Chapter 26
Chapter Twenty-Six
Maxinne
“Wait, you’re being serious? You’re really thinking about moving to Covewood?” Ashton asks again, his voice raising an octave as he looks back and forth between my dad and me.
I chuckle and shove his shoulder. “Yes, you goof. I’ve told you three times now. What part isn’t sticking?”
He stares at me for a second, searching my face like he’s waiting for the punch line, until something finally gives and his mouth breaks into a wide smile. Before I can brace myself, he pulls me into a hug, lifting my feet clear off the floor.
“I’m so happy right now.”
I hug him back as tight as I can, tears blurring my vision. “Me too.”
Saying it out loud still feels surreal, like I might jinx it if I mention it too much. Certainty settles into my bones because I know this is the right choice for me. Somewhere along the way, Covewood has started feeling like home.
I’ve loved being close to Ashton again, and having the chance to get to know Dad is a gift I never thought I’d have.
But it’s more than that. Between my mornings in the garden, evenings by the lake, church on Sundays, and new friends who are starting to feel more like family, I found pieces of myself I didn’t even realize I’d lost.
This place taught me how to breathe again, and I want to build my future here.
When Ashton finally sets me down, we both turn toward Dad.
He’s been quiet the entire time, sitting at the small kitchen table, his good hand wrapped around his coffee mug.
His eyes are shiny, fixed on me with an intensity that makes my throat ache.
He blinks slowly, like he’s trying to hold himself together.
I cross the room and take his hand in mine.
“I want to be here,” I admit softly, making sure he hears what I’m saying clearly. “We deserve more time together. Don’t you think?”
His fingers curl around mine, squeezing once. His mouth trembles as he nods, emotion spilling across his face.
“Yes,” he says carefully.
I blink fast, because if I start crying now, I might not stop.
“I have another year left to finish my degree, and afterward, I want to make a permanent home for myself here.”
Ashton’s brows shoot up. “And you’re sure this is what you want?”
I nod, smiling now. “Absolutely.”
Dad shifts in his chair, clearing his throat. “Sarah?”
A tight knot returns to my stomach, clenching with guilt, because even if this choice feels like the right one to make, there’s still one hard conversation waiting for me. One heart I’m terrified of hurting.
Please, God. Help me do this without hurting her.
“I haven’t told Mom yet.”
Ashton doesn’t push me. He never does when it comes to dealing with Mom. He studies me, his head tilted, like he already knows what I’m trying not to admit.
“’I know it’s hard, but you need to tell her eventually,” he says gently.
I open my mouth to protest, to say that I’ll do it later or even tomorrow.
Or maybe I should wait until after I’ve had more time to figure things out.
But none of that comes out, because I know he’s right.
I can’t avoid her forever, and prolonging this won’t make it any easier for either of us.
Who’s to say she’ll even be upset? Maybe she’ll be happy for me, and I’ve only been overthinking this whole time.
“Yeah,” I say finally, even though my pulse kicks up. “I’ll go give her a call.”
Ashton gives me an encouraging nod, a silent you’ve got this without pretending it won’t be tough. He would know better than anyone since he’s had this same conversation with our mom years ago.
I step out onto the front porch, my phone feeling heavy in my palm.
Before I can overthink it, I lean my forearms against the railing and take a second to breathe.
I focus on the golden sunlight filtering through the trees and the fireflies that are starting to come out.
The faint smell of freshly cut grass and heated earth cling to the air as the cabin behind me creaks softly.
There’s something about this place that brings me peace every time I’m here. I take in another deep breath, in through my nose and out through my mouth, and welcome the comfort it brings. Everything is going to be okay.
Mom picks up on the third ring.
“Hey, honey,” she says, her voice sounding tired. “What are you up to?”
“Visiting at Dad’s. What about you?” I might as well ease into this with some small talk.
She yawns. “I’m on the couch, trying not to doze off.”
“You sound exhausted. Is everything okay?” I ask and hate the mental image of her being alone at home.
She lets out a small laugh. “Yes, I’m fine. Work has been a little hectic lately, especially in this dreadful heat.”
The word fine lands heavy. It almost sounds like she’s holding back from telling me the truth.
“I can call you back later if you’re tired—”
“No,” she interrupts, her tone firmer now. “It’s okay, really.”
Silence fills the line. I can hear her moving as she walks through the house, past the washing machine rattling in the laundry room, and into the kitchen where she runs some water.
I hate that she’s hours away from me, alone and worn out.
There is a part of me that feels like I’m betraying her by wanting to build a life in Covewood.
The guilt presses harder because finishing my degree has never been only about my dreams. It’s also the opportunity to build something stable enough that Mom won’t have to work herself to exhaustion anymore.
A small, impossible hope flickers through me as I picture mom leaving her job behind and moving to Covewood with me.
God, that would be so amazing if that could happen. Ashton and I could take care of both of our parents that way. Please soften her heart toward Covewood and the idea of me moving here.
“I’m ready to have you back at home. I miss you.”
My throat tightens at the hopefulness in her tone, and I’m about to take that from her, but I can’t avoid this any longer. She deserves to know.
“I miss you too. It’ll be nice to spend some time together while I’m there for college,” I admit, wincing as I wait for her reply.
“What do you mean while you’re here for college?”
“Well, I’ve decided that, after I graduate, I’m going to move to Covewood.” My heart is pounding hard against my ribs.
Her breath catches. “Move to Covewood?”
“Yeah. I’d like to build a life here,” I add too quickly.
“I don’t understand,” her voice sharpens. “What’s so special about that place, Maxinne? First, it takes your father away from us. Then your brother. And now you’re telling me it wants to take you too?”
“That’s not fair,” I add, heat flaring in my gut. “Covewood’s not taking me. I’m choosing this.”
“Why?” she snaps.
It’s because of a hundred different reasons.
Like the way this place makes me feel. And the person I’ve become since being here.
The friends who welcomed me in before I’d earned it.
Because I found Zane here, and somewhere along the way, he became woven into all the reasons this place feels like home.
“Because I’m happy here,” I say instead, and even to me, it sounds too small.
“Well,” she says, her tone tightening, “I can’t accept that as a reason. You’ve only been there a few months. You can’t make decisions like this overnight.”
“You’re not listening to me. I—”
“Honey, you’ve had so much going on lately. I’d rather finish this discussion when you’re back home, so we can talk in person.”
Tears fill my eyes as I croak, “I’m not going to change my mind.”
“You’re not thinking clearly, Max—”
“Yes, I am!” I snap. “I’ve never thought so clearly in my entire life. I’m doing this whether you approve of it or not. For once, I’m making a choice for myself.”
I can hear her breathing, like she’s about to say something else, but she doesn’t. My heart aches, knowing that she’ll always have a bad taste in her mouth about Covewood, without even giving it a chance. She’s stubborn and won’t change her mind.
The urge to end the call surges through me, but I stop cold at the memory of walking away from Dad when anger was burning in my chest. I regretted that conversation the moment it ended. I don’t want to carry that same regret with her.
So, I close my eyes, draw in a slow breath, and force my voice to soften.
“Mom, I know you’re upset. And honestly, I am too. But I think we both need a little time before we say something we’ll regret.”
She exhales. “You’re right. I’ll, uh…call you later.”
Once we hang up, I lower the phone slowly, trying to steady my breathing. I’m wiping my eyes when Ashton wraps an arm around my shoulder.
“It didn’t go well, I take it,” he asks, already knowing.
I nod as another tear slips free.
“She’ll come around. She always does. And even if it takes time…this?” He pulls back to look at me. “This is your chance to finally choose yourself, and I’m really proud of you for it.”
I exhale, leaning into him as the porch creaks beneath our feet, the sounds of the homestead steadying around us. I want to believe him, but there’s a small part of me filling with more guilt than relief at her reaction.
A little bell jingles softly as I step into Covewood Botanicals.
The scent of dried herbs, fresh dirt, and lavender wraps around me like a comforting blanket.
Sunlight pours in through the front windows, catching dust motes drifting lazily through the air.
Shelves lined with glass jars stretch across the walls.
They’re filled with dried chamomile, elderberries, peppermint leaves, and spices labeled in the owner’s careful handwriting.
Small potted plants crowd the windowsills while bundles of eucalyptus hang upside down near the register to dry.
I love it here. The store has become one of my happy places in Covewood, and the second I walk in, it instantly relaxes me. I inhale, and my gaze drifts slowly across the shop, lingering on all the tiny details I’ve started noticing every time I visit.