30. Hayes
Chapter thirty
Hayes
I can’t remember the last time I smiled like this. Probably the day Rosie was born; I was so nervous to become a dad—a single dad at that. But until today, that was the best day of my life. Today is right up there with it. I think Lennon would agree that the birth of my daughter should be the top spot, but the day that Lennon agreed to be mine will always be up there with it. Of course, we still need to say our vows.
But she said yes!
Other than Lennon agreeing to marry me, today has been great for my business. We have already sold all but one restoration that Travis did, and we have six people that want restorations from us. I was able to get all of their information and informed them that I would call on Monday to iron out the details. My uncle was able to make it to town today and if the wide eyes and big smile are any indication, he is happy with the new space. I know he told me he was fine with switching buildings, but I didn’t fully believe him until he was here in person.
“How do you think we are doing?” Travis walks over to me with concern in his eyes, but he has nothing to be concerned about. “Travis…your work speaks for itself. All your restorations have sold. I’ll write you a check next week.” His eyebrows shoot up, matching his wide eyes. “What? Check? They all sold?” In a split second, I decided that I was going to buy the last remaining— the last truck he restored and give it to him. He is currently driving an old beat-up truck, and I knew without him telling me that the last truck he worked on was his dream truck. “Well, yeah. You get a commission. So that will be a nice bonus check coming your way.”
He doesn’t get a chance to respond because Rosie runs up as soon as he was getting ready to speak. “Daddy!” I look down at my daughter, face covered in chocolate and hair falling out of the braids Lennon did this morning. “Where’s Mommy?”
Lennon and Tess should be back by now .
I check my phone and notice the lack of messages. Lennon texted me when they got to the house, and that was thirty-three minutes ago. They have to be around here somewhere. I call her phone, but it goes to voicemail. “Let’s go find her, Ro Ro. She went to go get Max, she’s around here somewhere.” I tell Travis that we will catch up later, and Rosie and I head off to find Lennon. I try calling again, but still no answer.
We check in the shop first, thinking that she set Max up in the air conditioning, and where it’s a little quieter. Even though it’s the first weekend in October, this past week the heat decided it didn’t want to leave Pine Creek. With Lennon not being anywhere inside, we head back outside. “Mommy should be here celebrating. We’re getting married!” I laugh, because I know that my daughter is going to be more high maintenance than the bride when it comes to the wedding.
I spot Cash up ahead with Shelby and their kids. “Cash!” He whips his head in my direction, and after giving Shelby a quick kiss, he heads our way. “Have you seen Lennon or Tess?” He looks at me with concern when he shakes his head. “I saw them when they were walking to Linen and Lace. Maybe they stayed there to regroup.” That makes sense, Tess is stressed about the start of the actual festival tomorrow. “I’ll head over there real quick and check, send one of them back.” Cash slaps my shoulder before heading in the direction of my sister’s boutique.
A few minutes later Cash is back, but neither woman is with him. He shakes his head when he walks up, phone at his ear. “No one was there, man, and I can’t get Lennon on the phone.”
Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.
“I just texted Scottie, he was at the food truck with Denny. He’ll be here in a minute.” I look over at him, and we silently have a conversation. Rosie is still with me, and I don’t want anything we say to scare her. “Hey, Ro Ro, let’s go find Pop Pop.” She grabs my hand, and we start weaving through the small crowd. I find my dad and uncle talking to Travis, and I’m glad at least I can find someone. “Rosie, stay with Travis a minute while I talk to Pop Pop.” She looks like she is going to argue with me, and my dad is looking at me like I’m crazy, but Rosie goes with Travis when he asks her if she wants a popsicle.
“Son?”
“Pop, Lennon and Tess went to go check on Max about forty minutes ago, and they aren’t back yet. I’m going to go talk to Scottie and then head to the house. Keep an eye on Rosie, please.” I don’t give him time to answer, I turn and jog back over to Cash and Scottie .
My woman is missing. My sister is missing. And I know something is wrong.
“What the hell is going on? You let them go by themselves?” I rear my head back at Scottie’s tone. I’ve noticed that he has been a little distant lately, but with how busy I’ve been I haven’t taken the time to check in. “I’m going to need you to lose that tone. Lennon wanted to run home and grab Max, Tess went with her. My woman. My sister. Don’t know why you are acting like either one of them are yours.” He steps closer to me, but Cash gets in the middle of us. “We can measure dicks later, let’s go.”
We follow Scottie to his cruiser and barely have time to close our doors before the tires are squealing away from the curb. He must have the same feeling I do, because he calls in backup on our way. “She has to be okay. I just fucking got her back, Hayes.” I hang my head at Cash’s words. If she isn’t okay, I will never forgive myself.
I’m coming, Lennon. Please be okay.
I love you.