Page 61 of Let Me Love You

Being out in public while in Granite Falls when I know there’s a threat out there has me on edge, but I don’t say that. Until I have solid, concrete evidence, there’s nothing I can do. And there’s no reason to worry Serenity more than she already is.

“I’m not.”

She raises an eyebrow. “I detect a lie.”

“Everything is okay. Sometimes my anxiety spikes, and I can’t pinpoint why.” It’s the truth. “So, let’s just enjoy the party. Okay?”

Serenity studies me for a moment, probably trying to figure out if I’m being truthful, before nodding. The old her would’ve doubted me, but I sense she truly believes me.

My phone vibrates. Pulling it out, my heart thrashes when the screen lights up with an email from Matt.

Mr. Barlowe,

My man is officially in.

Matt

No new information but at least now my plan is being executed. I need to find out how the gang is connected to the break-ins at Serenity’s house. Or maybe they are the people her late husband borrowed the money from.

Considering she paid them, it shouldn’t be the latter.

“What is it?” Serenity asks.

I don’t hesitate. Shifting the phone toward her, I show her the short email. I promised to keep her informed, and I won’t break the fragile trust she’s starting to have in me.

She nods and flashes me a small smile. “Thank you for showing me.”

“You made it,” Mrs. Milte says, pulling my attention. “I was nervous Becky scared you off.”

“I was excited to come. I never get to go to stuff like this.” I motion around to all the community members and friends.

Mrs. Milte’s eyes widen. “I’m happy you’re here then. We have all waited years to have Serenity find a nice man after her husband’s passing. I’m glad it finally happened.”

My chest puffs out with pride as if I’m some caveman, but the mention of Paul quickly dumps a bucket of cold water over my head. Serenity places a hand on my arm, and I look down at the contact, breaking me free of thoughts about her scummy late husband.

Turning my attention back to Mrs. Milte, I take a deep breath and meet her gaze. Apparently, this is the woman I’m supposed to impress if I want people in this town to like me. And I do.

“Me too,” Summer pipes up. “Bubba is my best friend. He’s going to buy me a whole candy store.”

I groan, and the women laugh. That girl won’t ever let me live that one down, will she?

I kneel down. “How about you start with a lemonade stand? If you can handle that, we’ll talk about a candy store.”

She gives me a toothy grin. “No more candy store. I love lemonade.”

“On our next trip, we’ll start working on putting one together.”

Summer turns to her mother. “Can we do that, Mommy? Pleeease.”

Serenity bites her lower lip, and I can’t help but wonder what she’s thinking. “Yes, that sounds like a lot of fun.”

“When will you be coming back?” Mrs. Milte asks.

I think back to the conversation about volunteering around town as I push into a standing position. “Within a few weeks.”

Serenity nods. “We’re coming for the festival.”

“That’s perfect then.” Mrs. Milte claps her hands together. “You two need to sign up to volunteer at the town’s founding parade. I’m a few people down, so you’d really be doing me a favor.”