My stomach sinks at the way her expression tightens every time I mention leaving urgently. It’s going to take some time and a lot of care before she stops making that face. Well, that’s going to be my mission. To keep her relaxed and happy, always.
The toe of my boot rubs her foot under the table. "I know you like to plan in advance. But you can't plan for emergencies. Are you going to be okay if I have to run away in the middle of the night? If I'm sometimes gone for a day or two?"
She clasps my hand. "People's safety comes first. I totally get that." She leans back and takes a sip of coffee. "You’d message or leave a note, though, right?" Bailey’s tone is casual, but there’s a slight stiffening in her shoulders. Caution, maybe. I don’t blame her.
"Of course. It’s usually only a few times a month. I’d always keep you posted." My thumb drifts across her cheek for a moment. “Nobody wants their partner to have to run off in the middle of the night, or a special dinner, or a great movie. But when people need help, somebody has to go help them. Right?”
"Yup. Just like I have to lock myself away with my laptop and disappear now and then."
I begin to chuckle. "So… We could be together, and still be crazy mountain loners?"
“Yes!” she laughs. Then she stops, blinking. “Wait. You said partner. That means…”
“That I think we’re going to end up being very serious? Yes.” I smile. “But for now, how about we just get through this week?”
“Good idea.”
I stand up, then come to her side of the table to lean down and give her a slow, tender kiss. "I need to return this call. Order whatever you want for lunch, and order me whatever you think I'd like."
"Why do I feel like this is some kind of test?"
“Maybe it is.”
She laughs, then I leave her studying the menu while I go outside to make that call.
Everything is so precarious for Bailey right now. She needs a huge dose of calm. Nothing else can rattle her, or she might take off.
On the surface, it might be best for her to go home and regroup, since that’s familiar, but I can feel in my bones that that’s the wrong choice. Those jackass parents will talk her into babysitting for the rest of her life, and she’ll never achieve her own goals.
Even if Bailey only stays with me for a few months, I think it will set her up for a better life. Of course I want her to stay forever, but her happiness is more important than mine.
I begin to pace, as I always do when I’m on the phone. Luckily, Eli just needed some information about the Anderson property, if anyone has plans for the pile of dead trees where lightning struck a few months ago.
I continue pacing along the sidewalk a few doors away, and wave to Sheriff Granger as he heads into the café. He doesn't return my greeting, which either means he didn’t see me or he's in a mood that's all business.
Then I look through the café window and my blood runs cold.
He's walking straight toward Bailey.
14
BAILEY
Iorder us each a different brunch sandwich from the charming and friendly older woman with silver streaks in her braided hair.
Our table is at the rear of the room, near a bulletin board covered with business cards and community flyers. There's an art gallery in a town this size? Amazing. And sunrise hikes with an outdoor guide company, and a “ladies’ garage night” to teach women basic car maintenance?
I don't believe in signs. I believe in logic and planning. But as I look out across the small town that melts into the beautiful forest and stunning mountains, I want to trust my heart.
I love Nate. It's scary to think that way already, but it's true.
What more of a sign do I need?
The door to the café opens, and a man with a sheriff's badge comes marching over to me. A tall man with a deep tan who had been sitting near the door stands up and walks shoulder to shoulder with him as they approach.
"Bailey Lea?”
My entire body is already clenching up. "Yes?" I squeak.
