Chapter 10
Elyna
I didn’t sleep much. Braden’s soft breaths came steady from the playpen at the foot of my bed, but every creak in the house kept me wide awake. I knew Luc was downstairs on the couch, keeping an eye out, but with Papa in the next room, I couldn’t shake the unease crawling under my skin.
Braden stirred, rubbing his tiny fists against his eyes. I checked the time on my cell to see it was almost seven. Time to shift back into mommy mode and start our day. I scooped him up, kissed his warm cheek, and whispered, “Good morning, baby boy.”
Downstairs, Luc was moving around restlessly on the couch, looking like he hadn’t slept at all. His hair stuck up, and the circles under his eyes told me he’d been listening for trouble more than resting.
“Morning,” I said quietly, bouncing Braden against my hip.
“Hey there, buddy,” Luc greeted, his face softening when Braden giggled. He reached out to tap Braden’s little hand, and my son rewarded him with a sweet smile.
A smile curved my own lips, despite my exhaustion. “Someone likes you.”
“I told you we hit it off.” Luc grinned, then went straight for the coffeepot. He then went upstairs to get ready for his day. I worked my way around the kitchen making breakfast for Braden and Luc, since I wanted to thank him for being such an amazing brother and babysitting last night.
By the time Luc came back downstairs I was feeding Braden his breakfast, and I had a steaming heap of cinnamon French toast waiting on my brother.
I set the last thick slice of cinnamon French toast on the plate just as Luc wandered into the kitchen.
Braden squealed in his high chair, flinging soggy cereal across the tray, and Luc grinned like the little mess was a prize.
“I made you cinnamon French toast as a thank you for watching him last night,” I said, sliding the plate toward him.
His stomach answered before he did, and he laughed. “Thanks, I would say you didn’t have to, but I’m going to enjoy this.”
“There’s maple syrup in the fridge. I bought it from Eric’s shop,” I added. “He expanded it and he carries great things.”
“Cool. So do you like working over there?” Luc asked as he pulled the syrup out of the fridge.
I shrugged, spooning more cereal into Braden’s mouth, even though most of it came right back out with a grin. “You know the Thornes, they’re all good people. Although working for Phoenix has been special. I don’t know what that guy’s problem is.”
Luc narrowed his eyes at me. “Do I need to beat up Phoenix because that may be a problem?” he asked around a mouthful of French toast drenched in syrup.
I shook my head quickly. “Nah, he’s respectful and does everything by the book. He’s just grumpy is all.”
“That’s Phoenix for you. He’s a focused guy. It’s impressive what he’s done with the microbrewery. It’s bringing a lot of people from the city to town.”
“He is a good businessman,” I admitted. “I just need to wait for one of those cabins to free up. They don’t have any housing options available, and everything else around here is either a dump or not something I can afford.”
“We’ll figure something out.” He sounded so sure, like he could fix everything, even if we both knew he couldn’t. “By the way, I should probably mention Izzy and I are dating. I’m going over to the Thornes’…”
I cut him off with a whistle. “Hallelujah. Took you guys long enough.”
His face tightened, all seriousness. “It’s complicated, Elyna. We’re best friends. Outside of you and Braden, Izzy is the most important thing in my life.”
“Actually, it’s Izzy first, then me and Braden. You’ve always been in love with that girl. Good to see you finally came to your senses.”
He rolled his eyes, but then his tone shifted. “Okay, well then. I was going to go upstairs and see if the old man is awake. I wanted to catch him sober to find out what the hell is going on.”
“He brushes his teeth with vodka in the morning,” I scoffed. “Not sure you’re going to find him sober.”
“Shit. Well, I’m not leaving you and Braden here with him,” Luc declared.
“Dude, I’ve been taking care of myself for over a month now. We’ll be fine,” I said, making googly faces at Braden so Luc wouldn’t see how tight my chest got.
“If something happened to you guys, I’d never forgive myself. So call me selfish, but I need you to come hang out at the Thornes’. Take Braden for a walk through the orchards or something.”
“Fine,” I huffed, even though he wasn’t wrong. “But just because you’re the most selfless person I know. I don’t know how you even share genetics with Papa.”
“That isn’t fair. He had the love of his life die on him,” Luc reminded me.
I frowned, bitterness curling at the edges of my voice.
“I know you were young, but they didn’t have a good marriage, Luc.
I’ve told you this a hundred times. He was drinking ever since I could remember.
Calling him a functional alcoholic is bullshit.
Mom wasn’t happy. I remember her tears. I remember Helen consoling her. ”
Luc sighed, and I could see him clinging to the fairy-tale version of our parents that he’d built in his head.
“You spent more time at the Thornes’ than you did here,” I pointed out softly. “Maybe you saw a fairy tale over there.”
“The Thornes are amazing people and a good family, but Helen took off. She left her kids behind after Mom died. How happy could she have been?”
“I ask myself the same question all the time,” I admitted, my voice dropping. “I always felt like there was more to Mom’s death than we ever knew. I was a stupid teenager back then. I spent most of my time getting drunk with friends. Maybe I was just emulating Papa’s bad behavior.”
Luc set down his fork and looked at me with those earnest eyes that made me feel younger than I was. “Maybe, but you’ve cleaned up nice. You’re doing a good job with Braden.”
My throat tightened, and I forced a smile. “Aw, thanks, little brother. I haven’t had a sip of alcohol since I found out I was pregnant. I’m determined to do right by him.”
“I’m proud of you,” he said, and I had to look down at Braden to stop from crying.
Luc waved us off a few minutes later. “Now both of you go on up and get ready.”
I smirked. “Why are you going over to the Thornes’?”
“If you would’ve let me finish what I was saying, then you’d know I’m asking Mr. Thorne for permission to officially date his daughter.”
My jaw dropped, then I grinned. “How chivalrous of you.”
“Elyna, that man was more like a dad to me than our own father. I owe it to him so he knows I respect him and Izzy.”
“Wow, I’m proud of you, Luc. Never thought I’d see the day.”
“Me neither, but things have changed.”
“Mind enlightening me?” I teased.
“No,” he said flatly.
I burst out laughing. “Go on and get yourselves ready.”
“Okay. Okay.” I rolled my eyes and headed upstairs with Braden to pack his bag.
I didn’t have a shift at the brewery, and I tried to stay away from the Thorne property when I didn’t work.
Maybe because they were so keen on helping me, and I felt bad I was in a position where I needed the help.
Or maybe it was I didn’t want to bump into Phoenix when we weren’t playing boss and employee.
Truthfully, I was scared that I may ogle him and then what would he think?
That I was playing a game like I did back in high school?
I blinked the thought away. It didn’t matter.
I was a single mom and Phoenix Thorne would never be interested in me.
After packing a bag for Braden, I got dressed in my usual casual attire; a pair of jean shorts, a fitted heathered gray Henley T-shirt and a pair of white sneakers.
Since I wasn’t working, I left my hair down and brushed it out, but it still had a wave to it.
I don’t know why I was trying to look good.
It felt like I was doing it for Phoenix but that didn’t make any sense because, as I already established, he wasn’t interested and we didn’t like each other very much.
Only that wasn’t right either because I did like Phoenix.
Other than the fact he was handsome as hell; he was also kind.
The way he stepped up and gave me a job and hours that worked for my schedule as a single mom to a baby.
In a way, it felt like he watched out for me from a distance.
I’d never had that before. Riley was selfish.
He always went out and did his own thing.
He never really cared about my well-being, even when I was carrying his son.
We broke up before Braden was born, but he still kept coming around.
He was there for the delivery and he offered me some money to help at first, but that happened less than a handful of times, until I realized he gambled away most of the handsome salary he made.
I went downstairs where my brother waited anxiously on me.
I held Braden’s diaper bag on one shoulder and Braden on my hip, until Luc helped me get the stroller from the garage.
Then we walked over to the Thorne property together.
I was happy for Luc. He and Izzy getting together was a long time coming.
There was an air about Luc that felt different.
Like being with Izzy had finally made him grow up.
But he was also happier. The guy was glowing.
I didn’t want to believe in love. I never experienced it myself.
I had boyfriends in high school, who I thought I loved, and some boyfriends through my twenties, but it seemed like I was always attracted to the wrong guy.
I didn’t know what love was, maybe I still didn’t.
But when I thought of Izzy and my brother, I knew it was true love.
Those two had been best friends since they were little.
They were always there for one another, through thick and thin.
I knew when Izzy followed him to university, they would eventually figure themselves out.
I just didn’t think it would take this long.
The air was on the cooler side this morning.
I strapped Braden into the stroller, pulled his little baseball cap over his head, and we walked together down the road toward the orchards.
The sign for Maple Valley stood tall at the entrance, and my chest loosened just a little at the sight of it.
Luc veered toward the shed to find Izzy, leaving me to wander the orchard paths with Braden.
I breathed in the smell of apples and damp earth, trying to shake off the weight of last night. That was when I saw Phoenix.
He came from between the rows, shoulders broad, hair messy from work. His eyes locked on me immediately, sharp as always.
“Elyna,” he said, voice low.
I stiffened, my hands tightening on the stroller handle. “Phoenix.”
His jaw worked as he stopped in front of me. “I had to pick up Izzy from your house last night. Luc wouldn’t leave your boy after your old man’s outburst.”
My face flamed. “That’s not your problem.”
“The hell it isn’t,” he said, softer but fierce. “You think I don’t see what’s going on here? You and Braden . . .”
“Stop.” My voice cracked sharper than I meant. Braden gurgled, kicking his legs happily, oblivious. I bent to fix his blanket. “I can handle my life.”
Phoenix stepped closer, close enough that the air pulsed between us. “No one should have to handle that alone.”
My chest ached, my defenses thinning, but I straightened and pushed the stroller past him. “Like I said, it isn’t your problem.”
I didn’t look back, though I could feel his eyes on me all the way down the orchard path. I knew he was probably heading to the brewery, and I needed to walk in the opposite direction because space from that man was all I could think about. A heck of a lot of space because my head was spinning.
I rounded the bend, and that’s when I spotted Luc and Izzy standing close under the shade of an old apple tree. I slowed without meaning to, my eyes narrowing on the sight of Luc brushing a strand of hair off Izzy’s face. His gray eyes softened in a way I hadn’t seen in a long time.
“I feel bad for having you over last night. If I knew my papa was that unhinged, I would’ve never had you over,” he said to her.
My steps faltered as I watched the way he looked at Izzy.
“I know you would never put me in danger,” she assured him, and my stomach turned at the thought I’d been living with Papa all this time.
My brother bent his head down to kiss her. Before I could turn away, the words left my mouth, louder than I intended. “Oh, wow, look at you two.”
They broke apart instantly, and Izzy licked her lips, her cheeks flushed.
“You two are adorable,” I continued. It was good to see them both so happy.
“We’re not adorable,” Luc insisted, like the word was an insult.
Izzy laughed and turned to me, warm and easy. “Hi, Elyna, it’s so good to see you.” She pulled me into a hug. Then she crouched and cooed at Braden. “I met this handsome fella last night. Hi there, yes, you’re handsome.”
Braden giggled, and my chest softened.
Izzy straightened. “I’m actually happy we bumped into each other.”
“Oh yeah?” I asked, my guard rising again. “What’s up?”
“Phoenix has a loft above his garage. It’s fully furnished, one bedroom, a beautiful kitchen, and we want you and Braden to live there.
And Luc too while he’s home.” She smiled to my brother before drawing her attention back to me.
Her back was straight and her face was serious, no hint this might be a joke.
“I can’t move into Phoenix’s house,” I chortled.
“It has a separate entrance. No one is living there. It’s an empty space that was made for you and Braden, trust me,” she went on. I appreciated her efforts, but taking a handout wasn’t big on my to-do list.
That’s when my brother stepped in and reminded me of my obligation to keep my son safe.
“I need to speak with Phoenix. I need to hear it from him this is okay. I don’t want charity. I want to pay,” I insisted.
I was in a tug-of-war between doing what was right for my son and accepting charity.
Izzy and Luc tried to convince me otherwise until the tugging pulled me in the direction of the Maple Valley Brewery & Restaurant, with Luc, Izzy, and Braden walking with me.
All of us were converging on the one man I’d been trying to avoid.