As if on cue, a rumble of thunder booms and that’s when I finally look around. I recognize that field and those trees. Ahead, the peaks on the horizon are grey instead of white — but they’ll be snow-covered again soon. We’re parked in our spot by the meadow. In the distance, the sky is as angry as I am. Blue and purple clouds hover ominously.
It’s coming our way. But for once, I barely pay attention. I’m too upset with Noah, and with my parents, and with my life. He stands in front of me, his shaggy hair hanging over his eyes.
“Want to tell me about this?” He holds out the photo, his voice low. “You hope I can forgive you? Forgive you for what?”
My breath catches. I scramble for a response. Best to resort to what I’m angry about.
“You do realize you almost killed us both?” The thunder booms again in the distance, fueling my rant. “I’ve never seen anything so irresponsible, so reckless, in all my life. Don’t you see how dangerous that was? What were you thinking...”
My words are a speech that’s already been written. They’re the same words I’ve heard from my mom my entire life. A drop of horror crawls down my spine as I realize that I’m saying these things because I care about Noah. I love him.
But then, what does that say about my mom?
By the time I’ve exhausted my monologue, Noah is no longer looking angry or upset. In fact, he has a tiny smile on his face.
“WHAT are you smiling about?” I finish, more exasperated than ever.
Noah shrugs and his eyes twinkle. The first drop of rain hits his cheek. “I got a rise out of you.”
He’s smiling his trademark half-smile, and the rain is falling harder now. His blue eyes are traveling over my face, like he’s trying to memorize me.
My heart starts to give in and that’s when I panic. No. Bree. No.
I wrote that so he’d understand, not so he’d chase me down and make me doubt everything I had felt so sure about. My resolve threatens to melt away and my walls almost break, but I take a deep breath and do the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. I steel myself against every single emotion he brings out in me.
I know what I need to say. It’s the only thing I can do to protect him.
61
Noah
How does Bree have this power over me? I’m smiling, even though she just yelled at me for being careless. I’m vaguely aware that the rain is falling in inconsistent droplets. Even though she’s angry and I’m upset, I have to acknowledge that I missed her. I miss her still.
I hold out the photo. Ironic, for the writer to be lost for words when it counts the most. I want to tell her how much she means to me, but how can anyone put that into words when the entire planet, galaxy, universe, isn’t enough?
“I love you, Bree. I always have,” I say quietly, “you’re everything to me.”
“Noah, don’t you get it?” She interrupts, her voice angry. “I’m only ever going to hurt you. You need to stay away from me.”
My eyebrows shoot up in surprise. I tilt my head to the side. “You really think that?”
Bree’s chest rises and falls and she appears to be out of breath, but she doesn’t drop my gaze. She nods and crosses her arms coldly.
She thinks she’s going to hurt me? All of a sudden, her loaded questions and distance makes sense. My eyes are pleading as I look at her face, but her decision has been made. I hold the photo awkwardly. The gift is tucked underneath, but I can’t bear to tell her about it.
“I guess I’ll see you at school then,” I say, handing her the photo with the road trip booklet. She takes it absentmindedly. I salute her and go back to my bike.
With every step, my brows draw in further. I need to say my part before I let her go. Before she meets with Andrew. “I thought we had something special. I understand why you’re doing this and why you’re choosing him. You’re the most incredible person I’ve ever known and I love you for every bit of your wild side. To me, you were always just Bree. Like a firecracker, ball lightning, the love of my life.”
I place the helmet on my head, refusing to meet her eye. “Good luck on your date with Andrew. The Stewart family… seem great. If you want to be friends, I’ll be your friend forever. And even though I’m not enough, I promise I’ll try to be your home, always.”
62
Bree
Noah’s words shock me to life. They’re the words my heart aches to hear. But I can’t let my resolve weaken, I can’t risk hurting him. I run my fingers absentmindedly over the photo. That’s when I realize that Noah gave me more than just the photo. I feel metallic rings and a plastic backing. I lift the photo and find a small booklet.
Road Trip Guide to the Best Storm-Watching Locations in North America
Goosebumps flutter over my skin and I realize what Noah has been saying to me all along. He’ll always be my home. I can be who I am — wild and free, or reliable and consistent — and Noah will be there for me just the same. Supporting me, no matter what. He’ll be my home base, my stable ground.
A warm feeling of calm flows through me. Even though the rain is approaching, the lightning is minutes away, and the wind is picking up, the world has never felt so beautiful.
Noah puts a leg over his motorcycle, ready to get into gear.
“I was never going to meet Andrew.” My words have the desired effect. Noah pauses. “I texted my mom to let her know that I wouldn’t be meeting him. Delia let me go early because I said I wanted a few days to collect myself before school. But the truth is, I couldn’t stand to lose you.”
The sky breaks open and a steady rain falls. I tuck the photo and the booklet into my jacket. Noah’s frozen on his bike and I can’t see his face for the visor.
“There’s just one person I want to spend my time with.” I slowly walk towards him, like I’m approaching a wild animal. “I’m crazy about you Noah. I’m yours and I was always yours. It was never a question.”
I’m getting closer now and my heart is racing. I reach out and place my hand on top of his. “My life is a mess and I don’t know what I want for my future. People say I’m unreliable and careless and irresponsible, but I want to be better. You make me want to be better, even though it scares the life out of me. I want to travel and road trip and chase storms with you. I want my future to include you. My future is you.”
I’m in front of him now, and he turns to face me. He lifts his visor so I can see his face. His blue eyes search for mine and I finally understand what people mean by love conquers all. I’d conquer anything for him.
“You sure?” His voice is low and I meet his gaze with my own level stare.
“Never been more sure of anything in my life.”
He lifts the helmet from his head and I put my arms around him. In his eyes, I can see, so clearly, our future together, our past together, and our present together. He gives me his trademark smile and my legs go numb. Thankfully, he pulls me close, wrapping an arm around my waist. He grazes his fingertips along my cheek and I run my fingers through his hair.
Then, above our heads, a massive ray of light.
We look up in tandem and see one of the world’s rarest phenomena — ball lightning.
I’m breathless, watching the ball of light fly through the sky and away from us. It occurs to me that the things I once found so rare — so incomprehensible — are actually possible.
I turn towards him, speechless, and get lost in his intense blue-eyed stare — the one I want to see every day, forever. I run my eyes over his face, wanting to memorize every moment, every tiny detail.
When his lips meet mine, I know that it isn’t just a kiss. We’re living our future and I can’t wait a moment longer.
63
Bree
“So… Power of immortality or psychic abilities?” I bite into a fruit roll-up.
“If I had psychic abilities, I might be able to predict when you’re going to snag the next fruit roll-up.” Noah looks at me pointedly and I blow him a kiss.
Noah and I ar
e making dinner for his family in his kitchen. The house hasn’t changed one bit since I was a kid. The living room is still tidy, but messy enough to be homey. The kitchen is stacked high with various dishes and cookware. The hallways are filled with candid shots of the entire family, including a section with photos of his mom. We added the photo I found at the Inn to the collection.
I jump off the kitchen counter and wrap my arms around him. “What can I do?”
“Oh, now you want to help?” He laughs, chopping tomatoes.
“Don’t you get it? That’s my specialty.” I pick up a slice of tomato. “I come in at the last minute and change everything.”
He looks at me, a twinkle in his eye. “As raccoons do.”
He gestures to the cutting board next to his, piled high with peppers and lettuce. A song comes on the radio and Noah and I dance before continuing to chop vegetables. The pans of veggies are sizzling and the water is boiling. Upstairs, Victoria and Grace are screeching about one thing or another. The house is loud and full of happy noises.
“Smells good in here!”
A familiar booming voice echoes through the kitchen and I whirl around. Noah’s dad looks the same as ever, but with slightly thinner hair and a dapper mustache. He’s wearing work slacks and his shirt is tucked in.
“What’re you doing home?” Noah exclaims and his dad walks over to give him a big hug.
“I asked for the night off! I couldn’t miss my son’s first night back after three months.” He pats Noah on the back before turning to me. “This can’t be… Bree Lewis?”
“In the flesh.” I say with a beaming smile to match his.
“My goodness… you’ve grown!”
“You must be the only person in the world who thinks that.” I laugh and he bends over to give me a hug.
Noah’s dad is as kind and charismatic as I remember. His smile is unbelievably contagious and I can see where Noah gets his quick wit and sincerity. We catch up for a few minutes before he goes to change. I return to my tomatoes with a smile still on my face.
“What’re you smiling about?” Noah asks with a laugh in his voice.
“Nothing,” I say, and then, “everything.”
Noah gives me a kiss on the cheek and I set the table. In truth, I’m incredibly, indescribably, overwhelmingly happy right now. This house — this home — is exactly what I’ve been looking for my entire life. But, in truth, I had it all along. Home can be found in many places.
I’m excited for the year ahead, or many years, spent with Noah. A plan for myself is starting to form and I can’t wait to get started. This year, my Senior year, I’m going to try in all of my classes. I’ll get a part-time job to make some money so that I can spend the year after graduation road tripping across America. Noah wants to come with me, we’ve already talked about it. He wants to write on the road, assuming his family can make do without him.
Eventually, we’ll come back to Edendale and maybe I’ll work at Legacy Inn. Maybe, someday, I’ll run it. Legacy is my home and the Legacy family is my own. If Delia can run the Inn — with her so-called wild and untameable character — so can I.
64
Noah
“Vic, Grace! Dinner!” Bree hollers up the staircase as I put the final dish on the table. We’re having a Fernando classic tonight — cheeseburger tacos. The two hooligans come crashing down the stairs, followed quickly by Dad. He looks well, if not slightly stressed.
I take a breath and push my worries to the back of my mind to enjoy dinner with my family. It’s our first night back in Edendale and Bree is over for dinner. I smile listening to the happy conversations happening all around me. Just like when Mom was here.
“So, Bree, what’re your plans post-graduation?” Dad asks and then takes a bite of taco.
“I want to go on a road trip across America.”
“Phenomenal idea. It’s a great way to get to know the country. Will Noah be going with you?”
Dad glances at me and I offer a feeble smile. The truth is, I’d love to go, but I’m not sure I can do it. I can’t leave them — Dad and my sisters need the income. I want to go with her, to travel across America with her, but it feels like a pipe dream.
“I’m not sure it’ll work out.” I say and Bree squeezes my hand under the table. We both want this, but we know that my family has to come first.
“Why not?” Dad asks, frowning.
“I want to be here for you guys. Help with money and all that.”
Dad drops his taco and shakes a finger at me. “You’ve done more than your share over the years, kid. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that you jumped in to help us after your mom died.”
Everyone at the table is still and you could hear a pin drop. Dad never talks about Mom’s death.
He takes a deep breath and goes on. “We’re back on our feet now and it’s time for you to be a kid, to enjoy yourself and your life. I’ve leaned too hard on you in recent years, and I’m sorry for that. Go. We’ll be just fine here.”
Bree squeezes my hand again but I feel frozen. A weight lifts from my chest, threatening to send me floating off into space. I grip her hand harder, hoping she can hold me down.
“I feel like you’re a little too anxious to get me out of the house.” I joke and the tension is broken.
Dad rolls his eyes and laughs, gesturing to the twins. “Besides, these two have good news on that front.”
Grace drops her fork with a clatter and looks at me excitedly. “The shop wants to extend my contract into the year. They’re totally fine with me working part-time while I’m in school. Apparently, their top designer will be in town and I might get the chance to work with her. Imagine — me working with a designer!”
Grace’s squeals are followed by Victoria’s quiet announcement, a glint of excitement in her eyes. “And the library asked me if I wanted to do some archival work for them on the weekends. It’s the best experience I could ask for to get into a top pre-law program!”
I sit back and enjoy the laughter while everyone speaks about what the next year holds for them. I meet Dad’s eyes and his nods at me, raising his glass.
“So, Dad,” Grace adds a piece of cilantro to her taco with a flourish. “Any luck with the job?”
Dad’s face falls and my heart falls with it. Not a good sign.
“They still aren’t looking to hire anyone full-time.”
“None of the contracts worked out?” I ask, my voice quiet.
Dad was working for a few different companies in town over the summer. We were all hoping one of the contracts would be extended, or he’d be offered a permanent position. But, he shakes his head sadly. I stare at my food. At least the option is there for me to return to Colman’s and Spruce Tree.
“Have you tried Legacy?” Bree pipes up quietly and the table goes silent again.
“What do you mean?” I ask, my brow furrowed.
“Delia was speaking to me the other day.” Bree shrugs. “She said they have a lot of maintenance projects on the go right now. There’s a ton of work to do with wood furniture in the guest rooms and the event room. I’m sure she’d be more than happy to have a carpenter on board, given that Vin is so busy.”
I nod slowly and a glimmer of hope comes alive. Someone to help Vin with maintenance? Delia can’t say no to that.
“What do you think, Dad?” I ask, looking over at him.
He has a tentative smile on his face, cautiously considering. “It’s an intriguing option. I always loved Legacy and I was so happy when your mom got a job there. I haven’t been there in years.” He glances at the twins before going on. “I can’t stay there permanently, but I can bring some of the furniture here to work on it in the workroom.”
I look at Bree and she’s smiling shyly. If it’s possible, I think I love her even more.
Dad gives Bree a grateful nod. “It’s a wonderful idea, Bree. I’ll give Delia a call first thing tomorrow.”
Bree nods and blushes. She meets my eyes and my
heart swells with joy.
65
Bree
When I get to my house, my face hurts from smiling. For the first time in a long time, I feel excited and calm as I close the front door. No matter where life takes me, Noah has shown me something so valuable. Home can be whatever I want it to be. Home is Legacy, Noah, Isla, Delia, Fernando and Carrie. Home is Garth when I speed towards a storm.
And right now, my house is not my home. But I want it to be.
To my surprise, there’s a light on, way down the hallway in our family room. Did I leave a light on by mistake all summer?
Confused, I drop my bag and wander towards the light. Goosebumps rise on my skin. Vampires? Aliens? Ghosts? Please, don’t let it be a ghost. Or a raccoon.
My heart is racing when I reach the doorway. Slowly, I peer into the family room.
And there are my parents, sitting on the couch. My mom is reading a magazine and my dad is passed out. What are they doing here? Aren’t they supposed to be in Europe?
“Hi,” I say awkwardly and step into the light.
“Hello, Aubrey.” My mom drops her magazine, her voice tired but not unkind.
“You’re back?”
“We changed our flight.” She stands up and elbows my dad. His head lolls and she rolls her eyes, giving up on him. “You canceled the date with Andrew Stewart.”
I take a breath and remind myself why I’m here, how this summer changed me. Old Bree would have flown into a sarcastic word war, but I don’t want to put up the front anymore. It’s exhausting.
“Yes, I did,” my voice is calm and level, no longer biting. “I don’t want to date Andrew Stewart. In fact, I don’t want to date any of these guys you set me up with.”
The Complete Legacy Inn Collection: Four Sweet YA Romances Page 16