Chapter Seven
Callie
Returning to Pine Hollow is both exhilarating and nerve-wracking.
As Garrett helps me gently out of his truck, supporting me so I don’t put too much weight on my still-tender ankle, I feel the immediate shift in his demeanor.
Gone is the man who whispered tenderly under the stars and made passionate love in our tent; back is the guarded, withdrawn Garrett Pierce who’d scowled at me over camping gear in his store.
I swallow down my hurt, plastering a cheerful smile on my face as the townspeople gather, eyes twinkling mischievously.
“Well, well, what do we have here?” Dottie grins, leaning on the porch railing of the general store, clearly delighted. “Looks like our favorite grump found himself some sunshine.”
Garrett scowls, ducking his head. “Knock it off, Dottie.”
I giggle softly, unable to help myself. Garrett shoots me a warning glance, but there’s no heat behind it, just a gentle admonition.
“Oh, come on,” Annie teases, stepping forward to squeeze my arm affectionately. “Garrett rescuing someone? This is headline news in Pine Hollow.”
Sawyer leans casually against his truck, a broad grin on his face. Sawyer chuckles, shaking his head. “About time someone broke through that shell, Garrett.”
Sadie and Tessa appear, both smiling warmly, pulling me into gentle hugs. I met them before my camping trip and found them both very friendly and sweet. They are the type of women I can see myself becoming friends with if I stay in Pine Hollow.
“Are you okay?” Sadie asks gently, eyeing my bandaged ankle.
“I’m good, really. Garrett took excellent care of me,” I assure them warmly, catching Garrett’s slight blush before he turns sharply away.
Tessa gives me a knowing smile. “I bet he did.”
My cheeks flush deeply, and Garrett mutters something about checking the store, quickly retreating inside. My heart twists painfully at his abrupt withdrawal, but I keep my smile firmly in place.
“Don’t worry,” Sadie whispers sympathetically, squeezing my arm. “He’ll come around, the grumpy ones always do.” She looks sweetly at her husband, Sawyer, as he walks toward us.
In the following days, Garrett maintains his distance, deepening my loneliness. Yet Pine Hollow quickly becomes a balm to my heart. Annie, Tessa, and Sadie wrap me in their warmth, filling my days with laughter, heartfelt conversations, and unwavering support.
I don’t want to leave. They’ve been trying to convince me to stay, but without Garrett, I don’t think I can.
Tessa and Sadie invite me regularly for coffee and long walks around town, carefully pacing themselves to match my recovering ankle. Their conversations, filled with stories of love, loss, and renewal, become precious moments that fill me with comfort and belonging.
Annie, ever cheerful and perceptive, involves me in the town’s activities, introducing me to more residents and inviting me to participate in community events. With every friendly face and new connection, Pine Hollow carves a deeper place in my heart, even as the ache for Garrett persists.
Late one afternoon, helping set up decorations with Sadie and Tessa for an upcoming festival, I glance across the street and spot Garrett in a tense conversation with Sawyer. My heart squeezes painfully as I observe the strain on Garrett’s face, recognizing the turmoil he’s battling within himself.
“He’s struggling,” Tessa murmurs softly, following my gaze.
“I know,” I whisper. “I just wish he’d let me in.”
“Give him time,” Sadie advises gently. “He’s stubborn, but he’s not blind to what he’s losing.”
I hold onto her words, letting them anchor me with hope.