by Wendy Smith
Nodding, I hold Hayley tighter. “I understand. Hayley will be well provided for. Though, she’s done a good job of taking care of herself all this time.”
Sonya lets out a sigh. “She’s done so much with her life. I’m so proud of that.”
Tears well in Hayley’s eyes. This is everything she ever needed to hear. She holds her hand out to show her mother the ring we just bought.
Sonya’s mouth drops. “That’s beautiful, Hayley. How much did that …?” She meets my eyes. “Sorry, old habits.”
“Lots.” Hayley lets out an audible breath. “Will you help me plan my wedding, Mum?”
“Do bears shit in the woods?”
That’s the last thing I expect to hear out of Sonya’s mouth, and I’m the first to laugh.
Sonya steps up and plants a kiss on my cheek. “Welcome to the family, Drew.”
27
Hayley
Leaving is surprisingly difficult.
I look around my cottage. It’s amazing how big it looks with nothing in it. Drew wanted me to leave the movers to do their work, but I want to make sure the house is in good order when I leave.
I’ll miss this place. When I needed time alone and space, it was everything I needed.
Adam appears in the door. The whole family’s here to say goodbye to me. Not Drew’s mother—apparently, she’s under the weather today—but Drew’s father came. There are walls up in this family, distinct lines that aren’t being crossed, but I’ll be proud and happy to be a part of it. Drew’s brothers already act as if they’re my brothers.
“Ready?” he asks.
“I think so.”
He smiles. “Just think of what’s waiting for you at the other end. I’m happy for you two, and I’m looking forward to this wedding.”
I grin. Mum had a lot of ideas, but I was firm that I wanted the wedding to be held in Copper Creek. Drew’s mum has enough to deal with having to travel for chemo, and besides, this is my home. In six months’ time, I’ll become Mrs Drew Campbell, surrounded by both families, and I can’t wait. “I’m excited about the wedding, true. As much as I’m looking forward to moving in with Drew, saying goodbye isn’t easy.”
“It’s not supposed to be.”
As I grab my bag and walk toward the door, Adam hugs me. “Just promise me you two won’t get so lost in each other you forget us in the meantime.”
I laugh. “We’ll try.”
“Good on you, Hayley.”
I take a deep breath, and step out to the front doorstep. Margaret stands just off to the side, and after Adam follows me out, I pull the door shut behind me and lock it.
I hand her the keys. She wraps her arms around me, and I grin.
“I’ll miss you,” she says. “You’d better come and visit me.”
“Of course I will.”
She nods toward the house. “I’ll drop the keys off on Monday, and that’s that.”
Tears well as I nod in return. She helped me find my little house, and it became my refuge.
“I’m so proud of you,” she says. “You went through so much, and you came out the other side so much stronger.”
“Thank you.”
“Be happy,” she whispers. “Send me an invite to the wedding.”
“You bet.”
Lily embraces me next, and tears fall as I hug her back. It’s because Lily and Adam expanded their family that I met the man who means more to me than anyone else in the world. I feel like I owe them everything.
“No doubt we’ll talk soon,” Lily says.
I nod. “I’ll keep in touch. How else are you going to be my maid of honour?”
Her eyes widen. “Really?”
“We want to involve everyone. And I can’t think of anyone I’d rather ask.”
She smiles. “I’d love to. When Adam and I finally tie the knot, I want you involved, too.”
“Not in a hurry?”
“We have a few things we want to work through first that are gonna cost us a bit of money. Then we’ll get the wedding we always wanted.”
I grasp her hands. “Anything I can do to help, let me know.”
“We’ll be sisters-in-law. You’ll be stuck with me.”
“I’m happy to be stuck with you.”
Of course, I can’t get past Owen and Corey, who each give me a farewell hug, and I’m battling tears as I step into my car.
Four years ago, when I arrived in Copper Creek, I never knew how much I’d grow to love this place. It’ll always hold a special place in my heart.
With a final wave, I drive, leaving behind the town that gave me so much, going toward the city where my future lies. A future I never dared to dream of.
I don’t have a job yet, but I’ll take my time and find something perfect, something that fits into the life I’ll lead with Drew.
That’s what’s important.
After what feels like the longest drive of my life, I pull into the driveway. The moving truck should have been, and most of my clothes are packed away, so I grab my suitcase from the back seat. It’s enough to keep me going for a couple of days.
Drew’s standing at the door when I make my way up the path, his eyes full of love and a smile on his face. Knowing I’m here for good this time brings tears to my eyes all over again.
“Hey,” he says softly.
“Hey, yourself.”
He takes my suitcase from my hand and leans over to give me a kiss.
“Get inside and put your feet up. You must be tired after your drive.”
I yawn. “I am. Could do with a sleep.”
“Then go get one. Doctor’s Orders.”
Pressing my hand to his chest, I look up at him with all the love in the world.
I’m home.
Also by Wendy Smith
Writing as Wendy Smith
Coming Home
Coming 2017 Doctor’s Orders
Coming 2017 Baker’s Dozen
Coming 2018 Hunter’s Mark
Writing as Ariadne Wayne
The Friends Series
Loving Rowan
Three Days
Something Real
The Right One
Unexpected
Chances Series
Another Chance
Taking Chances
Lifetime Series
In a Lifetime
In an Instant
In a Heartbeat
In the End
Lifetime novella series
At the Start
Coming 2017 In the Middle
Coming 2017 At the Finish
About the Author
Wendy Smith published as Ariadne Wayne for three years before deciding she didn’t want to be someone else all the time. Heavily influenced by stories in the media, she decided to try something new, and the Copper Creek series was born. With lots of love and a touch of darkness, her stories will twist their way into your heart.
Find me online
www.authorwendysmith.com
[email protected]