16. Losing Friends
CHAPTER 16
Losing Friends
H eath watched Nina study their little home with wary eyes. Addison had explained all the things that had happened. She hadn’t held anything back from their daughter, but she’d reinforced repeatedly that Marcus had gone over the place for cameras and that new locks protected their home.
Her wording had been careful. We’ve done everything we can to ensure we’re safe . She hadn’t promised they would be safe because she couldn’t promise that. Neither could he, and that pissed him off.
They tried to keep things normal, fixing up a stir fry and talking about other things, but all of them were jumpy and worried.
When they were cleaning up the dishes, Heath decided to speak up. “I don’t want to speak for either of you, but I’m wired tonight. These incidents may end up being nothing, but I’m not going to sleep if I go home to the farmhouse and leave you two alone. I’d like to offer two alternatives. One, I stay here and sleep on the couch. Two, we all go back to the farmhouse. I’m going to head into the living room and let you two talk it out.”
Because if he stayed there, he’d do something stupid like grab them both and never let them go. He didn’t want to freak Nina out with how big his feelings were. She’d need time to learn to know him and to trust him.
Abby’s gasp and then a spurt of giggles from the kitchen had him relaxing. His girls were a lot stronger than some people might think, but it didn’t surprise him in the least.
They came into the living room with identical grins. Nina plopped down onto the couch beside him. “If we go to the farmhouse, can I get a room to myself? And do you think Branna and Sean will let Jabba stay with me?”
“Yes, to both.” Jabba was a huge mutt Sean had rescued from an abandoned property. The dog looked able to eat a sheep, but he was as gentle as one.
“Just for one night because I don’t want to be a coward, but I don’t think I’ll sleep well here tonight. Mom agrees.”
Addy’s face was deeply flushed, but she smiled as she nodded.
Nina patted his arm. “Okay. I’m going to go pack a bag.”
When she bounced into her room, Addy moved to kiss Heath’s cheek. “Thank you.”
He grinned. “You’re very welcome. I’ll text Sean to let him know the plan. At least two rooms are ready, but I don’t know if we need to bring bedding.”
Addy’s flush deepened, and she leaned in to whisper. “Nina suggested maybe you and I could share a room.”
His entire body flinched. Absolute shock filled him. “I thought we’d been more subtle than that.”
She laughed. “Me too, but apparently not. According to our daughter, we don’t need to hide the googly eyes anymore.”
“Googly eyes?”
Addy laughed and shrugged. “I don’t always speak pre-teen, but she seems thrilled we’re together.”
“Are you okay with her figuring it out?”
Addy shrugged with a smile. “I don’t like hiding things from her. We’ve always been honest with each other, so this is good. A bit weird, but good.”
But he could see some worry in her eyes. Because they hadn’t made it the first time. Because life had pulled them apart.
Addy had never had reason to trust in life in general. She’d been dealt plenty of shitty hands. She’d created an amazing life for herself and her daughter despite everything. Now, he was going to spend the rest of his life proving to her she was his choice forever. For always. That she would always have someone at her back.
When they arrived at the farmhouse, Sean and Branna greeted them with smiles and hugs. Branna led his girls up the stairs to show them their rooms while he and Sean headed to the kitchen. He quickly filled in his friend on their worries that someone was stalking Addy or Nina, but probably Addy.
Sean frowned. “I’m betting Addison doesn’t have any security cameras or a system in place.”
Heath nodded. “You’re right. I don’t want to overstep and install it myself, but I’m going to talk to her about it tomorrow. There’s been enough thrown at them today.”
“No kidding. How about we pop some popcorn and watch a movie? That might help ease the nerves a bit.”
It did. After they’d cleaned up, everyone trooped up the stairs. At the top, Sean and Branna headed to their room while Heath led the way down the other hallway. Nina’s room for the night was next to his. The attached baths that accompanied each room were arranged between the bedroom for added privacy, but she would be close.
Jabba padded along behind them, eager to spend time with one of his favorite people. Nina loved animals, and they loved her right back.
Heath hugged her at the doorway. “Goodnight. If you get freaked out by anything or just want to talk, you know where to find us.”
She nodded. “Thanks. I’ll be fine. Jabba will keep me company.”
He moved along to his room while Addy went into Nina’s room with her. He’d whispered to Addy earlier that if their daughter was nervous, it was okay to stay there with her.
Only a few minutes later, Addy walked through his door and closed it behind her. She blew out a deep breath and leaned against it for a moment with her eyes closed.
He moved to run his hands up and down her arms, and she walked into him and wrapped her arms around his waist. He folded himself around her and held her tightly.
After a few moments, he scooped her up and settled them on the bed against the headboard. For a long moment, she didn’t say a word. Just let him hold her.
“Who do you think it is?”
A question he hoped she wouldn’t ask. Not yet. Not until he had some proof.
Oblivious to his thoughts, she kept talking. “I don’t think we’ve made any enemies in town. I mean, who has enemies in real life? We get along with everyone. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love Nina. Why would anyone do this?”
She lapsed into silence for a bit and then shifted to look up at him. “You have an idea, don’t you? I can tell. Tell me who you suspect.”
He sighed. “I could be wrong.”
“Okay, but you have an idea. Who?”
“I was hoping you wouldn’t realize I had suspicions about someone until I had some proof. Until I’d thought it through.”
Her eyes narrowed as she frowned at him. “You think it’s someone close to me, someone I think of as a friend? That’s why you don’t want to tell me.”
He nodded.
She didn’t ask again, but those beautiful eyes studied him steadily.
He caved. “Some people stalk people they like, people they find interesting, people they’d like to date.”
Her frown deepened.
Heath continued. “Sometimes stalkers like to cause minor problems so they can ride in and be the hero. Help the person out and seem like a handy guy to have around. I’m wondering if Jonas is trying to prove to you he’s that kind of man.”
Addy shook her head sharply.
“I’m not saying he’s the only suspect, but I think we should talk to Marcus and mention him.”
“But he’s always been a good neighbor. He’s never tried to cross a line or do anything inappropriate. His family used to always help the people who bought up the houses on the edge of their lands.”
“And he might be doing exactly that. So far, there isn’t any proof one way or the other.”
Addy worried that bottom lip again. “You really think Jonas could do something like this? You think he damaged my car and broke my water heater?”
Heath nodded. “He’s attracted to you.”
Addy laughed and shook her head. “Not a chance. He’s way older than me.”
Heath almost rolled his eyes. “Addy, you’re a gorgeous woman. You’ve got an incredible daughter. You’re smart and successful. Everyone around here likes and admires you. I’m pretty sure Jonas isn’t the only one who would like to be more than friends.”
She shuddered and then leaned into him. “That’s a little creepy. I’ve never shown an interest in him or in anyone.”
Silence hung between them for a moment, then she leaned back to study him again. “Jonas has never even asked me out.”
“That doesn’t mean he doesn’t want to.”
She shook her head sharply. “He makes me uncomfortable, but I think that’s more because he’s intense and awkward. We’re not friends but he’s never done anything inappropriate. I’ve always felt a little guilty because I don’t feel comfortable with him. There’s never been a spark of interest from my side. Not for him or anyone else.”
Which shouldn’t have made Heath feel like he’d won a battle he hadn’t known he was fighting. But it did.
Addy tilted her head. “Until you popped up in that parking lot, I’ve had zero interest in dating or relationships. The thought of anyone who wasn’t you never appealed to me.”
Heath framed her face with his hands and smiled. “It’s always been you for me as well, Addy. No one else ever came close.”
Her eyes sparkled with joy, and then they dove into a kiss.
A ddy was glad when morning finally arrived. She was unnerved by Heath’s thought that Jonas was the person causing all the problems she’d experienced. The man had always been a good neighbor. She considered him a friendly acquaintance.
Could he have sabotaged her home and her car? It didn’t seem likely. Although he did like to help her out. Was he a nice guy or was he suffering from a white knight complex and causing the problems in the first place? It made her stomach churn, and sleep had been difficult to find.
Heath’s warm arms had ensured she felt safe and loved, so she’d slept in snatches, but she was neither bright-eyed nor bushy-tailed this morning. Too many worries, too many nightmares.
She shut off her alarm before it rang, hoping Heath could manage a few more minutes of sleep. When they’d talked the previous night, Nina had decided she wanted to go to school, even though Addy had given her the option of staying home to process what was happening.
It didn’t surprise Addy when a large hand reached out to stop her when she attempted to slide out of bed. Heath didn’t miss much, even in sleep. He tugged, and she rolled back over and into him. “Morning.”
He kissed her forehead and squeezed her. “You should stay in bed and try to get some more sleep. I’ll take Nina to school.”
She kissed his chest. “I can’t sleep. My head’s too full.”
“Hopefully, we can get some more answers today. You want to shower first or check on Nina?”
“She would have texted or knocked if she needed us. Her alarm won’t go off for another twenty minutes.”
“We can have a really good shower in twenty minutes.”
After what turned out to be a most excellent shower, they dressed, and Addy knocked on Nina’s room.
Nina opened it seconds later. “I’m up.”
Addy reached out to run her hand down her daughter’s hair. “How’d you sleep?”
Nina shrugged. “Not bad. Jabba snores.”
Heath chuckled. “Maybe you do too.”
Nina put on her mock offended face. “I do not. Did you guys sleep okay?” Such an innocent question from a girl who’d told them it was okay for them to share a bed.
Addy knew she flushed a little, but she kept her gaze on her daughter’s. “Not great. My brain wouldn’t stop for very long.”
Nina nodded, then looked at Heath. “Are you guys going to try to figure out what’s happening today? Do you think it’s okay for me to go to school? I’d rather keep busy so I don’t think about someone being in our house.”
Addy hugged her. “I think it’s perfectly safe for you to go to school. Can we drive you, or do you want to take the bus?”
She was relieved when Nina accepted the ride. Several inches of snow had fallen during the night. As always, Vermont looked like a fairy tale. She’d incorporated the snowy landscapes into several of her books, and it always made her smile even as she bundled into the extra layers required.
After they dropped Nina off at school, Heath took Addy’s hand across the car’s console and smiled at her. “I like this. The whole driving her to school routine. Waking up as a family. I’m still so angry at my parents that I missed out on twelve years of this, but you’ve done an amazing job of being a mom. Our daughter is absolutely perfect.”
Addy’s heart swelled, and emotions threatened to swamp her. “Thank you. She’s an incredible young lady. I like the family vibe we’ve got going on as well.”
“What do you think about looking for a bigger place? Or expanding your place. I think it might burst at the seams if I move in, too. Would you be okay with me moving in? It doesn’t have to be today. Well, it maybe does. I don’t want you two alone. Or we could stay at the farmhouse.”
She’d never heard Heath ramble before. Laughing, she tugged on his hand until he leaned over the console. She kissed him lightly. After all, they were in the school parking lot. “You’re babbling.”
He groaned. “I am.”
That made her laugh. “I would love you to move in with us or to live with you somewhere else. We know Nina would approve. I don’t know about her, but I’m not overly attached to the house, especially after finding out someone may have been doing all of those things. Let’s talk to her and see how she feels about moving.”
Then they’d be a real family. He’d been the missing piece, and she wanted them to be whole. A fresh start in a space new to them all would be amazing.
As they drove back to town, Heath slowed down along the empty road. “How would you feel about having a brewery in the backyard?”
“What?”
He laughed, and she loved seeing him relaxed. “The guys need a bigger space for a real brewery. Levi’s hops have produced really good beer. But if we’re going to make it larger batches, we need more space. A barn would be perfect. You always wanted a farmhouse with a wrap-around porch. Has that changed?”
He remembered. She’d always dreamed of a porch with a swing where she could watch the sunrise or the sunset. In those dreams, she’d imagined sharing that swing and everything that went along with it with Heath. “That hasn’t changed at all.”
They grinned at each other. Then, they started checking out the nearby farms. Sadly, the town’s population had dropped over the past few decades and people had moved out to bigger cities, leaving many of the farms empty. But with Piper and Troy’s plans, that was turning around. There was the whole crew out at Midnight Lake, plus Heath’s teammates and more people moving in.
When they passed the property right beside Sean and Branna’s place, her pulse picked up. The house wasn’t as big as the other farmhouse, which was big enough to be a B&B. This one was the perfect size for a single family. The porch looked like it needed some boards replaced, but it was wide and wrapped around the front.
With a grin, Heath slowed and pulled in. “I never noticed this one before, and I’ve driven by it every time I go into town.”
Addy grinned. “Same here. It looks like it’s been empty for a while, but even with the boards on the windows, it’s pretty.”
Kimi’s vet business was only one more empty farm away and would be even closer for Nina. It looked like it would have enough space for them to have an office and a living room. Maybe even a dining room.
Or a baby room? Would Heath want another child? She hadn’t thought of having another baby before. Her entire focus had been on building a life for her and Nina. But they were still young enough to have another child if they wanted. How would Nina feel?
An entire future of love and family flashed in her head. Could that much joy be possible?
Addy’s phone rang and broke the moment. When she dug it out and saw the caller’s name, her stomach tightened. “It’s Jonas.”