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“Great,” Sutton answers.
I ring up Deborah’s items while studiously ignoring Sutton’s presence. I can’t believe I just agreed to go to a barbecue at his parents’ house. I can’t believe I’m actually thinking about going, if only because I’m curious to see him interact with his family again. Once I’m finished, I wave as they leave the store, Sutton sending me one last hot glance before disappearing down the sidewalk.
Thank God a stool is behind me as I sink down to sit on it. All the rumors that surrounded him for the last ten years swirl in my mind, crashing with what I remember about him from high school. The sweet, family-oriented guy disappeared in the papers and became the playboy dating models and actresses. All I saw were the records of his one night stands in the tabloids, and while I know most of them exaggerated or probably lied, they still hurt. Even though I was the one to tell him no. He asked me to go with him and I couldn’t leave our home town. I was happy here.
I am happy here.
Chapter Two
Sutton
Being home is really weird but great at the same time. I didn’t realize how much I missed the place until I was back. Clover had broken my heart so bad I never tried to come home, just invited my family out to see me when there was time. And there was rarely ever time because I was always busy partying or jet setting with a new girl just to prove I could. I’m not sure if I was proving this to myself or to Clover.
“Uncle Sutton!”
I brace myself as two four-year olds come barreling down the hallway toward me. They are the spitting image of me and Ashleigh when we were younger and I grin as they wrap their arms around each leg. “Who is this that’s caught me?”
Dakota and Dallas giggle. “It’s us. Don’t you know us?” Dakota asks, her voice high and sweet.
Her words hit me in the gut even though she doesn’t mean them to. Honestly, I don’t know who they are. I don’t know what they’re afraid of or even what their favorite color is. I haven’t been around for most of their life. I have serious reasons for coming home. One being dad’s surgery, the second being the fact that I don’t know my own niece and nephew, and the third is winning Clover back.
“Kids, come on.” Ashleigh appears from the kitchen, a prescription bottle in her hand. “Sutton, can you give Dad his pain meds? He’s being stubborn and I know if he doesn’t get ahead of the pain, he’ll be grouchy for the guests.”
“Sure.” I grab the bottle from her. “He’s in the office?”
Ashleigh nods and herds the kids to the bathroom to change. Since I’ve been home she’s dressed them in matching outfits everyday and tonight will be no exception. I make my way through the house of my childhood and into Dad’s office—now turned into his room and den. He’s sitting in a recliner, feet propped up, in a pair of gym shorts and a t-shirt.
“Did your sister send you in here with my drugs?”
I smile at him as I walk closer. His color is better than it was and he’s been moving around more. It’s hard not to with the twins around. “You know this barbecue is important to Mom.” I tilt my head when Dad opens his mouth, which stops him. “And you know this is important to me.”
Dad’s eyes light up. “Clover will be here?”
“Yep.” I hold out the bottle of pills. “Just take one so that your pain doesn’t make you grouchy. I don’t think I’ll get more than one chance to win her over.”
“How are you expecting to win her over? The issues that separated you years ago are the same as they were then. You don’t live here and she won’t leave.”
“I’m moving home.” Now that I say it out loud, it makes the statement that much more true. I’ve missed home so bad that I tried to fill the ache with women and money and fancy toys. But being back here and seeing Clover, being with my family? That ache is gone. I just have to convince Clover it is.
“Well, shit, son. You’re just now telling me this? Does your mother know?” Dad stands up, his movement easier due to his anterior hip replacement.
“No, that’s the first time I’ve said it out loud.”
“If you’re serious, you know we’re behind you all the way.”
“I know, Dad.” My mind is racing with plans of what needs to be done for me to move home. My contract is up, so I can easily get out. I guess I subconsciously didn’t sign a renewal on purpose, like I already knew I wanted to come home and wanted to make it happen.
I give Dad his medicine and make my way back to the room where I’m staying to get ready. I sit on the edge of my childhood bed and email my agent my resignation.
Chapter Three
Clover
It’s cool enough that the barbecue can be held outside. The sun is on a downward slope on the horizon and the backyard is awash in the gentle glow from the hanging lanterns Sutton’s parents hung last summer. Nerves are cartwheeling through my stomach as I walk through the gate into the backyard and my gaze immediately finds Sutton standing next to the grill he’s starting as he patiently answers the questions Dakota and Dallas are peppering him with.
My heart flips and I almost rub at the ache in my chest. This could’ve been my future with him, our own two kids asking a thousand questions. This regret used to be faded, but now it cut like a jagged piece of glass, as sharp as when I told him I couldn’t leave home to be with him. Ten years should’ve resolved this, but seeing him again shows me how wrong I am. That old hurt isn’t so old at all. It was just dormant.
“Clover!” Deborah comes out of the house carrying two pitchers of lemonade. I rush to help her and take one of them from her, carrying it to the picnic tables near the grill. Awareness runs along my spine as I glance up to see Sutton watching me, a small smile on his face. When my gaze catches his, the grin widens into the smile that always makes my knees weak, even now. His brown eyes warm. He could always tell the effect he had on me and that apparently hasn’t changed.
