The Complete Legacy Inn Collection: Four Sweet YA Romances

by Sara Jane Woodley

  Nath gives me a soft elbow to the ribs and I laugh despite myself.

  She turns serious again, her eyes kind. “I’ll bet he’s waiting for you.”

  I frown, thinking back to Brooklyn’s words from this morning — Wes would want you to know. Could Nath be right? Is it possible that Wes and Brooklyn aren’t back together? But then, why wouldn’t he tell me?

  “Wes and I were never really together, though,” I say slowly. “The whole thing was fake.”

  Nath wraps an arm around my shoulders and sighs. “If we are true to ourselves, we cannot be false to anyone.”

  “Hamlet again,” I whisper.

  Nath nods and her brown eyes are bright. “Indeed. So tell me, dear. What’s your truth?”

  Heat rises to my cheeks and my heart picks up speed. The Shakespeare quote runs through my head and a clear certainty sets in. My shoulders drop with the force of the revelation.

  “I’m in love with him.”

  There. I’ve said it. It’s the first time I’ve admitted it to myself or anybody else. I’m totally and completely, head over heels in love with Wes.

  “And is that love fake?” Nath tucks a tendril of hair behind my ear, a sweet, motherly gesture.

  I look at my hands. “Of course not.”

  “Then, don't you think he has a right to know?”

  I stare at Nath in wonder. She’s right. After a summer of faking my feelings, the truth is clearer than ever. By not telling Wes how I feel, I’m lying to him.

  But not anymore. I’m done with lying.

  I jump to my feet. “Nath, can you drive me to the hospital?”

  Her eyes crinkle at the corners and she stands with me. “Of course.”

  “Thank you!” I exclaim, running for the door. “I just need to grab one thing first.”

  43

  Wes

  There’s a knock on the door and Rian enters the room. I have no idea what time it is, I’ve been fading in and out of sleep by Dad’s bedside all day. He’s been sleeping a lot too, waking up occasionally and shifting around. Rian and I have been watching him, making sure he’s as comfortable as possible.

  Rian walks over to Dad’s bed and I avert my eyes as she kisses him on the forehead. Dad looks into her eyes and she strokes his face tenderly.

  Dad’s in good hands. It’s my cue to leave. “You know, it’s getting late. I didn’t sleep last night and I really need to shower and grab a change of clothes. I might go home and check up on mom and all that. Give you guys some alone time.”

  Dad nods, but his eyes are cloudy. “Okay, kiddo.”

  “I’ll be back tomorrow,” I answer his unasked question.

  His brow relaxes and he smiles weakly. “I’ll see you then.”

  I wave, and duck out of the room as Rian pulls her chair closer to Dad’s bed. Today, my dad and I have taken a step towards repairing our relationship. We still have a lot of work to do, but at the end of the day, he’s my father. And I’m grateful that we’ve still got tomorrow.

  “Hey, Number 14.” The receptionist stands as I pass. She must follow Billings High School football. She’s a purple-faced woman in her fifties who’s built like a linebacker herself. “Congrats on another awesome year.”

  I shake my head. “Thanks, but I’m not Number 14 anymore. New school in the fall.”

  “The team will miss that arm.”

  I smile. “I think they’ll be okay.”

  She nods and then ducks behind the desk. “I have something for you.”

  When she emerges, she holds something soft, fluffy and blue.

  “HAMLET!” I exclaim and take the stuffed animal, holding it to my chest. It smells like vanilla. Like Anaya.

  The receptionist laughs. “Strange name for a stuffed whale.”

  “Isn’t it?” I cuddle the whale and immediately feel comforted. Then, I look around us wildly. Maybe she’s here. “Did someone drop it off?”

  “Yes, that girlfriend of yours is a determined little thing. She insisted that she needed to see you, but I had to tell her it was family only.”

  I lean forward on the counter, my heart pounding. “Anaya was here?”

  “I assume so. Big eyes, dark hair, likes to trip over her own feet?”

  I chuckle. “That’s her!”

  “Well then, yes. She waited for awhile, but I insisted that she come back later. She left on the condition that I promise to give you the whale as soon as I saw you.”

  Heat rises to my cheeks as I look at Hamlet. It means so much to me that Anaya came all the way out here just to give me the stuffed whale.

  Then, I notice that there’s an envelope in his mouth. I take the piece of paper and rip it open.

  Wes —

  I’m so sorry to hear about what happened. I hope your dad’s okay.

  This whole thing made me realize that life can change at any moment. Anything can happen at any time. And I knew that I couldn’t let another moment pass without telling you how I really feel. You deserve the truth.

  And the truth is, my theory was correct: there really is a Taylor Swift song for every situation in life...

  Track 7 of your Road Trip Playlist.

  A

  Track 7? I can’t remember Track 7. My blood pumps in my ears and my hands shake. I fumble with my phone and open Spotify. The receptionist watches me, her expression both confused and amused, but I can’t bring myself to care.

  I scroll to Track 7 and click play. The opening bars begin and a smile spreads over my face.

  You Belong With Me.

  It’s the ultimate love anthem — the story of a girl who falls for a boy, but doesn’t think he loves her back. It’s one of my favorites.

  But as I listen to the lyrics, my smile falters as I’m hit with a realization. The song is about a boy so blinded by his feelings for his popular girlfriend, that he can’t see that the girl standing in front of him is in love with him — that she’s the one he belongs with.

  Does Anaya think that I’m the boy from the song? Could it be that she loves me but thinks that I don’t see her like that?

  My heart thumps manically in my chest. I can hardly dare to believe it, and yet, with every strum of the melody, I hear the truth. And I know I need to tell her how I really feel — that I’m totally, completely, and irreparably head over heels in love with her.

  I belong with Anaya. And she belongs with me, too.

  Now I just need to figure out the perfect way to show her that.

  44

  Anaya

  The car door flies open, and a mess of jean shorts and wild, dark hair comes tearing towards me at top speed.

  “Daniel!” I scoop him into my arms and hug him close. “I missed you so much.”

  His face lights up and he smiles, wrapping his arms around me. My heart overflows with joy and I kiss him on the cheek.

  Then, remembering himself, Daniel jolts backwards. “Ew, Anaya! Don’t kiss me. I’m going to be nine soon. Nine year olds don't kiss their sisters.”

  “Sure they do.” I set him down and ruffle his hair before dropping another kiss on his head. “Especially if they haven’t seen them all summer.”

  “Hey, sweetheart.” My dad walks over and I gladly sink into his hug. He draws back and looks at me. “You look great.”

  He’s lying. I saw myself in the mirror this morning. I have big bags under my eyes and my face is pale. I barely slept last night. I tossed and turned thinking about Wes. And Hamlet.

  Though I would’ve preferred to give Wes the stuffed animal in person, I left Hamlet and my note with the receptionist. My stomach was a mess of nerves all evening as I waited for Wes to call or message.

  He never did. And now I’m wondering if Wes got the note. Or if I went too far?

  I push the thoughts from my mind. I have other things to worry about now.

  “Nice to see you, Dad.” I lean out of his hug and look him in the eyes. No more lies. “But no, I don’t look great, I look exhausted. And you look tired, too
. Has work been rough lately?”

  We’ve never had an honest conversation about his work before and I wonder how he’ll react. A ghost of a smile crosses his lips. He closes his eyes and nods.

  I wrap him in another hug, my heart swelling. He's admitting he’s stressed, it’s a step in the right direction for us. “I’m sorry I haven’t been at home to help.”

  “Nonsense.” Dad chuckles and we fall into step towards the station wagon. Daniel skips ahead. “Daniel and I were just fine. I’m glad you got to spend the summer in such a beautiful place.”

  “Me too.” I smile sadly. “This summer has meant the world to me.”

  “I can’t wait to hear all about it.” Dad seems genuinely pleased and he slings an arm over my shoulders. “Have you got everything you need for today?”

  My heart skips a beat and my stomach, once again, fills with nerves. I hold up my backpack, stuffed with my bathing suit, swim cap, goggles and a towel. “I do.”

  “I’m glad I could drive you. I’m just sorry I can’t be there to cheer you on.”

  “No problem, Dad.” I smile, clicking into my seatbelt. “I totally understand.”

  This isn’t a lie. I’m thankful for everything Dad does for our family. Without him, I wouldn’t have been able to come to Legacy this summer, and I wouldn’t have met Wes. As lovely as it would be to see my father in the stands, cheering me on, I know that I’ll be okay.

  “I’m going to baseball camp today,” Daniel announces proudly from the backseat.

  I turn in my seat to look at him. “That’s awesome, buddy. Have you hit a home run yet?”

  “No,” Daniel says seriously. “I’m nine.”

  “Not quite.” I poke my tongue out at him.

  In the stress of the past couple of weeks, I’d almost forgotten how much I missed my family. Dad and Daniel are the perfect antidote to my nerves, and we spend most of the car ride laughing at Daniel’s stories of eating frozen meals and burnt toast all summer.

  “Life sure is tough for you, Dan.” I laugh.

  “Anaya?” His big brown eyes shine. “I’m glad you’re coming home soon.”

  My heart swells for my little brother. I twist around in the passenger seat and squeeze his hand. “Me too. No matter where I go, home will always be with you and Dad.”

  “Promise?”

  My eyes get misty. “I promise.”

  We pull up at the Edendale Rec Center all too soon and the butterflies in my stomach can no longer be ignored. I’m not sure I’m ready. My palms are clammy, but Dad takes my hand. “Good luck, sweetheart. After work, I’ll pick up Daniel and get here as soon as possible. You should be back at Legacy Inn by dinner.”

  “Thanks, Dad. For everything.” I give him another hug. “You’re the best Dad in the world, and I don’t tell you that enough.”

  Dad’s face lights up and he hugs me close. “Love you, sweetie.”

  I unbuckle my belt and scramble out of the car. I’m about to shut the door, when I pop my head in once more. “Oh, and Dad? You can always tell me the truth. It’s this new thing I’m trying — no more lying. To myself or others.”

  Dad’s face stretches into a wide smile. He’s beaming with pride. “I think that's a good rule for us. Now go get ‘em, tiger.”

  45

  Anaya

  I step onto my platform and adjust my swim cap. The stench of chlorine fills my nostrils and the murmurs and cheers of the crowd sound far away. My stomach has calmed, my senses are alert.

  “Ready positions, please!” The PA announcer calls.

  The other swimmers in my heat hunch forward, posed and ready to take off. But, I can’t help myself, I scan the bleachers. For the first time ever, it’s not my mom I’m looking for.

  My eyes meet the platform once again and my heart sinks. A part of me believed that he would come — that he got my note, listened to the words of You Belong With Me, and realized that I love him.

  But there’s no familiar face in the crowd, nobody to cheer me on.

  I take a deep breath and try to focus on my lane. This swim meet is for me, and me alone. I lean forward so my hands grip the front of the starting block.

  BANG!

  The gun goes off and I dive into the water. But the second I plunge below the surface, I know that something’s wrong. My entry into the pool isn’t as clean as I want, and so I don’t get the momentum I need. Nonetheless, I surface quickly and propel myself through the pool. I swim with everything I’ve got, tuning out the PA announcer and the noise of the rec center. I focus on moving my limbs forward, forward, forward.

  Finally, I reach the far side of the pool. I surface in a haze, and yank off my goggles. The crowd screams and cheers, but I don’t bother scanning their faces. There’s no one here for me.

  Instead, I turn to the scoreboard.

  A.Dewan, Edendale High School — 3rd Place.

  With a heavy heart, I pull myself out of the water. Third is just enough to scrape through to the final, but my biggest competition of the day is yet to come. This heat should’ve been an easy win for me with the times I’ve been making this summer.

  “Breathe through it.” My coach claps me on the shoulder. “You’ve always got the next round. Go take your place.”

  I circle around the pool and wait for the final. To keep my nerves at bay, I put in my headphones and listen to an angry rock song — it’s the opposite of the music I usually listen to, but I need something that will fill my mind and keep my thoughts and emotions at bay.

  Finally, the finalists are called to the starting block, one by one.

  My stomach flips with full force and I put my head down. It’s time to focus on the race ahead. I can do this.

  “Anaya Dewan, Edendale High School.”

  I take a deep breath and step onto my starting platform, completely in the zone.

  “WOO! LET’S GO, ANAYA!”

  The call is loud as thunder and my head snaps up.

  There, in the stands, is Wes. He’s standing on top of the bleachers, making a total scene. He jumps up and down, screams and yells. Everyone stares at him like he’s crazy, but he keeps on cheering at the top of his lungs.

  He’s here. He’s really here.

  “Yeah, Anaya!” He shouts again.

  He sees me looking and puts two fingers in his mouth, whistling maniacally. Over the tannoy, the announcer is trying not to laugh. “Well it seems that Miss Dewan has a very... enthusiastic supporter in the audience today.”

  My eyes meet Wes’s steady, turquoise gaze and, all at once, the world goes quiet.

  “You’ve got this,” he mouths.

  “Thank you,” I mouth back, my eyes stinging with tears.

  His eyes dance as he raises a huge cardboard sign with two words written on it.

  Begin Again?

  I don’t know whether to laugh or cry, so I do both. There really is a Taylor Swift song for every situation.

  Tears of joy stream down my face and my body shakes in silent, overwhelming laughter as I nod yes in response to the question on the sign. Yes to starting over and giving us a second chance. People might be giving us weird looks, but I don’t care. All I see is Wes.

  And through it, Wes keeps screaming and cheering, making a total fool of himself. For me.

  When the gun goes off, I swim for my life. I race across the pool, my lungs aching. When I reach the other side, I don’t stop to see how I did, I don’t check to see who won. Instead, I rip off my goggles and swim cap, clamber out of the pool, and run for the stands.

  The crowd parts as I bound towards him. He stands in the middle of the bleachers, smiling wide. He drops the sign and sweeps me off my feet, spinning me around. “You did it! You did it!”

  Tears of joy roll down my face. “And you came.”

  “I wouldn’t be anywhere else.” He hugs me again, not caring that I’m soaking wet. “I’m so proud of you, Anaya. And I’m sorry. I’m sorry for not being honest with you, for not fighting for you when I shou
ld have. But, I’m not sorry for falling in love with you.”

  He steps back and my body buzzes. I feel like a warm blanket is cuddling my skin. He stares into my eyes, and I’m lost in the turquoise blue. “I love you, Anaya Dewan. For the person you are — scars and all.”

  Happiness lights my veins. “I love you too, Wes. I want to be with you more than anything.”

  His gaze locks on mine and the fire in his eyes burns brighter than ever. It’s suddenly difficult to breathe.

  Like the world is in slow motion, Wes reaches out and sweeps away my wet hair. He places a hand on the side of my face and gently brushes my lips with his thumb. Electricity sparks all over my skin.

  “I’m afraid I’m going to have to break the first rule of our contract,” he says gently.

  I laugh, and pull him towards me. “Screw the contract.”

  Wes’s lips meet mine, and the flames spread through my body. The crowd whoops and hollers, but, as I pull him closer, the world fades. I no longer care what anybody thinks or feels or says about me. The kiss drowns out all of my senses.

  In this moment, it’s just Wes and I, alone in a world we’ve set on fire.

  46

  Anaya

  After a summer of changes, it’s almost comforting to see that Edendale High School hasn’t changed one bit. Groups of students squeal and hug and chatter. Lockers slam and sneakers squeak on the linoleum.

  The only thing that seems to have changed is me. I walk down the fluorescent-lit hallway alone, but today, I have my head held high. My hair is tied back into a couple of french braids and I’m wearing my Edendale Swim Team hoodie proudly.

  I wave at Kiara and Jonathan as they walk hand-in-hand next to a couple of their friends. Down the hallway, I spot Bree’s signature rose gold hair at her locker. I smile at Stefi, texting on her phone with a happy blush on her face. She’s been keeping things low-key lately, but I can’t wait to find out exactly what happened with her and Cooper Monroe later. The four of us girls have plans to meet up for lunch. If nothing else had come from this summer, I’d still be endlessly grateful to Legacy Inn for the chance to spend time with Bree, Kiara and Stefi.