* * *
As Colt stared at the sparkling pink stone set in the diamond-encrusted rose gold band, the knife in his heart twisted.
“What do you guys think?” Beaming proudly, Grant held up the engagement ring, turning it slowly so the late afternoon sunlight bounced off each meticulously cut gem.
While Luke, Jack, and Reed commended Grant on his excellent taste, Colt concentrated on swallowing his bitter jealousy. It went down worse than his first failed attempt at Bordelaise.
All morning, he’d fluctuated between wallowing in his misery and formulating a plan to win Penny back. But no matter how elaborate each scenario became, it always ended the same way.
He couldn’t stay in Poppy Creek, and Penny couldn’t leave.
Of course she couldn’t. After she’d listed all her reasons, Colt had realized his mistake. He’d lived his whole life on the move, never letting his roots grow deep enough to hold him back. As a result, he’d forgotten how painful it could be if they were suddenly yanked from the ground.
His chest tightening, he sprang from the Adirondack chair and strode a couple paces toward the lake, admiring the reflection of the towering pine trees on the still, sapphire-blue water.
He’d always liked Jack’s place. Though only a modest one-bedroom cabin with a small guest house in back, the seclusion a few miles outside of town created a peaceful, restorative atmosphere. When you added the picturesque lake, neighboring forest, and protective mountains in the distance, you had a hidden retreat—a refuge from all of life’s problems. Well,mostof them. No one could hide from heartbreak. At least, not completely.
As he watched a small swallow dive toward the water, breaking the calm surface with its wing tip, he observed the gentle ripple effect. It was strange how one seemingly insignificant decision could have such a far spread influence.
Colt’s thoughts drifted to Frank who, at this very moment, was having a much-needed—and healing—heart-to-heart with Beverly. He smiled, recalling the older man’s request for him to prepare a pot of tea and a plate of Beverly’s favorite scones before he’d left, muttering something about his impending conversation andif you’re going to do it, you might as well do it right.
For some reason, knowing that Frank—a cantankerous curmudgeon set in his ways—could face his fears and acknowledge his misconceptions had inspired Colt to dig deeper into his own beliefs. Because he couldn’t—and wouldn’t—give up on Penny. Somehow, he’d find a way to reconcile keeping his promise to his fatherandkeeping the woman he loved.
Turning back to face the group, clustered in a half circle by the water’s edge under the pretense of lazy Sunday afternoon fishing, Colt did his best to summon the enthusiasm his friend deserved. Announcing his proposal plans should be a happy occasion for Grant. Which was why, when they’d asked Colt about his date with Penny, he’d decided to leave out the last ten minutes of the evening rather than spoil the mood.
“So, what do you guys think of my proposal idea?” Grant returned the ring to its resting place inside the velvet box before slipping it back into his pocket.
His question elicited a far less exuberant response than the ring reveal.
“Come on, guys,” Grant cajoled. “It’s perfect. You know how much Eliza loves dancing.”
“Exactly.” Jack leaned forward, repositioning the fishing pole anchored in the ground. “You really want to ruin it by subjecting her toourdance moves?”
“Yeah,” Reed laughed. “I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but Paul Bunyan over here isn’t exactly light on his feet.”
“Unless you spend your afternoons pirouetting through the flower beds, I doubt you’ll be a backup dancer for Beyoncé anytime soon, either,” Jack retorted.
“I’ll do most of the heavy lifting where the dancing is concerned,” Grant assured them. “You only need to learn a few basic moves.”
“I think it’s a great idea,” Luke offered, recasting his line. “Eliza will love it.”
“Thanks, Luke. Sylvia’s all set with the costumes.”
The mention of costumes sparked more grumbling from Jack and Reed, but Grant ignored them, turning to Colt. “What about you? Can you handle your assignment? The whole proposal hinges on it.”
“Uh, yeah. Sure. No problem.” Colt shrugged. He’d done it once before.
“Hey! I got one!” Jumping to his feet, Luke jerked back on the pole to set the hook.
Just then, the lilting tune of “The Christmas Waltz” emanated from his back pocket. “That’s Cassie,” he said with a sheepish grin. Shoving the fishing rod in Colt’s hands, he pulled out his phone and stepped away for some privacy.
Colt fumbled with the reel, trying not to lose their only catch of the day. When he’d finally got a firm hold, Luke returned with a somber expression. “Penny needs our help. She can’t find Chip.”
At his brother’s words, Colt released his grip, losing the tension in the line along with the fish.
And his barely restrained emotions.
Chapter 26
