2. Grumpy Misgivings
2
GRUMPY MISGIVINGS
EVERETT
"Hazel! Harper! Get back here right now!" I stand on Main Street, trying to corral the twins.
They giggle, darting and weaving between the parked cars like mischievous sprints. Hazel sticks her tongue out at me before disappearing around the corner of Millie's Diner.
"Dammit," I mutter, breaking into a jog to catch up with them. As I round the corner, I nearly collide with Harper, who's stopped dead in her tracks.
"Daddy, look!" She points excitedly at the window display, her eyes wide with delight.
I follow her gaze to the bakery's storefront, where colorful cupcakes and cookies are arranged in a whimsical scene. A small sign proclaims, "Welcome to Silver Ridge!"
Despite my frustration, I can't help but smile at the pure joy on her face. These girls have a way of finding magic in the most ordinary things, reminding me why I chose to raise them here.
The late afternoon sun casts the street in a warm, golden light, highlighting the rustic charm of the storefronts lining Main Street. In the distance, the Rocky Mountains loom, their snowcapped peaks a constant, majestic presence. The scent of pine mingles with the aroma of fresh-baked goods wafting from the bakery, creating that unique blend of nature and small-town life that defines The Ridge.
"That looks yummy, huh?" I say, tipping her head back to kiss Harper’s forehead. "But you know the rules—no sweets before dinner."
Harper pouts and Hazel runs back, bouncing on the balls of her feet. "What about ice cream? Can we have ice cream instead?"
I level them both with a stern look that usually has them falling in line. "You two have been a real handful today. I'm not sure you've earned any treats."
"But Daaaad," they whine in unison, their faces the picture of exaggerated misery.
I open my mouth to scold them, but a familiar laugh cuts me off. I turn to find Steph Peterson watching us, amusement dancing in her warm brown eyes.
Steph’s the resident saint. She and her husband, Big Bear, run the local shelter for women and children escaping domestic abuse, and they own one of the largest ranches in town.
"Having a tough day, Everett?" she teases, sauntering over with her easy confidence.
"You could say that," I grumble, though I can't quite keep the gruffness in my tone. Steph's been a good friend over the years, one of the few people in this town who sees past my prickly exterior.
"Well, don't be too hard on them," she winks at the girls, who beam back at her. "They're just keeping you on your toes."
I snort, shoving my hands in my pockets. "More like driving me up the wall. Pretty sure they've scared off every nanny in a hundred-mile radius."
"We have not!" Hazel protests indignantly. "Mrs. Perkins was just a big ol' grump."
Harper nods emphatically. "Yeah, she wouldn't even let us have cookies for breakfast!"
Steph laughs again. That rich, full-bodied sound always makes me feel lighter. "Well, there you have it, Everett. Can't blame them for having good taste."
I shake my head. I'm fighting a smile. Leave it to Steph to take the twins' side. "Don't encourage them. They're already little terrors without your help."
"Are not!" Harper gasps, looking utterly betrayed.
Before I can respond, a familiar figure catches my eye further down the street. My heart stutters as I take in the woman's tall, curvy frame and the sway of her hips.
Kenzie .
Memories of our encounter at the bus station flood my mind—the softness of her hand in mine, the kindness of her smile, the way her hazel eyes rope me in. But then I remember the scene with Ian and his wife, the accusations of her being a homewrecker.
I shake my head, pushing the conflicting thoughts away. Now is not the time to dwell on a woman I barely know, especially one who's already brought so much drama to this town. Still, I can't tear my gaze away as she strolls down the sidewalk, her head held high despite the curious looks she's getting from the locals.
There's a quiet strength about her, a resilience that calls to something deep inside me. The way she interacted with the twins at the bus station, calming them down with such ease... it was impressive, to say the least. But then there's the whole mess with Ian. What kind of woman gets involved with a married man?
I frown, hating how my body seems to betray me at the sight of her. This is ridiculous. I’m a grown man and a father. I shouldn’t be getting all tangled up over some beautiful stranger, especially one with suspect judgment .
"Earth to Everett?" Steph's voice breaks through my reverie. "You still with us, big guy?"
I blink, refocusing on her amused expression. "What? Yeah, 'course. Just... thinking."
She arches an eyebrow, clearly not buying my nonchalance. Her gaze follows mine, landing squarely on Kenzie's retreating figure.
"Ah," she murmurs knowingly. "I see."
Heat creeps up my neck, and I scowl to cover my discomfort. "Don't start, Steph."
"I didn't say anything," she protests, holding her hands up in mock surrender. But the sparkle in her eyes says it all—she's already putting the pieces together in her sharp mind.
I open my mouth, ready to shut down whatever teasing comes my way, but Hazel beats me.
"Daddy, can we go say hi to Miss Kenzie?" she asks, bouncing on the balls of her feet. "She was really nice at the bus station."
My stomach clenches at remembering that disastrous scene with Ian and his wife. Paige's words still ring in my ears, that venom-laced accusation of Kenzie being a "homewrecking whore."
I frown, my protective instincts kicking in. Whatever Kenzie's involvement with Ian, she doesn't deserve to be treated like that. No one does. But simultaneously, I can't risk exposing my girls to someone who might be trouble.
"Maybe we should give Miss Duncan some space," I hedge, not quite meeting Hazel's eyes.
Harper tugs on my sleeve. Her expression is earnest. "But she's new here, Daddy. Don't you think she could use a friend?"
I sigh, letting my gaze linger over my girls. They have a way of cutting straight to the heart of things, whether I want them to or not. Their compassion makes me proud, but it also worries me sometimes. The world isn't always kind to people with big hearts.
Before I can respond, another voice joins the fray—one that has me stiffening in surprise.
"Well, well. If it isn't my old pal, Everett Logan."
I spin around to see Axton O'Connor strolling our way, that cocky smirk of his in full effect. My shoulders relax as I take in the sight of my best friend since elementary school. If anyone can pull me out of this weird funk, it's Axton.
"I can't believe they let you back in town," I greet him gruffly, pulling him in for a brotherly hug.
He shrugs. "Figured it was time to come home for a while. Can't let you have all the fun, now can I?"
I snort, shaking my head. Only Axton would consider the chaos of my life "fun."
Sensing a new audience, the twins immediately swarm him with excited chatter. Axton crouches down, pulling each in for a hug and listening with an indulgent smile. Despite his tough-guy act, he's always had a soft spot for the girls.
A strange sense of peace settles over me as I watch them interact. With Axton here, maybe I can finally make some headway on the decisions I need to make.
My gaze drifts back to Kenzie, now just a speck in the distance. A part of me wants to chase after her and ask her about Ian, whether she's sticking around or if Paige has bothered her again. But I make it a point to stay away from the buzz circuit.
I've got too much on my plate—the twins, my work, and the constant struggle to balance everything. Entertaining thoughts about a woman, especially one like Kenzie, would complicate things further. The image of her warm smile flickers in my mind, but I quickly push it away.
No, it's better to keep my distance. Safer for everyone involved.
I turn back to Axton. "So, brother. What kind of trouble are you getting yourself into this time?"
"You know me," he grins. "Trouble's my middle name. But right now, I'm more interested in what's got you looking like you've seen a ghost."
I glance back at where Kenzie had been, but she's long gone. "It's nothing. Just... town drama. "
Axton raises an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. "Uh-huh. And I'm the Queen of England. Come on, spill it."
I sigh, running a hand through my hair. "It's complicated, Ax. And not something I want to get into with the girls around."
He nods, understanding flashing in his eyes. "Alright, then. Let's grab a table at Millie's. I'm starving, and I bet these little monsters could use some dinner, too."
The girls cheer at the mention of food, momentarily distracted from their curiosity about Kenzie. I shoot Axton a grateful look, which he acknowledges with a subtle nod.
"You want to join us, Steph?" I ask, turning to her.
She smiles, shaking her head. "Thanks, but I should get back to the shelter. Got a new girl coming in tonight that I need to get settled."
As she walks away, I wonder if the "new girl" might be Kenzie.
The thought of her alone and vulnerable, especially after what I witnessed at the bus station, makes me want to find her. But it's not my problem.
We make our way to Millie's Diner, the girls skipping ahead and chattering excitedly about what they will order. The familiar bell above the door chimes as we enter, and the comforting smell of coffee and fried food envelops us.
We slide into our usual booth. The red vinyl seats, the black and white checkered floor, the jukebox in the corner playing old rock 'n' roll hits. Milli’s is like stepping back into the 1950s.
This diner has been a constant in Silver Ridge for as long as I can remember, where the whole town comes to eat and gossip. But that’s how most small towns get their share of entertainment. Their own form of reality TV.
Hazel and Harper immediately start squabbling over who gets to sit by the window. I open my mouth to intervene, but Axton beats me to it.
"Enough, you two," he says, his voice firm but not unkind. "Why don't you let Uncle Ax sit by the window this time?"
The girls pout, but they know better than to argue with Axton. He's always had a way of handling them that I envy. I can't deny them anything, not after everything we've been through, but I know I can't let their behavior get out of control either.
The waitress appears, her pencil poised over her pad. "What can I get y'all to drink?"
"Sweet tea for me, darlin'," Axton drawls, laying on the charm thick.
"Just water," I grunt, earning a disapproving look from Axton.
"It wouldn't kill you to be a little nicer."
I shrug, unmoved. "I'm paying for dinner, not friendship."
Axton opens his mouth to lecture me on manners, but the girls cut him off.
"We want chocolate milkshakes!" Harper pipes up, bouncing in her seat.
"With extra cherries!" Hazel adds, her eyes wide and pleading.
I hesitate, ready to shut them down. Milkshakes before dinner? Not a chance. But then I catch Axton's gaze, that familiar glint of mischief sparkling in his green eyes.
With a sigh, I relent. "Fine. But just this once."
The girls squeal with delight, and even Axton looks impressed. I lean back in the booth, trying to recall when I lost control of this situation.
As the waitress bustles off to put in our order, an awkward silence falls over the table. Axton's gaze drifts to the window, his expression uncharacteristically pensive.
"So," he says finally, turning back to me. "You gonna tell me what's happening, or do I have to guess?"
I sigh, running a hand over my face. "It's nothing, Ax. Just... town gossip. "
He snorts, clearly not buying it. "Right. Because the rumor mill always has you looking like you're ready to punch someone. Come on, man. This is me you're talking to."
I glance at the girls, who are thankfully distracted by the coloring sheets the waitress brought over. Lowering my voice, I lean in closer to Axton.
"There's this woman," I start, feeling ridiculous even as the words leave my mouth. "Kenzie. She just got into town yesterday and is already stirring up trouble."
Axton's eyebrows shoot up. "Trouble? What kind of trouble?"
I hesitate, not sure how much to reveal. "She arrived in town earlier, expecting to meet a friend. Turns out, it was Ian."
Axton winces. "He’s married. "
"Yep, and that’s right about the time Paige arrives."
“Hot damn.”
I nod. "…and it’s just as Ian’s kissing Kenzie. I might be adding to the buzz circuit, but I still can’t believe what I saw. “She made a whole scene, calling her all sorts of names. It was bad."
Axton lets out a low whistle. "Damn. That’s fucked up. But... why does this have you so worked up? It's not like you know this woman, right?"
I shift uncomfortably in my seat. "I don't. Not really. But... the girls were there when it happened. They saw the whole thing."
Understanding dawns in Axton's eyes. "Ah. And now you're worried about how it might affect them."
I nod, grateful that he gets it without me spelling it out. "Yeah. And... I don't know, man. There's something about her. The way she handled the girls, how she stood up to Paige... She's got guts. I'll give her that."
Axton studies me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. "Sounds like you're impressed by her."
“Man, shut up,” I scoff. "I'm just... concerned. That's all."
"Uh-huh," Axton smirks. "And how does she look?”
“Pretty,” Hazel giggles.
“And she has our eyes,” Harper adds, not looking up from her coloring sheet.
I groan. Then the diner's door swings open, and Ian Hawkins strolls in like he owns the place. My jaw tightens as I take in his cocky swagger, the way he scans the room as if he’s looking for someone. Maybe Kenzie?
Our eyes meet across the diner, and for a split second, I see a flicker of recognition in his gaze. Then it's gone, replaced by that infuriating smirk of his.
“Come to this side,” Axton whispers to the girls. “Hazel gets the window first. ”
I listen to the girls shuffle, not taking my eyes off Ian.
"If it isn't the Logan family out for a night on the town," Ian drawls, strolling over to our booth.
Every muscle in my body coils and is ready for a fight.
"Ian," I grit out, struggling to keep my voice even. "Didn't expect to see you here."
He shrugs, that smirk never wavering. "What can I say? A man's gotta eat."
His gaze drifts to the girls, and I feel a surge of protectiveness rise. Hazel and Harper shrink back against the vinyl, their earlier excitement gone.
"You girls been good for your old man?" Ian asks, his tone deceptively light.
I open my mouth to tell him to back off, but Hazel beats me to it.
"We're not talking to you," she says, her voice small but defiant. "Because of what you did to Miss Kenzie."
A muscle ticks in Ian's jaw, and for a moment, I think he’ll lash out. But then Paige appears at his side, her perfectly manicured hand sliding possessively around his bicep.
"Ian, darling," she purrs, her voice like poisoned honey. "You're making a scene."
Ian's shoulders relax, albeit slightly, at Paige's touch. I have to resist the urge to roll my eyes. These two .
"You're right, babe," he replies, flashing that smarmy grin at her. "My apologies for interrupting your little family dinner."
His emphasis on "family" makes my skin crawl, laced with an undercurrent of mockery that suggests he knows something I don't.
Before I can dwell on it, Paige's gaze lands on me. Her perfectly painted lips curve into a saccharine smile that doesn't reach her eyes.
"Everett," she greets me, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "It's been a while."
Her daddy tried to push Paige this way. But the pampered princess isn’t my type.
“Got my hands full,” I grunt in response. The last thing I want is more of their bullshit in front of my girls.
Paige's smile falters for a split second before regaining her composure, turning her attention to Axton.
"And Axton, what a pleasant surprise. I didn't know you were back in town."
"Just got in," Axton replies, his tone casual but his eyes sharp and assessing. "Couldn't stay away from all this small-town charm, you know?"
Paige lets out a tinkling laugh that sounds as fake as her smile. "Well, we're certainly glad to have you back. Aren't we, Ian?"
Ian's smirk widens, but a hardness in his eyes sets me on edge. "Oh, absolutely. The more the merrier, right?"
Something about the way he says it makes me uneasy. I glance at Axton, and I can tell he's picked up on it too. There's more going on here, and I've got a feeling it's nothing good.
"Well, this has been a real treat," Ian cuts through the tension, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "But we should get going. Don't want to overstay our welcome, do we?"
He locks eyes with me, and it takes every ounce of self-control not to deck him right then and there. Instead, I settle for a curt nod, my jaw clenched so tight it aches.
As Ian and Paige turn to leave, she glances back over her shoulder. "Oh, and Everett? Do give my regards to Mackenzie. I'd hate for there to be any hard feelings between us."
The way she says Kenzie's name, like a curse, ignites a fire in my gut. But before I can respond, they're gone, slipping out the door and leaving a tense silence in their wake.
"Well, they're just a ray of fucking sunshine, aren't they?" Axton mutters, shattering the spell.
I grunt in agreement, my mind already churning with unease. There’s no way Ian’s return to Silver Ridge is a coincidence, not with the trouble that seems to follow him.
Just a few years ago, he was the golden boy—the star athlete with a bright future—until his penchant for partying and bad choices derailed everything. Word had spread fast when his drug habits led to his arrest, and the fallout left a stain on the entire Hawkins family name.
And now, here he is again, strolling back into town like nothing happened. Something tells me he hasn’t changed. He’s just biding his time, waiting for the right moment to fuck up again.
And Paige's hanging around keeping tabs on him to run interference. But I know better. An arrogant rich kid with no trust fund always spells trouble.
"Daddy?" Harper's small voice pulls me from my thoughts. "Why were they being so mean?"
I sigh, running a hand over my face. How do I explain this mess to a six-year-old? "Sometimes, grown-ups don't get along. But that's not something you need to worry about, okay?"
She nods, but I can see the confusion lingering in her eyes. Hazel, always the more outspoken of the two, pipes up. "Is Miss Kenzie, okay? "
My heart clenches at the concern in her voice. These girls are always thinking of others.
"I'm sure Miss Duncan is just fine," I reassure them, even as doubt gnaws at me. "Let's not worry about grown-up problems, okay? How about we focus on those milkshakes instead?"
Their faces light up at the mention of the promised treat, and just like that, the tension dissipates. But as I watch them chattering excitedly about their chocolate shakes, an uneasiness burns in my gut.
Axton catches my eye, his expression serious.
"We need to talk," he mouths.
I nod. Whatever's going on with Ian and Paige, it's bigger than just small-town drama. And if it involves Kenzie...
I shut down that thought, trying to clear my thoughts. Why am I so fixated on this woman I barely know? She's asking for trouble, getting involved with a married man, and bringing her kind of drama to our quiet town.
And yet... I can't get her out of my mind. The way she maintained during that altercation with Paige, her gentleness with the twins, the quiet strength in her eyes...
"Everett," Axton's voice breaks through my reverie. "You still with us, man?"
I blink, refocusing on the present. "Yeah."
Axton raises an eyebrow, a knowing look in his eyes. "About a certain new arrival in town, perhaps?"
I scowl. "Drop it."
He holds up his hands in surrender, but the smirk on his face tells me this conversation is far from over. "Whatever you say, brother."
As our milkshakes arrive and the girls dive in with gleeful abandon, I try to push thoughts of Kenzie, Ian, and all the accompanying drama to the back of my mind.
But even as I watch my daughters' faces smeared with chocolate and grins a mile wide, I can’t shake the image of Ian kissing Kenzie from my mind—a flash that makes my blood boil and my protective instincts flare. He’s always been the spoiled brat, trying to play tough, but I know better.
This situation gives him another strike in my mind. Ian's still a snake in the grass, and a small part of me is almost looking forward to getting his ass out of Silver Ridge for good.