Chapter 27
Victor
On the way to Frank’s restaurant, I called my dad. His voice sounded stronger than the last time I saw him. For once, my heart feels a little less heavy. Maybe he will pull through after all. If eating a bland diet will lengthen his life, I’ll hide all the salt in the world from him.
Now that he’s healing, Serenity and my inevitable divorce in a little more than eleven months shouldn’t affect him too harshly. He’ll understand. Our world is too much for Serenity. All I have to do is keep my heart protected.
As if she doesn’t already own most of it.
I haven’t fully given up on Serenity staying. Sometimes, I see her resolve start to crumble, and that’s all the encouragement I need. She no longer throws accusations at me because of her trust issues. Not to mention, she’s trusted me with her body.
That’s something I never thought I’d experience. But I can’t force her to stay with me, and even if I could, I wouldn’t want to. All I truly want is Serenity’s happiness.
We walk into the restaurant, and I’m holding the cutest date’s hand. Glancing down, I spy Summer’s red ringlets bouncing with her every step. The moment Serenity unbuckled Summer from her car seat, she asked to hold my hand. My hand. Out of everyone, this tiny human chose me.
I can’t stop the smile that takes over my mouth. I never expected the person to take me down to be a four-year-old.
Music and chatter twine together, creating a peaceful chaos. People flit from table to table, chitchatting. A group of men sit to our side drinking beer and laughing like they’re all old friends. An enormous banner crosses at least half of the restaurant that reads, Happy 50th Anniversary!
I take everything in with wide eyes. Fifty years and they still love each other. My chest expands at the thought that maybe I could have that with Serenity.
This is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. No formal attire. No fake politeness. No tiny plates. Everything about this party screams normal. It’s exactly what I’ve been craving, especially since that night drinking beer with Elias.
“Mommy, it’s too loud,” Summer says.
Serenity appears at her daughter’s side. “Is it too much for you, baby? We can go home.”
“No, Auntie Lana will be here, and I want candy.”
A laugh bursts free from my lips, and Summer’s bright eyes meet mine. I clear my throat and say, “Do you want me to buy you a candy store?”
“Yes!”
Summer’s immediate answer makes me chuckle, but Serenity’s lips tip down. Shit. I spoke without thinking, and it feels like we took two steps backward. Note to self: I need to remember to talk to Serenity first, then Summer.
“Maybe if you still want it when you’re a grown-up, I will.”
“But I want it nooow!”
Lana strides in our direction, and Summer must notice her at the same time as I do because she bolts over to the woman. I move behind Summer, leaving everyone else behind.
Serenity stands beside me, her gaze firmly on Summer. “Why do you look so tense?”
Being out in public while in Granite Falls when I know there’s a threat out there has me on edge, but I don’t say that. Until I have solid, concrete evidence, there’s nothing I can do. And there’s no reason to worry Serenity more than she already is.
“I’m not.”
She raises an eyebrow. “I detect a lie.”
“Everything is okay. Sometimes my anxiety spikes, and I can’t pinpoint why.” It’s the truth. “So, let’s just enjoy the party. Okay?”
Serenity studies me for a moment, probably trying to figure out if I’m being truthful, before nodding. The old her would’ve doubted me, but I sense she truly believes me.
My phone vibrates. Pulling it out, my heart thrashes when the screen lights up with an email from Matt.
Mr. Barlowe,
My man is officially in.
Matt
No new information but at least now my plan is being executed. I need to find out how the gang is connected to the break-ins at Serenity’s house. Or maybe they are the people her late husband borrowed the money from.
Considering she paid them, it shouldn’t be the latter.
“What is it?” Serenity asks.
I don’t hesitate. Shifting the phone toward her, I show her the short email. I promised to keep her informed, and I won’t break the fragile trust she’s starting to have in me.
She nods and flashes me a small smile. “Thank you for showing me.”
“You made it,” Mrs. Milte says, pulling my attention. “I was nervous Becky scared you off.”
“I was excited to come. I never get to go to stuff like this.” I motion around to all the community members and friends.
Mrs. Milte’s eyes widen. “I’m happy you’re here then. We have all waited years to have Serenity find a nice man after her husband’s passing. I’m glad it finally happened.”
My chest puffs out with pride as if I’m some caveman, but the mention of Paul quickly dumps a bucket of cold water over my head. Serenity places a hand on my arm, and I look down at the contact, breaking me free of thoughts about her scummy late husband.
Turning my attention back to Mrs. Milte, I take a deep breath and meet her gaze. Apparently, this is the woman I’m supposed to impress if I want people in this town to like me. And I do.
“Me too,” Summer pipes up. “Bubba is my best friend. He’s going to buy me a whole candy store.”
I groan, and the women laugh. That girl won’t ever let me live that one down, will she?
I kneel down. “How about you start with a lemonade stand? If you can handle that, we’ll talk about a candy store.”
She gives me a toothy grin. “No more candy store. I love lemonade.”
“On our next trip, we’ll start working on putting one together.”
Summer turns to her mother. “Can we do that, Mommy? Pleeease.”
Serenity bites her lower lip, and I can’t help but wonder what she’s thinking. “Yes, that sounds like a lot of fun.”
“When will you be coming back?” Mrs. Milte asks.
I think back to the conversation about volunteering around town as I push into a standing position. “Within a few weeks.”
Serenity nods. “We’re coming for the festival.”
“That’s perfect then.” Mrs. Milte claps her hands together. “You two need to sign up to volunteer at the town’s founding parade. I’m a few people down, so you’d really be doing me a favor.”
Serenity twists her neck so she can meet my gaze. Her brows are raised as if she’s waiting for me to take the lead on this.
“I think we can volunteer our time,” I reply.
Step one of being accepted by the people of Granite Falls done. I can’t stop the lightness in my chest from spreading. No one here cares about status. I’m just another person in town that people are starting to say hi to.
I pick up Summer and grab Serenity’s hand before leading them over to a table where Harmony and Elias are sitting. The moment the duo spots us, Serenity immediately lets go of my hand.
I flex my fingers.
She’s made huge improvements. Don’t push her if she isn’t ready.
Sitting next to Summer, I relax as Harmony chatters. Serenity listens intently but doesn’t say much, and I can only wonder what she’s thinking.
Instead of trying to figure out what’s going on inside her brain, I turn to Summer and say, “When we go back to New York, I say we play in your tree house.”
Her bright green eyes light up. “And bubbles?”
I chuckle. “Yes, of course. Maybe we can get a bubble machine.”
“Really?” The wonder in her voice almost makes me want to promise her more, but Serenity would probably murder me. “That’s amazing.”
I could get used to this kind of life with Serenity, her family—especially Summer—and this little town that has grown on me.