“Which explains why you were so sad.” Charlie reached up to take my hand. “I’m so sorry, Mom.”
“I don’t think we’ve heard the end of the story yet, Charlie.” Peg rested her chin in her hands. “Because the last few days, your mother has been playing music, and smiling more, and paying a lot of attention to her phone.”
“She was looking at her phone when I came in. When she was crying.” Charlie glanced at me inquiringly. “What’s that all about?”
I wasn’t sure I wanted to share my text exchanges yet, but both Peg and Charlie were watching me eagerly. Usually, I would have kept it all to myself, but this time, I took a deep breath.
“I didn’t hear anything from Nash, and then I got a text from him. It didn’t say anything . . . it was just a link to song.” I picked up my phone and scrolled back. “And then he sent another one. Each song was from when we were kids, and each one has special . . . meaning.” I held the phone to my heart as though it was Nash himself. “Y’all, I know it’s crazy, but I am so smitten.”
“Oh, my gosh, that’s romantic.” Peg fanned herself. “I love it. It’s like he’s dedicating a whole bunch of songs to you on the radio. Just like we used to do in the old days.”
“That’s sweet, Momma.” Charlie leaned back. “So when are you going to see him? And have you told him that you’re ready to talk about what comes next for you two?”
“I don’t know when I’ll see him. We’ve only exchanged song links.” I wasnotgoing to share Nash’s message about our first dance. That was just for the two of us. “I guess I’m just waiting for him to make the next move.”
“Well, I can’t wait to see what that move is.” Peg stood up and came over to hug me. “And Peyton, I’m so happy for you. No one deserves a chance at happiness more than you do.”
I looked down at my daughter, still sitting by my feet, her expression thoughtful. “How about you, sweetie?” I nudged her leg with my foot. “Does the idea of your mother dating at her advanced age alarm you?”
Charlie didn’t answer right away. She pursed her lips and cast her eyes upward. When she finally spoke, her voice was husky.
“When I was little, I used to wish you’d find someone to marry so I could have a dad. And then when I got older, like when I was in high school, I prayed youwouldn’tmeet anyone. The idea of you having someone you might love more than me terrified me.”
I shook my head. “I had no idea.”
“It didn’t matter. You never dated, so eventually I stopped worrying. I know Gram and I were bugging you about making friends earlier this summer, but I was thinking, like, other women.”
“Uh huh.” I nodded. “I understand.”
“But when I do think about you having someone to love—someone who will take care of you, who will make your life richer and brighter and fuller?” She smiled brightly. “I’m happy for you, Momma. Gram is right. No one deserves happiness more than you. I know our lives would change, but we’re all strong women. We can adjust.”
“Thank you. Both of you.” I huffed out a laugh. “I can’t believe I’m actually considering taking a chance with Nash, but . . . I am. I want my happily-ever-after.”
“You’re going to find it, Peyton. I’m sure of it.” Peg picked up her purse. “Now how about we run down to the corner and grab some dinner? I don’t know about you two, but getting good news gives me an appetite.”
“That sounds good. I was actually coming over to see if Mom wanted to eat with me when I found her mooning over one of her text messages.” Charlie smirked. “It’s such a nice evening. We should eat outside.”
“All right—just give me a minute to change my shoes.”
There was an extra lightness in my step as I dashed upstairs to grab my sandals and brush my hair. Every text from Nash—every song he shared—gave me another fissure of excitement and certainty that this was what I wanted. I hadn’t realized how empty my life had been until I’d found Nash again, and now the idea that I might have the chance to love him—to live the rest of my life with him—sparked more anticipation and joy than I would have ever thought possible.
I knew what I wanted now—who I needed. Who I loved.
All Nash had to do was say the word.
I was ready and waiting.
Chapter Fifteen
Nash
“That should wrap us up for today.” Reggie closed his laptop and smiled at me expectantly. “I’m very pleased, Nash. This project is moving along nicely. We should be able to break ground in early spring, and with some luck—which we will have, as the universe is on our side—we can cut the ribbon on phase one of the development by next autumn.”
“I agree. Nice job, Reg. This is exciting.” I shut my computer, too, and reached for my phone.
“Well, my friend, none of it would be possible if it wasn’t for you. The Brady family selling us their land made this happen. I’m very grateful to you.” He peered at me over the top of his glasses. “And also very grateful to your friend Peyton, who was so helpful in persuading Mr. Brady that he should agree to the sale.”
“Hmmm.” I pretended that I wasn’t paying attention to Reggie’s pointed observation.
