them. I’ll clean up this broken glass. Can you point me in the direction of your broom?”
I like how she takes charge, never making me feel like an idiot or that I’ve done something wrong.
“It’s in the closet right over there.” I point to the small door next to the refrigerator.
“Great.”
I watch her grab the broom and pause. My heart thrums as she looks me square in the face and says, “You’re always safe with me, George. I promise.”
I keep quiet and nod. She starts cleaning up the broken glass, and I head to the front porch to get the utility bucket full of flowers I’d gathered earlier that morning.
And that’s when it dawns on me… Madison is staying.
I palm the porch post and exhale the deep breath I’ve been holding. I’d give up my daily routine a million times over just to be near her for a second more. But I don’t have to.
She’s willingly staying on her own.
And she’s right. It’s not a hard adjustment. In fact, being around her is easy, even when I make a mistake. Maybe she’s right after all? Maybe most of my angst is all in my head?
This is a breakthrough for me. This is progress.
And there is no way I can hide this kind of happy.
Chapter Twelve
Madison
“So, you’re not coming home today? No Saturday night sangria and chicken tacos?”
I have my phone on my chest with the speaker on as I lie on the comforter in my hotel room bed. For a split second, I feel guilty for not being back in Atlanta, where Beverly and I usually indulge at our favorite weekend watering hole in the suburbs.
“Not tonight, Bev. I’m staying in Heartsboro indefinitely.”
“Why?” Her voice is tinged with confusion.
I sigh. “The deal isn’t done yet.”
I press my lips together, unsure how to explain my situation regarding George. “I’ve been asked to stay in town for a little longer, remember? Mr. Jamison wants me to… survey the land and the community. You know, make sure the offer is fair.”
“But wait a minute. You’re not a land surveyor. Doesn’t your boss do that sort of thing ahead of time?”
