Page 159 of You Fall First

“Yeah, we did.” I glance around the room where empty boxes are stacked in the corners waiting to be recycled. “We just finished unpacking.”

She pushes out a chuckle. “I know. So many toys.”

I bring my gaze back to hers. “And now you’re going back.”

“And now I’m going back.”

We fall into silence for a stretch. From inside the house comes the cackle of Dutton’s laughter. “Man, I love that sound. A lot.”

Paige nods. “Same. A lot.”

We look at each other, matching eyes, twin noses, crooked smiles.

“So,” I say.

“So.” Her head tips in a question. “What are you gonna do, Uncle Noah?”

I blow out a breath, palms on my knees, stomach in knots.

I told Paige to leave Mayville, then I told Jo to stay in Harvest Hollow.

What I should do is make a decision for me and let these women make theirs.

“I think,” I push to a stand, “I need to talk to Jo.”

Chapter Forty-Three

Jo

Ending up at the duck pond wasn’t the plan. Then again, my car didn’t drive here by itself. My subconscious probably wanted to channel my time with Dutton, which is really just a roundabout way of channeling Noah.

And that’s why I’m here now on a bench in the middle of my favorite park, wondering if I should say goodbye to Harvest Hollow.

Noah said he’d ask me to move with him if he could.

Then he said he doesn’t want me to give up what I have here.

But what if he didn’t have to ask? And what if I’d be gaining something by going, not losing?

A mother duck quacks past me with a flock of ducklings trailing behind. She doesn’t turn to see if they’re following. She just trusts. They’re operating on instinct.

A little family, sticking together, never looking back.

My parents and all of my siblings chose to stay here in this town. I never expected to leave, either. But I’d like to think our connection could stretch across the miles, survive any distance.

Me moving away wouldn’t be the end of us. I’d simply be starting something new.

Spreading the love.

I mean, sure, I’d miss our family dinners. Miss the birth of my newest little niece or nephew. Miss Catty’s apple cider donuts. The lattes. The steak and Cobb salad at Chop.

The library.

The clock tower.

The Stony Peak High football games on Friday nights.

Go, Gray Squirrels!