Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 105697 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 528(@200wpm)___ 423(@250wpm)___ 352(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 105697 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 528(@200wpm)___ 423(@250wpm)___ 352(@300wpm)
The warmth of her hand bonds mine to her. And her soft smile works overtime to make me feel welcome. “I want you here. Will you come with me?”
I nod, and we start walking again, stopping at the spot where the tall grasses are trampled from time spent here.
FAITH AND CHARLIE SEASON: FOREVER TOGETHER.
Forever in our hearts.
Forever living through their daughters.
“They were in a car accident. Is it wrong to hope they were killed instantly?”
A bit dark for her to think about, but I’d want the same. I wrap my arm around her shoulders. “No. No one wants their loved ones to suffer.”
Her parents were young when they passed, one year younger than I am now. I can’t imagine how that impacted Summer and her family, but I get glimpses of it. She’s never grieved. And from what I’ve learned, there was no time. That’s why it knocks her sideways sometimes.
Tightening my arm around her, she slides her arms around me, and I kiss her head. My heart breaks for her, not only for the loss but the pain she holds onto like it will bring them back if she doesn’t release it. “It’s okay to grieve, Summer.”
“It’s not.” I can hear the hurt in her tone, the sniffle she tries to hide, and feel the wetness from her tears seeping through my shirt.
“You don’t have to be strong all the time.”
Her swallow is hard, her arms tightening around me. “I do.”
“What happens if you’re not?” She doesn’t respond. Rubbing her back, I whisper, “Nothing. Life will go on.” I kiss her head once more. “You don’t have to travel life’s path alone.”
Her head jerks as she pushes back from me. “What did you say?”
Confusion rankles my brain as I stare at her trying to figure out why she’s upset. “I was just saying that I’m here for you.”
“No.” Her head is shaking so much that I’m worried she’s going to hurt herself. “That’s not what you said, Daniel.”
I reach for her hand. “What’s wrong?” She doesn’t pull away when I catch hold. Good sign, right? Unable to do anything more than stare at me like a ghost who’s come to haunt her, I say, “You don’t have to travel life’s path alone. I’ll always be here for you. That was what my mom wrote in a card she gave to me the night before the hockey draft.”
She slams into my arms, tears flooding her lids and falling. Through sobs and laughter mixing, she says, “That’s what my mom told me.” Looking up at me, she rests her chin on my chest. “She told me that two years before she died.”
The tears have slowed, and her smile has bloomed like the wildflowers. She reaches up and palms my cheek. “My parents would have loved you.”
CHAPTER 26
SUMMER
ONE WEEK LATER . . .
Ican’t stop staring at Daniel. Not that it’s a chore. But it is bordering on creepy tendencies . . . if I’m caught.
I’m starting to wonder if it wasn’t a coincidence that he came to Mountain Laurel Cove, that the pipes broke, and that we ended up shacking up, which led to love.
Dots connected. I think my mom had a hand in this. It’s all just a little suspicious how well it’s worked out. Almost like it was planned. I look up at the ceiling of the cottage with my hands in prayer. “Thank you,” I whisper, hoping my mom hears me.
“Everything?” Daniel asks, hovering over the plumber in the bathroom. “The entire bathroom, Willie?”
Willie replies, “The plumbing for the entire house. Whoever did the work the first time didn’t seal the pipes properly, and if I’m being honest, used the cheapest supplies they could. I’m sure you were charged a pretty penny for it, though.”
I dipped into the hallway when the guy’s pants hung lower in the back than I was prepared for when you hear “plumber’s crack.” But leaning against the hall, the view from here has been incredible.
Six-four.
The thick hair he combs his fingers through when something’s on his mind.
Those shoulders that held me like I weighed nothing.
That smile . . . If I have a say in when and how I leave this earth, that’s what I’d take to my deathbed.
Willie hands him a card. “Get other estimates. I bet I can match it if they’re using the same grade materials I would. My work will last you the rest of your days in this place. I guarantee it.” That shouldn’t make me laugh. Easy guarantee to toss out if we’re no longer here to make the claim.
Daniel rights himself and looks at me, giving me that smile I know has broken a million hearts. Not mine.
When he turns back, he says, “Thanks for taking a look. We’ll talk and get back to you.”
Daniel walks him out, leaving me to feel a lot like we’re playing house. I like it. I like having someone around to help me out, especially when it comes to contractors. I sit on the couch, tucking my legs under me and listening to the sendoff, and watch as he shadows the windows when he passes by. He shuts the door behind him. “What do you think?”