What if . . . “Hey, how about I pick you up, and you spend the weekend in Hidden Hollows? I could take you back Sunday night. I know the drive is long, but—”
“Yes, Daddy, yes!”
Austin laughed. “Okay, let me talk to Grandma.”
“Okay, Daddy,” she said with a squeal.
His mother had literally been Jessica’s saving grace, picking up the pieces when Austin had been numb with grief and despair. Moving them both forward in life. Becoming more than a grandmother, and going above and beyond what was expected. Austin had sold his home and found a condo closer to his parents. Jessica went to her grandparents after school most days until Austin was finished with work. As he waited for his mother to answer, he headed out of the theater into the bright, summer day. Jimmy didn’t need to overhear every conversation with his family.
“Austin,” his mother said, her tone harried. “Did Jessica tell you about being sick?”
“Yeah, Mom, that’s what I wanted to talk to you about,” he said, then explained his idea.
“Well, she’d certainly love that,” his mom said, and he could hear Jessica celebrating in the background along with his dad’s chuckle. “But are you sure? I know you’re putting a rush on this job.”
“I’m sure,” he said. “We’re on schedule, if not a little ahead.” And he knew that he wanted Everly to meet Jessica, which meant that when he delivered his daughter back to his parents, she’d probably say something about the woman he was dating.
“I also need to tell you something,” he said. “I’ve been dating a woman in Hidden Hollows.”
His mother was silent for so long, that he wondered if they’d been disconnected.
“Mom, did you hear me?”
“I did.” She exhaled. “What about Melissa?”
It was Austin’s turn to exhale. Melissa Jensen was the daughter of one of his mother’s closest friends. Divorced with two little kids, everyone thought they’d be the perfect match. Austin had met her at a neighborhood barbeque, and it only took about thirty seconds to know he wasn’t interested in the woman. Her kids were completely wild, and she dressed like she was an eighteen-year-old pop star.
“Melissa and I aren’t compatible,” he said.
“You haven’t given her a chance, Austin Hayes.” His mother’s tone was clipped.
Austin bristled, but he told himself to be patient. His mother’s nerves were always on edge leading up to a craft fair event. Both he and his dad had learned not to argue with her during that time.
“Well, when I return home, and if I’m no longer seeing Everly, then I’ll consider it.” He’d said it only to appease his mom, but that seemed to make things worse.
“Everly? What kind of name is that? Is she one of those hicks who never washes her hair and cusses with relish? I know that Hidden Hollows is a small town, but really Austin, you can do better.”
Austin blinked. What was going on with his mom? She was not a judgmental person, yet her words had been nasty. “Give me some credit, Mom. I’m only telling you about Everly because Jessica might bring her up.”
His mother’s voice lowered. “You’re going to bring Jessica into this? Do you think that’s wise, Austin? You know your daughter’s feelings are still fragile. Maybe she should stay here . . . you know, until you’re not dating that woman anymore.”
Austin pinched the bridge of his nose. This was not anywhere close to the reaction he thought his mother might have. After two years, he was finally dating a woman, and without even seeing her or meeting her, his mom was suddenly possessive of Jessica.
Ironically, Everly’s mom and sister had been begging to meet him. Which, ironically again, would take place on Sunday—when he’d now have Jessica with him. Austin took a slow, measured breath. “Mom, I’ll be there in a couple hours to pick up Jessica. We can talk then, or later if you’re too busy with the craft fair. But I need to wrap up a few things, then get on the road.”
His mom went silent, and Austin watched a passing car. The driver waved, and although he had no idea who it was, Austin waved in return. It was how things were done in Hidden Hollows.
“All right, see you soon,” she said. “I’ll have lunch ready when you get here.”
“I’ll be fine,” he said. “I can grab something on the way—” But his mother had already hung up.
Austin released a groan. Didn’t he already have enough complications in his life? And now his mother was upset over a woman she’d never met. He pocketed his phone and rocked back on his heels as he watched the traffic pass in front of the theater. Well, traffic was a loose description, more like a handful of cars.
Maybe he should cancel his plans with Everly this weekend. Keep things exclusively daddy-daughter oriented. He’d love spending the one on one time with Jessica, yet . . . Things were complicated in his life, and for that very reason, it would be better if he introduced Everly to Jessica sooner than later. Then he would know . . . what exactly? . . . he wasn’t sure. But he was sure he’d have more clarity on whatever this wild ride he and Everly were on.
It definitely wasn’t a fling, but he couldn’t ignore the giant clock ticking down the days and weeks until the theater was completed.
His mind made up, Austin turned from his view of the street and headed into the theater.
“Everything okay, boss?” Jimmy asked as Austin walked in.
“Yeah, but I’ve got to go pick up Jessica for the weekend.”
Jimmy’s bushy brows rose. “Now?”
“I’m afraid so,” Austin said. “Can you be the boss for a few hours?”
The older man straightened. “Sure thing. Do I get the company credit card too?”
Austin chuckled. “Yep. Lunch is on me.”
Jimmy grinned. He already had a company credit card, but the joke was a running thing between them.
A few minutes later, Austin was on his way out of Hidden Hollows. The drive home was almost two hours, and he hoped his stop at his mom’s would be short and not turn into an argument. He was about an hour into the drive when thoughts of Everly had begun to plague him. He should at least give her a head’s up and the option of changing their plans. They both knew that dating in Hidden Hollows while he was away from his daughter wasn’t exactly reality.
Oh, everything between them felt real, but work was only half of Austin’s life.
What if . . . Everly wouldn’t be a good fit for Jessica? What if Jessica seeing her dad with a woman he liked was hard on her? What if . . . Everly wasn’t the woman he thought she was, or hoped she was?
He’d been burned before. Blindsided, really.
Austin checked the time. Everly was probably at work, but he couldn’t text while driving, so he called her through the Bluetooth in the car. He could at least leave her a message, and then maybe she could text him what she wanted to do about this weekend.
But surprisingly, she answered, albeit a breathless hello.
“Oh, hey,” he said, “Are you at work?”
“No, I’m leaving the bakery,” she said. “My sister had a bit of a catering crisis, and I had to come help straighten it out. Apparently, the bakery isn’t going to be able to get fresh blueberries in, so she’s having to switch up her order to maybe raspberries.”
“Raspberries for what?”
“For the cheesecake desserts.”
Austin nodded even though Everly couldn’t see him. “Did the raspberry pass your approval?”
He heard the smile in Everly’s voice when she answered. “Most definitely.” Then she released a sigh.
“Everything else okay?”
Everly seemed to hesitate before she answered. “Brandy and Brock both came which made me wonder why I had to be there too. I mean, two can decide as easily as three.”
But Austin heard something else in her voice. “Is it awkward to be around Brock?”
“Oh, so awkward,” she said with a nervous laugh. “And, he asked all about you. Like your parents’ names and who your dad is
descended from. All stuff I really couldn’t answer.”
“I’m sure we’re related somehow, but it’s distant.”
“Yeah,” she said. “But the weird thing was that Brock kept staring at me like he’d forgotten what I look like.”
Austin frowned. “That is weird. Maybe he’s realizing what he gave up.”
“That’s not funny,” Everly said, her voice firmer than he’d heard it.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “I didn’t mean to imply—”
“I know,” she said with a sigh. “I’m a little on edge, I guess. Walking back to the craft store will clear my head.”
“From Brock?”
“From all things Brock,” she said. “I can’t believe I used to date him. Despite the staring, he’s just pompous, you know. Like nothing is ever good enough, and everyone is wasting his time.”
“Sorry.”
“Oh, I’m not sorry,” she said. “Which is a good thing to realize. I mean, you’re the opposite.”
“And that’s a good thing, I hope?”
“Such a good thing.” He liked hearing the smile back in her voice.
He was smiling too. “I’m glad, because I have a complication this weekend, and we might need to reschedule.” He told her about Jessica’s phone call, and how he was driving to pick her up now.
“Perfect,” Everly said.
“You’re glad I’m cancelling on you?”
“No.” Everly laughed. “Perfect because Jessica can come with us.”
This was what Austin had hoped to hear, but he didn’t realize how relieved he felt until Everly suggested it. “Are you sure? I mean, it’s totally okay if you want to have a kid-free weekend. You haven’t ever met her, and—”
“Stop,” Everly said. “I want to meet your daughter, so if you’re okay with that, I’m in.”
“I’m definitely okay with it . . .” he said in a slow voice, his pulse gathering speed. “If you’re okay with it.”
“I’m honored, truly,” Everly said in a soft voice.
If he was with her in person, he would have grabbed her and kissed her. As it was, he had a permanent grin. “Then I’ll call you when we get back to Hidden Hollows, and we’ll go from there.”
He loved the lightness of her tone when she said, “Sounds great, Austin. Can’t wait to meet your daughter.”
Nothing could dampen Austin’s good mood. Not even his mother’s wary gaze when she opened the front door of her house. Or his dad’s furrowed brows, which only indicated he’d received an earful from Mom about the woman Austin was dating.
Jessica had no such reservations, and he pulled her into a bear hug, then drew away to gaze into her brown eyes—so much like his. “You’ve grown an inch, sweetie.”
“No, I haven’t,” she said with a giggle. “Look, Grandma braided my hair.”
Jessica’s brown hair was known for its unruliness. How long will it stay in the braid? he wondered. Hopefully three days.
He ate a quick lunch with Jessica and his parents, mostly because his mom had fixed egg salad sandwiches, even though Austin wasn’t hungry. But it was hard to turn down his mom’s homemade food. Thankfully, Jessica was permitted to nibble since she was still recovering, and Austin didn’t have to wait through the long minutes of his mother cajoling Jessica to eat more.
Once lunch was cleared, his mom gave Jessica a hug, then released her only to set her hands on her hips while she met Austin’s gaze. “Take things easy with her, all right? She’s better but had a rough morning.”
“I will, don’t worry,” Austin said as smoothly as he could. Then he grasped Jessica’s hand, and picked up her pink Barbie decal suitcase with his other hand.
Jessica skipped alongside him, apparently full of energy as they walked to his truck. He settled her onto the back seat, then leaned over and kissed her forehead. “Ready?”
She grinned. “Ready!”
“That’s my girl.”
He climbed into the driver’s side, then waved to both of his parents who were watching from the front porch, trepidation in both of their gazes.
“I love you, Daddy,” Jessica said.
The tension that had been building inside Austin for the past twenty minutes immediately eased. He glanced in the rearview mirror to see his beautiful daughter searching through her pink backpack, which matched her suitcase. She was coming to Hidden Hollows with him, and he was more than excited about it. Nothing else mattered right now. “I love you, too, sweetie.”
13
Everly
Everly should have known the moment her mother walked into the craft store that trouble was brewing. Lydia King never did anything without a purpose, and Everly doubted her mom was in need of craft supplies since Brandy’s wedding was being completely planned by a wedding company.
Their mother looked more like Brandy, with pale blonde hair and effortless grace. Her heels clicked on the floor as she neared Everly where she was putting up sale prices on their needlepoint aisle. It had been a couple hours since she’d talked to Austin, and she assumed he was halfway back to Hidden Hollows by now. She’d enjoyed the afternoon of basking in their most recent conversation, the one in which he said he wanted her to meet his daughter.
Everly had truly been honored, and flattered, and she was buzzing with anticipation.
Until now. Her mother’s pinched brows could deflate anyone’s good day.
“Hi, Mom,” Everly said, grateful the store wasn’t crowded, and that her boss was deep in conversation with Mrs. Allred about one thing or another.
Her mother stopped, set her hands on her hips, and said, “Brandy said you’re upset. What’s wrong? Is it that new man you’re dating? The out-of-towner with a kid? You know you’re walking straight into complicated with that one.”
Before her mom could disparage everything about Austin’s very existence, Everly cut in. “I’m not upset. I hope you didn’t come all the way over here to question me, because I don’t know what Brandy is talking about.”
Everly was going to kill Brandy. They both knew how their mom could blow things out of proportion in about two seconds flat.
“Then what happened at the bakery?” her mom said, not letting this go. “Brandy said you acted like you didn’t care if they chose raspberry, cherry, or strawberries. You even said that plain chocolate sounded good.”
At this, Everly set down the sale signs on the nearest shelf and turned to face her mom fully. On one hand, she supposed that every mother and daughter pair went a little crazy when getting ready for a wedding, but they needed to leave her out of it. Especially considering who Brandy was marrying.
“They all sound good,” Everly said in a dry tone. “It’s cheesecake. What can go wrong?”
Her mother’s eyes narrowed. “Are you still mad at Brandy for stealing Brock?”
Everly sputtered. “No, Mom. Oh my gosh. How can you say that?”
“Because.” Her mother inched closer, lowering her already hushed voice. “You’re dating men left and right. Each week you’re with a different man, and I don’t want my daughter to be the town floozy.”
At this, Everly squeezed her eyes shut and gritted her teeth. She didn’t know whether to cry or laugh.
“Honey, it’s not too late,” her mother said, touching her arm. “Get off those dreadful dating apps. Meet men the normal way. They’re out there, I promise.”
Everly opened her eyes to gaze into her mother’s blue eyes—much like Brandy’s. “Mom, I made up Tom Middleston so that you’d stop harping on my about my love life.”
Her mother’s mouth formed an O. “W–what?”
“That’s right,” Everly said, her pulse skyrocketing. “Tom wasn’t real.”
“He’s not a lawyer who was just too busy?”
“Nope.”
“Oh, goodness,” her mother said, bringing a hand to her mouth. “I was afraid this would happen.”
“What?”
“I don’t think you’ve dealt with your breaku
p with Brock properly. I think you need to see a therapist.”
If a hole opened right in front of her on the store floor, Everly wouldn’t have been surprised. And then she would have climbed right into it.
“Have you been fantasizing about Austin, then? I did ask Mayor Stewart about him, and she did confirm he was hired for the renovation.”
“You asked the mayor about Austin Hayes?”
Her mother lifted her chin. “I certainly did. At least Austin’s real, but honey, you really should see someone.”
“Austin is real, and we really are dating.” The doubt and concern didn’t leave her mother’s eyes though. Everly took out her phone and pulled up the call log, showing her mom the most recent call from Austin. Then she showed her the string of texts.
Despite all of that, her mom didn’t relax. “What about his child? Did you know his wife died of cancer? The mayor told me—”
“Mom,” Everly said. “Of course I know about Austin’s daughter, Jessica, and his wife, Rachel. We’re dating. I’m not making that up, and I don’t need a therapist. At least I didn’t until you walked in here.”
“Everly Jane King,” her mother spat out. “You are out of line.”
Everly simply stared at her mother, hoping the woman would see the irony of her statement.
“Everly?” her boss, Darla, called. “Can you cover the register?”
“Happy to,” Everly called back. She glanced toward the register to see an older couple waiting. She looked at her mother once again. “I’m sorry for making up Tom Middleston, but if you can’t get over your determination to throw me into therapy because you think I’m pining over Brock Hayes, then I’m not going to be coming to the Sunday brunch.”
Her mother’s eyes rounded.
“I’m going to say this one final time,” Everly continued. “I’m not brokenhearted over Brock. I’m happy for Brandy. Now, can we all move on with our lives?”
Everly strode away, because her voice had cracked on the last word, and the last thing she needed to do was fight back tears as she rang up the customers buying Fourth of July decorations.
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