Now that she’d said that, the conversation came floating back to me. But so much had happened since then—discovering my mom’s letter and the truth about her relationship with my dad. Everything with Ethan…
I glanced over my shoulder, making sure Ethan was out of sight. “I’d invite you in, but I’m kind of in the middle of something.”
I was going to lie about going through my dad’s files or something, but Max trotted up to the door, completely blowing my cover.
“Oh.” Emerson arched her brow but lowered her voice. “Something orsomeone?” She grinned.
“Something.” My tone was firm. “My dad left the house to Ethan and me, so we have a few…things to figure out.”
“Oh.” She blinked a few times in rapid succession. “Oh wow.”
“Yeah.” I blew out a breath, reality pushing in on my bubble.
“I’m sure this hasn’t been easy—any of it. And if there’s anything I can do to help, even just listen, I’d love to.”
I smiled, genuinely touched by her offer. “You’re too sweet.”
“Well, I’ll leave you to it, then. Instructions for reheating the lasagna are inside the cool-pack.” She handed me the casserole dish.
“Thank you, Emerson.” I hugged her and accepted the lasagna. “And let’s hang out again before I leave.”
“When are you headed back to Boston?”
“I-I’m not sure yet. Probably in a few days, but I’ll let you know.”
“Sounds good.” She waved.
“Have a good night,” I called as she walked down the path to her car.
I closed the door and returned to the kitchen, Max wagging her tail as she trailed me.
“Ooh,” Ethan said, spotting the casserole dish. “What is it this time?”
“Emerson brought lasagna.”
“Nice! That will be a good change from the King Ranch Chicken and enchiladas.”
I laughed, though the sound was forced. “Yep.”
Leaving.Soon, I’d be leaving for Boston. To return to my empty apartment, my job that seemed hollower every day.
I set the lasagna on a shelf in the fridge, next to the others. Everyone had been so thoughtful—delivering meals and desserts almost daily since I’d arrived. I barely had to cook, and their kindness had been so unexpected. The town had welcomed me like one of their own, even after all these years.
Ethan crossed his arms as he leaned against the counter. “What did Emerson say that’s got you thinking so hard?”
“Nothing. I just—seeing her was a reminder that I’ll be leaving soon.”
“Soon.” He stepped closer, placing his hands on my hips. “Not yet.”
“I know. But at some point, we’re going to have to discuss—”
He slanted his mouth over mine, silencing me and scrambling my thoughts with a kiss. We kept avoiding the elephant in the room. But he was weakening my resolve, his kisses making me delirious. His touch driving away all reason and sense.
And when he stripped me bare and laid me back on the countertop to feast on me—I relented. The house, the future, would wait.
That night, as we were lying in bed, our limbs tangled, skin slick with sweat, he said, “I got you something.”
“You did?” I wondered what it could possibly be.
