Chapter 13
Chapter Thirteen
Zane
The Kentucky heat has announced that summer has officially arrived.
It’s the kind of temperature that’s sticky, clinging to your skin, and requires you to shower in the morning and again at night.
It’s also the reason Ryland let us off work earlier today.
There was no way we were going to finish up the metal roof we’ve been working on with the sun blazing down on us.
The second Ryland said we could call it quits for the day, the only thing I thought about was jumping into the lake as soon as I got home. What I didn’t expect was to see Maxinne sitting at the edge of the wooden dock.
Her back is to me, legs dangling into the water, and she’s completely unaware of my presence.
I hesitate, unsure whether to announce myself or quietly retreat to give her space.
Sven makes the choice for me as he runs toward her.
His golden fur flows in the air around him as he sidles up next to her and slips his head into her lap. The dog has it bad for her.
I can’t say I blame him, because lately the gravity between us has grown stronger every time we’re in the same room together.
I’ve tried to avoid her, but it’s been nearly impossible when she lives right next door and I keep finding excuses to wander her way.
It’s as if my heart is tricking my brain into wanting something I shouldn’t desire.
Something I’m not even sure I’m ready for.
And yet, every part of me keeps seeking her.
It’s not only her smile that keeps finding its way into my thoughts, but the way she sees beauty in things most people walk right past. How she packed up her entire life and came here to help her family, or the way she keeps showing up, even when she’s hurting.
Every time I look at her, I see someone who’s trying to put the pieces back together, and I find myself wanting to help.
“Hey, boy,” she greets Sven, giving him a pat on the head before leaning in to wrap her arms around him. Her body twists around until she sees me, and I wave awkwardly before shoving my hands into my pockets. “You’re home early.”
“The heat had us shutting down for the day.” I shrug my shoulders and take another step toward her. “What are you doing out here?”
Her smile slips, and I immediately wish I could swallow the words back down. Her gaze drops to Sven, her fingers combing through his fur with slow, distracted strokes until they land on her lap, and that’s when I see it—an old, weathered Bible sitting there.
“I needed a minute,” she replies, placing a hand onto the Bible, though her words sound more like a confession than an answer. “It’s been…a day.”
She doesn’t elaborate, and I should probably turn around and give her some space, but I let my feet close the distance.
I lower myself onto the deck beside her, telling myself that a good friend would ask about her day, or make sure she’s okay, and sit in the quiet with her if that’s what she needs.
We’re friends, after all. She needs that version of me right now. Not the guy who’s terrified that even a few inches too close might give away how hard my heart is pounding.
“Is this okay?” I ask.
Her face shifts, as if she’s putting on a mask to hide whatever is really going on. “Yeah.”
I nod and give myself something to do by peeling off my work boots and socks, praying they don’t reek after sweating all day.
I dip my feet in, and the water cools my overheated skin.
I let out a slow, relieved breath and watch as the lake water laps gently at the shore.
Around us, the cicadas are buzzing in waves through the trees, and an owl calls somewhere far off.
“Do you want to talk about it?” I ask gently.
Maxinne exhales, her shoulders dropping with it, as she swirls her feet in the water next to mine.
“Things with my dad are still strained. It’s been hard to build any kind of connection with him.
I had hoped that, with some time, things would get better between us, but who knows how much time we’ll have left for a second chance.
I’m scared that he’ll always feel like a stranger to me.
” She lets out an exhale, and my heart fills with sympathy for her.
“At least I’ve been able to adjust to the farm chores. ”
She forces a small smile that doesn’t reach her eyes and goes back to swirling her feet in the water.
“I can’t imagine how tough that must be for you both.”
I’ve witnessed Ashton wrestle with the same fear ever since their dad’s stroke.
The constant worry about how much time they have left and what the future will look like for him.
Ashton’s at least had years with the man.
Maxinne’s had a few weeks, trying to build something real with a man who won’t hand over the one thing she really needs: the truth about why he left.
Time is the one thing none of us get to earn back, and I’m glad she’s at least getting some of it now.
Even if it’s limited and not exactly what she expected.
“I’m sorry, Max,” I add.
She lifts her head, and there’s an appreciation shining within her chocolate-brown eyes.
“What about things with your mom? Has she been okay with everything?”
Maxinne huffs in distaste.
“No. That’s another thing I dealt with today. She’s been completely spun out ever since I told her I was in Covewood. She calls nonstop, threatening to take off work and drive down here, either to help or to keep an eye on me—I still haven’t figured out which.”
My stomach twists at the thought of her leaving.
Even with everything she’s feeling right now, I’ve noticed a shift in her.
She seems lighter and happier than the first few days she arrived here.
She’s laughed more and breathed easier. Maxinne fits in this place, and it feels…
right. The thought of her mother showing up to undo that makes me want to throw something.
Because selfishly, I want all the time with her I can get.
“I know she means well. She only wants to make sure I’m okay.”
“You deserve to figure things out in your own time. And I, uh—” I swallow, the words catching on the way up my throat. “I’m here for you. Whatever you need.”
She nudges her shoulder into mine, and the corner of her mouth lifts into a smile that lights up her whole face. “I appreciate that.”
I grin back at her. “Everything will work out; it always does. You just have to keep going.”
Her brows knit together as she studies me. “How are you always so positive?”
I definitely don’t feel that way most days, so I ask, “What do you mean?”
“You always see the brighter side of things—or at least you make it seem like you do.” She tilts her head, searching my expression. “Are you just pretending that everything is always good?”
I huff a laugh and shake my head. “Being positive isn’t pretending that everything is good. It’s seeing the good in the midst of everything.”
Her bottom lip tucks between her teeth before she looks down at the lake again. The water ripples around her ankles as she traces small circles with her feet.
“I haven’t always been like this,” I continue, letting the memories settle in before speaking. “If you’d met me before my twenties, you’d have seen someone a whole lot messier. I was negative and angry at the world.” I exhale.
Maxinne is calm and patient as she waits for me to continue. She makes the silence safe instead of awkward, and I’m grateful for it.
“This version of me?” I glance out at the lake, focusing on the sunlight reflecting on the ripples.
“He’s not perfect by any means, nor did he show up overnight.
He came from everything I’ve lived through.
Pain, insecurities, mistakes, even depression.
God helped me to grow from it all, and there’s nothing wrong with you needing time to grow too.
That’s just a part of life.” I shrug, but the movement holds some weight.
She’s quiet at first, absorbing my words, her face softening with understanding.
“I might not have met the old version of you, but I’m pretty fond of this one.”
“Oh yeah?” My throat goes dry.
“Yeah,” she confesses and leans her head on my shoulder.
I go absolutely still. My heart wildly slams against my ribs in a rhythm that feels too obvious. I’m not sure if I should lift an arm around her or put distance between us, but before I can decide, Sven lets out a soft huff and settles his head in my lap, anchoring me to the moment.
Lord, please help me know what you want me to do here.
“I’m glad I met you,” she whispers.
“I’m glad I met you too.”
Neither of us moves for a while, the cicadas sing around us, and the lake water splashes against the dock.
Her hair brushes my jaw every time the wind blows.
My arm shifts, almost on instinct, until it’s resting behind her, not quite touching her back, but close enough that if she leans even an inch, my hand will be there.
She doesn’t lean, but she doesn’t pull away either. And somehow, that makes this moment even more intimate. Her feet trace circles in the water as her voice comes out quieter than before.
“I don’t usually feel this comfortable with anyone.”
I swallow hard, the truth slipping out quickly. “Me either.”
She lifts her head, and her temple brushes against my jaw. It’s the lightest of touches, but it zips straight through me. Her eyes search mine for a breathless second, something unspoken sparking to life in them. Then, she settles back onto my shoulder, like she’s choosing to stay.
Like she’s choosing me.
A breeze drifts across the lake, cooling my skin. It carries the smell of pine and fresh water with it, and I beg it to help steady the riot of nerves Maxinne has stirred in me. Sweat clings to the back of my neck, drying in patches as the wind whispers past us.