Chapter 20
Chapter Twenty
Now
Ryland
I should’ve known that word would travel around town. This cookout was supposed to be just my crew—Mom, Zane, and Annabelle—as well as August, her husband, Thomas, and son, Jessie. Obviously, Luke, Olivia, and Raine were invited. Zane invited his best friend and our co-worker, Ashton. But those are the only people who were expected to be here.
I’m cooking a big enough brisket to feed the eleven of us as well as have some extra in case anyone wants to have seconds. However, there are seven other people who have shown up within the last thirty minutes. Every person did at least bring a side dish or dessert with them, which has me a little less aggravated.
I open the smoker and check on the brisket, my mouth watering as the smoky scent puffs around my face. A speaker is sitting on one of the picnic tables nearby, blasting a mix of 80’s rock and 90’s country music, courtesy of my Spotify playlist. I walk over to the white foldout table that Mom set up for the side dishes and check out the options.
I see that Zane made his “famous” potato salad, which is just regular potato salad that he swears he makes special. Mom baked two loaves of fresh bread. Felix Grady brought one of those boxes full of an assortment of chips and also a few boxes of Capri Suns, as much as we expect of him.
I see that Bill and Hope Hampton, August’s parents, brought some of their homemade goat cheese and crackers to go with it and their award-winning goat milk fudge. But the holy grail of sides is the basket of fried morels, also known as dry land fish, that Ashton brought. I’ve already snuck a few because they’re bound to disappear quickly
I look out over what we’ve claimed as the picnic area , which is just a cleared spot of land between the cabins and lake. Three wooden picnic tables sit in the middle. Several blankets and camping chairs fill the spaces in between them.
Luke has set up his volleyball net, and a few people have gathered in teams to play. Annabelle and Jessie are playing on the trampoline. Even though I planned for this to be a small family gathering, a smile tugs against my lips at the sight of everyone mingling together.
My grandparents would have loved this. They always enjoyed hosting events, having people over, and valued the closeness this town brought to everyone’s lives.
“Well, so much for a small gathering,” Mom says as she places her arm around my hips and pulls me in for a side hug. “But you know how your grandparents loved cookouts like this.”
“I was just thinking that,” I admit, looking down at her with a grin.
She reaches up, pats my cheek, leaning her head on my shoulder. I welcome her comfort. The warmth of her body pressed into mine, her signature scent of lemons, and the tickle of her long golden-brown and silver waves against my neck.
In the past, my mother and I had some pretty bad fights. But once we moved to Covewood, those arguments slowed down and then came to a stop altogether once Annabelle was born. Becoming a father really showed me how much my mother sacrificed for Zane and me. She still makes sacrifices in order to be there for the three of us. I’m forever grateful for her. I wrap my arms around her and give the top of her head a quick kiss. “I love you, Mom.”
“I love you too,” she says back.
She releases me as she catches Annabelle trying to sneak a cookie. I can see Jessie’s black-and-white tennis shoes from under the tablecloth. His and Annabelle’s giggles stop the moment Zane tiptoes behind them and shouts, “Got ya!”
The kids squeal in unison, clinging to the cookies in their hands, and they take off running toward the trampoline.
“That’s stealing! Did you kids forget that we have a policeman here?” Zane says after the kids zip shut the trampoline’s safety net.
“Yeah, but he’s my uncle, and that means I get a ‘get out of jail’ card,” Annabelle proclaims and sticks her tongue out at Zane, earning a booming laugh from me.
“I’m pretty sure that isn’t how it works.” Zane crosses his arms over his chest and raises a brow in question.
“Yeah-huh! I have the card in my backpack. I can go get it and prove it to you.”
“It’s true,” Luke says from behind me, clasping my shoulder, and then he opens the smoker for a peek, but I swat at his hand.
Annabelle inhales sharply, clearly disappointed in me, and points toward us. “Daddy! That’s assaulting an officer!”
“It’s okay. Luke gave me a ‘get out of jail’ card too,” I throw back at her and cross my arms. I have several of the cards in a Monopoly game that she doesn’t need to know about. I fully plan to use them in the future. “And also, I agree with Uncle Zane. You don’t need to be stealing cookies, especially before we eat lunch.”
Zane walks over to me, gives me a fist bump, and whispers, “Justice is served.”
Behind us, we hear a frustrated huff escape from Annabelle as she hops down from the trampoline. Luke, however, must have every intention of turning my daughter against us, because he takes off running, snatching Annabelle into his arms. He hands her a cookie and, somehow, is able to flash us his badge as he makes a beeline toward the cabins.
“He might as well have been flipping us the bird,” Zane grumbles beside me.
“That has to be an illegal way of showing a badge,” Ashton’s deep voice catches our attention.
Zane smiles at his friend and gives him a firm handshake. “Hey, man, I’m glad you showed up.”
“Me too,” I add, shaking his hand.
“Ah, you just wanted some of my morels. I hit the jackpot this year.” He chuckles.
Ashton moved to Covewood about eleven years ago to reconnect with his dad, and about five years ago, we hired him to work for us. He’s made a great addition to the company with his impressive work ethics. He and Zane hit it off instantly, and I’m glad my brother found a good friend.
“Hey, there she is!” Zane beams at someone behind me.
I turn and see Olivia and Raine making their way towards us. My body instantly reacts to Raine, a zip of electricity whipping through me as soon as she’s near. I turn towards her and my eyes trail her body. She’s wearing a long pink dress that flows against her ankles. Her hair's hanging down in natural waves past her shoulders, and sitting against her chest is the rainbow necklace.
She gives me a shy smile and waves in greeting. She looks at Ashton and reaches out a hand. “Hi, I’m Raine.”
“Oh, the Raine. I’ve heard a lot about you.” Ashton announces.
“All good things I hope.” She adds, glancing at me shyly.
Ashton gives her his signature charming smile before eyeing me. “Yes Ma’am. It's nice to finally meet you in person. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some food I want to sample before everyone else comes over and steals all the good stuff.”
“Alright! Who brought the Morsels?” Olivia shouts and follows him.
“I brought some sourdough cookies,” Raine says, eyes flowing up and down my body, and I catch the hint of pink growing on her cheeks.
“Please tell me they’re like the ones Johanna would make,” I ask excitedly.
“They are. She had some discard left in the fridge,” she says, her voice cracking, my heart cracking with it. People have always told me that time heals all wounds. But not this one. Not yet.
“I like this look on you,” I announce, trying to change the subject, and give her another once-over.
“What? Little House on the Prairie ?” she jokes and pushes her hair behind her ear.
“It’s more you . Like, the old you, anyway.”
“How’d I look before?” she asks curiously, her brows raising.
“When you first came to town, you were all ‘city business woman.’ Now you’re…” I wave my hands in front of her, unsure of what to say.
“Maybe I should dye my hair bright pink again?” she tosses back, and I laugh.
“It kept me on my toes, not knowing what color your hair would be each time I saw you back then.”
I reach out and catch a strand of loose hair between my fingers. She tenses slightly but keeps her eyes locked on mine. Despite the heat outside, goosebumps prickle against my skin, especially when her mouth parts and her eyes land on my lips.
“I guess I’ve felt more like myself the past few days,” she admits, her blush deepening on her cheeks. There’s simple honesty there, a thin thread of hope from her heart to mine. I release her hair and my hand finds hers without thinking, trailing up the length of her forearm before sliding back down to link our fingers.
“I’m glad,” I say softly and begin to tug her closer toward me, but I stop when I hear someone approaching us. Annabelle and Zane are looking at us with mischievous grins on their faces. I open my mouth to ask what they are up to but feel the words trap inside my mouth once I feel a gush of cold water splashing against me. Raine squeals, and her hand leaves mine.
I wipe the water from my face, and Zane is laughing so hard he’s gripping his stomach. Annabelle holds a large water balloon in her hands, and I attempt to snatch it from her, but she’s quick and takes off running. I face Zane, my nostrils flaring in frustration, and he holds up his hands in surrender.
“I’m just trying to win Annabelle over.”
Thankfully, I took most of the blow, only a few drops of water having found Raine’s dress and hair. I, however, am soaking wet. I look Raine over one more time and say, “I’ll get you a paper towel.”
I walk over towards the tote Mom brought out that holds some extra supplies like plates and utensils. Thankfully, there’s also paper towels. I grab a roll as Luke walks towards me, pointing in the direction of where Zane and Annabelle took off.
“Some people never grow up.” He shakes his head, a playful smile spreading across his face.
“You’re one to talk.” Olivia shouts from our left and before we can react, she throws a large water balloon at us. Her laughter echoes along with the people around us. Luke races after her, catching up to her quickly. He picks her up, runs towards the dock, and tosses her into the Lake like he used to do when we were teens.
I do my best to dry my shirt and head back to the smoker but don’t find Raine where I had left her. My eyes search through the sea of people until they land on her, helping Edna, Olivia’s elderly neighbor. My heart softens at the sight and recognition that Raine still has a serving heart .
After I check on the brisket, which just needs a few more minutes, my eyes follow Raine closely as she moves through the crowd, talking with several townspeople. I feel like a stalker, so I turn my attention to the lake, at the rolling hills and faded mountains in the background, vibrant green and drenched in the bright-yellow sunshine of the early afternoon. The blinding light that’s shimmering off the lake catches my attention. I look toward the dock and am reminded of the first time Raine and I kissed.
“Is that brisket done yet?” I hear Luke's gruff voice ask from behind me.
I lift up on the lid’s handle, revealing that the brisket is finished. Its sizzling sound brings me back to reality, and I start preparing everything. Luke wraps his arm around his girlfriend, Beckah, before making the announcement that the food is ready, and a line forms around the tables.
After I reach over and wrap Annabelle into my arms, I try to catch a glimpse of Raine but am cut short by August and her husband making small talk with me as we wait in line. I try to stay engaged in the conversation as I make a plate for Annabelle, but my mind is still trapped in the past, on the dock that sits a few feet away. My hands tingle with the memory of Raine’s skin, itching to feel her once again.
“I see that our basket idea was a success,” August leans in and says softly beside me before nudging me with her elbow. “I’m glad Raine was able to make it.”
“Yeah, me too,” I reply.
“You, sir, worked hard on this meal and should be the first one to eat,” she adds.
“We both know this little princess gets to eat first.” I bend down and press my lips to her ear. “Even though you haven’t been listening very well today. I’d like you to eat every bite of the food I give you, okay?”
“Yes, Daddy.” She bats her eyelashes and gives me her most innocent smile .
However, August and I share a look that says, We know she won’t.
I place Annabelle down, her small hand in mine, and she follows closely behind me. After I make Annabelle’s plate, I find her a seat near my mother before returning and making my own. It takes about fifteen minutes before everyone is through the line and stuffing their faces. Raine is sitting a few tables away, and my eyes keep drifting to her. I really need to get a grip on myself. But who can blame me? I’ve spent the last decade wishing I could see her again, and now here she is, only a few feet from me, and every cell in my body is completely drawn to her.
To my surprise, Annabelle finishes her plate. I guess her uncles did a good job of helping her work up an appetite. “Can we go say hi to Raine?” She doesn’t have to ask me twice.
“Yeah, sure,” I reply.
We walk over to where Raine is dumping her empty plate, and her eyes look over my shirt that is still wet, which I notice is revealing the curves of my pecs. Before I can say something to her, Annabelle jumps up and gives her a hug.
“Hey, Raine! Come jump with me,” she insists, tugging Raine toward the trampoline. Raine’s eyes find mine, seeking permission.
“Have fun, ladies.” I wave at them and take a seat in a nearby camping chair.
Raine climbs onto the trampoline and takes Annabelle’s hands into her own before they begin jumping together. Annabelle squeals with glee, and I enjoy watching them play together. It’s the first time I catch myself wondering what it would be like to have a motherly figure in Annabelle’s life and if it could be Raine. The thought feels dangerous for my heart and I remind myself that she’s only visiting Covewood. Her time is limited here.
I try to distract myself by looking around the crowd of mingling people. It’s the kind of day that leaves you feeling nostalgic, like I’ll miss the memory even though it’s still happening.
A few minutes pass, and the sound of a nearby argument catches my attention. I turn my head to the right and see Luke shoving his hands into his pockets, his head hung down, and Beckah shouting angrily at him.
Luke isn’t much for drama or confrontation in his personal life, so he stands still, allowing her to say what she needs to say to him before she stomps away toward the rows of vehicles. Luke stands still for a moment and then seems to sense me watching him. His eyes find mine, and he begins walking my way. I grab a chair that's near me and tug it closer, motioning for him to take a seat.
“What was that about?” I ask and clamp my hand down onto his shoulder. “You okay?”
“Yeah, I’ll be fine,” he replies flatly and runs a hand through his messy dark waves. “She felt left out today. Said Olivia always demands my attention whenever she’s around.”
“Ah, so she got jealous.” I put it together and release my hand.
“Yeah,” he agrees, exhaling deeply. His shoulders slump as he leans forward onto his elbows, his eyes scanning the crowd around us until they land on Olivia. “If she can’t handle that Olivia is my best friend, then I don’t think I can date her.”
“Isn’t that the same issue your last two girlfriends had too?” I proclaim, raising my eyebrows in questioning.
He swings his head to face me before leaning back in his chair. “Yeah.”
“Why do you think it’s a recurring issue?”
“People don’t understand Olivia’s and my friendship, is all.” His knee starts bouncing up and down, and I can tell this is really bothering him. And I know the truth behind it all.
“Why don’t you just tell her how you feel?” I state, and his eyes shoot daggers my way as I declare the truth out in the open.
“We’re just friends,” he says through his teeth, growing frustrated with me. Luke and I are close. Close enough that I’m not scared to tell him the truth or push his buttons.
“Yeah, and that’s because you’re too chicken to tell her the truth.”
Luke pushes himself from his chair and flexes his fist. “I’m done with this conversation,” he growls and stomps his way toward the lake. At the same moment, I see Raine walking toward me, and from her expression, I know she witnessed Luke’s temper tantrum.
“Is he okay?” she asks, her eyes following Luke. I push myself up from my seat to stand next to her.
“Yeah, he’ll be fine,” I assure her and search the area for Annabelle. “Where did my daughter run off to?”
“She saw your mom walk by with a plate of apple pie and took off after her.” She grins and points to the two of them shoveling bites into their mouths.
“She’s got such a sweet tooth.” I shake my head and return my attention to Raine.
“I remember her dad having one too,” she tosses at me, causing my lips to tip up in a small smile.
“Yeah, she definitely gets that from me. I became sort of a health nut after she made me a dad, though. I try my best to limit processed junk when I can.”
She smiles knowingly. “Olivia was telling me about that. She said you inspired her to use organic ingredients with her business.”
“Huh, she didn’t tell me that. Everyone thinks I'm a little excessive because of it, but I’m in charge of taking care of and raising this tiny human on my own. I want to do the best that I can, you know?”
“I don’t think you're being excessive. You’re doing a wonderful job. You’re an amazing father, Ry.”
Hearing her say that does something to my heart. When Raine smiles, it’s bracketed by the faintest of dimples, little indentations that you can feel better than you can see. “Thanks for saying that.”
A few moments of silence go between us before she starts another conversation, her eyes studying the lake.
“The dock looks the same.”
“Yeah, it holds a lot of good memories too,” I say, my eyes returning to hers. “I was thinking about one earlier.”
“Oh yeah? Which one?”
“The day we first kissed,” I deadpan, and her smile falls.
“That’s a nice memory,” she finally adds, her eyes flowing back toward the dock.
“I remember it being more than nice.”
She takes in a deep breath of air and pinches her brows together as if swallowed by a deep thought. She still picks at the skin around her thumb when she’s nervous, I notice. I reach over and take her hand into my own, giving in to temptation more and more when she’s around.
“Can we talk about it?”
Her head swings to face me, her eyes wide in panic, and when she opens her mouth to say something, Olivia rushes by and asks, “Have you seen Luke?”
“Last I saw him, he walked off that way.” I point toward where I saw Luke, hoping Olivia will walk off so Raine can say what she was about to tell me.
Olivia’s gaze follows where I’m pointing, and her frown deepens when we don’t see him anywhere. “Will you let him know to call me later? I have to head out.” She motions for Raine to follow her since they arrived together.
Raine raises her brows, and Olivia gives her a look that says, I’ll explain later.
I run a hand across the roughness on my jaw and say, “Some other time, then.”
Raine nods and waves goodbye. “I’ll see you Tuesday?”
I give her a wave and watch as she leaves. Just before they reach Olivia’s vehicle, Raine turns back and smiles at me. I feel my heart swell with hope.