CHAPTER 5
Summer
The morning light filters through the hospital blinds, thin and pale, brushing over the edge of the bed where Mia’s tangled curls rest against my arm.
I didn’t want to let her go last night, so I didn’t.
The nurse tried to get me to lie in my own bed, but after everything that happened, I needed to hold her close, to feel her heartbeat against mine. Proof that she’s still here.
The doctor steps in for one last checkup, his shoes squeaking against the polished floor.
“Your lungs sound good,” he says gently, pressing his stethoscope against my back.
“You’re both very lucky. Mia’s vitals are steady, and her x-rays are clear.
Just keep an eye out for coughing, fatigue, or any shortness of breath over the next few days. ”
Relief and exhaustion collide inside me. “So… we can go?”
He smiles, the corners of his eyes crinkling. “Yes. You’re cleared to leave.”
When he leaves, the room feels oddly quiet, sterile, humming with machines and leftover fear. I sit up carefully and brush a stray curl off Mia’s cheek. She’s still asleep, lips slightly parted, her small hand clutching my shirt even in her dreams.
I get us both ready slowly. The nurse brings me a plastic bag with our smoke-scented clothes, and I sigh, grateful Lily and Penny brought over some clean clothes for us.
I help Mia change into leggings and one of her soft T-shirts, the pink faded but familiar.
I braid her hair, fingers trembling a little, and she hums under her breath, tiny notes of melody drifting in the quiet room.
I pull out my phone to call Penny for a ride, but before I can dial, the door opens.
Ethan leans against the frame, sunlight catching the brim of his black Stetson. “Hey, gorgeous.”
“Hi,” I manage, trying not to stare. He’s in a dark grey shirt and worn jeans, the kind that fit too well for my peace of mind. My mouth goes dry. Nope. Not today, Summer.
I fuss with Mia’s hair, pretending I don’t notice the way his smile softens when he looks at her, the green of his eyes almost catching the morning light.
“Efan, you’re taking us home?” Mia squeals and launches into his arms before I can answer. He catches her effortlessly, spinning her until she’s laughing so hard her little feet kick at the air.
“Of course, princess,” he says, grinning. “Your carriage has arrived.”
Then, because he’s Ethan, he bows, hat and all, in a dramatic curtsy that makes her giggle louder.
“I’m sorry you had to come all this way,” I say, flustered. “You must be exhausted after yesterday, and I thought Penny…”
“Penny wanted to come,” he interrupts, eyes glinting. “But I told her I had a booster seat, so here I am.”
“You have a booster seat?” I blink.
He shrugs, that easy grin curving his lips. “Bought one this morning.”
I gape as he slings the plastic bag over his shoulder, picks up Mia with his other arm, and walks out of the room like it’s nothing.
When we reach his dark blue truck, I stop dead. Not only is there a booster seat, it’s brand new. Pink. Glitter letters spelling out Princess.
“Ethan,” I breathe, “that seat…”
“Perfect throne for the cutest princess,” he says, winking as he buckles Mia in.
Her eyes go wide. “This is for me?” she gasps.
Ethan crouches beside her. “All yours.” He kisses her cheek, and I swear her grin could light up the whole parking lot.
I stand there, jaw slack. “You didn’t have to do this.”
He’s already walking around to my side. “Let me.” He opens the door, his hand gentle at my back as he helps me in. I feel a small shiver run up my spine at the warmth of his touch.
Suddenly I’m very aware of the state I’m in, hospital gown traded for old jeans, hair a mess, no makeup. I tug at my shirt, heat climbing my neck. Oh stop it, Summer. You’re not trying to impress him. You’re not interested.
He gets in beside me, the cab filling instantly with his scent, warm sandalwood and something darker, like spice. Even his scent is unfairly good. My chest flutters slightly, a nervous, guilty thrill I can’t name.
Ethan turns on the radio, and Mia’s favorite song plays. She squeals, clapping her hands together.
“You know this one?” I ask, surprised.
“Of course,” he says casually. “She sang it for me a few times, so I looked it up and added it to my playlist.”
My heart does a stupid little flip. “Oh.”
They sing together, loud, off-key, joyful, and I can’t help smiling. I don’t know what to do with his kindness, but after what Mia went through, I’ll take anything that makes her smile. For now.
By the time we reach the B&B, the cold Wyoming wind bites at our cheeks. Ethan opens Mia’s door before I can unbuckle my seatbelt. He’s just that kind of man.
Lily appears on the porch, apron tied at her waist, hair escaping her bun. “My favorite little angel!” she exclaims, scooping Mia up and covering her face in kisses. Mia giggles, clutching her neck.
I watch them, something tight and tender twisting in my chest. Mia will know what it’s like to have real grandparents. I could never give that to her on my own.
Then Lily puts her down and comes over to hug me, too. It’s not the first time she hugs me, but every time I feel like it fills a hole my own mother left.
“Come on in, it’s freezing,” she says, taking Mia’s hand. They walk inside together, voices warm and bright against the crisp morning air.
Ethan’s voice calls from behind me as we step inside. “Mama, mind if I show Summer her and Mia’s room?”
“Of course!” Lily answers. “Mia and I are going to taste these cookies fresh from the oven.”
I hear Mia’s delighted gasp, and it makes me laugh under my breath.
“This way,” Ethan says, motioning up the stairs.
I walk up the steps, and his presence right behind me makes me hold my breath. I can feel the subtle press of his hand at my back when he guides me around a corner.
We stop at a wooden door at the end of the hall. “This is the family room, two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a fireplace.”
He opens it, and the warmth hits me first. The fire crackles in the hearth, orange light dancing across the walls. There’s a small sofa, cozy blankets folded on the backrest, and the faint scent of cinnamon and woodsmoke.
Ethan crosses to one of the doors and opens it. “This one’s for Mia.”
I step inside and freeze. The walls are lavender. The bed is small and pink, covered in fluffy pillows. There’s a bookshelf stacked with her favorite stories, a giant teddy bear on the bed, and shopping bags from the children’s store in town.
Tears sting my eyes. “Ethan… this is too much.”
He shakes his head, a quiet smile tugging at his lips. “We all got her something. It wasn’t just me.”
The lump in my throat swells. “Your family is doing so much for me. It’ll take years to repay you all.”
He smiles softly. “You don’t repay gifts, Summer. You just accept them.”
I let out a wet laugh. “Well, I guess your whole family will have free coffee and pastries for the next ten years.”
He chuckles, warm and low. “That’s not how gifts work either.”
I hug him without thinking, brief, impulsive, grateful. His arms tighten just enough to make me feel safe, and when I pull back, I already miss the warmth.
“Now,” he says, “there’s something I want to give her personally.”
“There’s more?” I shake my head, half-laughing.
He just grins. “Hey, princess! Come on up here!”
Mia’s footsteps thunder on the stairs. She bursts in, face flushed. “You have a surprise?”
Ethan scoops her up, carries her to the closet, and opens the doors. Her gasp fills the room. “My pink coat! And my hat! My scarf! My mittens!”
She runs to grab them, eyes wide as moons. “Thank you, Efan!” She throws her arms around his neck, and he hugs her tight.
“You’re welcome, sweetheart.”
I stare, my heart in my throat. “How did you know which ones to get her? I never showed anyone.”
He shrugs, that easy grin curving his lips. “I went to the store and asked which set the beautiful woman from the coffee shop bought a few days ago.”
My breath catches. “Ethan, this is too much.”
He steps closer, his voice low, gentle. “Summer, I know you want to do everything on your own, and I respect that more than you know. But life threw you into a storm, and it’s okay to grab someone’s hand to climb out. You don’t have to do it alone.”
I shake my head, blinking fast. “I would’ve found something at the thrift store, and…”
He places a hand on my shoulder, steady and warm. “I wanted to do this for her. She already lost her home. I just wanted to give her something to smile about.”
The fight drains out of me. “Okay.”
His lips curve, soft and satisfied. “Good.”
He leads me to the second room. I step inside and stop. The view takes my breath away, endless fields, the ranch sprawling across golden grass, the mountains rising pale blue in the distance.
The bed is covered in a patchwork quilt, pillows stacked high, candles on the dresser waiting to be lit. There’s even a small TV across from the bed.
“You like it?” Ethan asks, eyes bright, the faint curve of a smile softening his strong features.
I nod, voice caught in my throat. “I love it.”
He smiles, that same quiet smile that makes everything inside me tremble.
He steps closer, and I feel the heat from his body even through the space between us. My pulse ticks faster, and I catch myself staring at his mouth, the curve of his jaw, the warmth in his eyes. He tilts his head, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.
“You okay?” he asks softly, voice low and teasing, like he knows exactly what I’m thinking.
I shake my head quickly, trying to force a smile. “I’m fine. Really. Just… tired, that’s all.”
He chuckles, stepping back but keeping his gaze locked on me. “I’ll let you girls settle in. Mama has breakfast ready downstairs when you’re ready.”
Ethan leans against the doorframe, casual, relaxed, then smirks, turns, and closes the door behind him. My fingers curl around the edge of the quilt, trying to anchor myself. I take a deep breath, then start to look into the bags with Mia.