Page 73 of Stuck with the Hero Next Door

The next twenty minutes were a cheerful frenzy of snow boots and excited chatter, last-minute locker raids, and the organized energy of getting students safely onto buses before the weather got serious. I stood at the main entrance with the other teachers, checking off names and listening to students make grand plans for sledding and skiing.

“You okay driving home?” Kathy asked as the last bus pulled away, its taillights already softened by the swirling snow. “I can always call Levi to come get you.”

I couldn’t help smiling. Any chance to get us together? But I wouldn’t pull him away from whatever storm preparations he had on his plate. “Should be fine. It’s not that far.”

“Call when you get home,” she said, but her tone was more motherly than worried. “And enjoy the enforced hibernation. Sometimes the universe gives us exactly what we need.”

The drive to my apartment took twice as long as usual. I drove slowly, humming along to the radio and watching the familiar streets transform under their white blanket. The truck’s heater kept me toasty, and I could already picture my cozy apartment waiting at the end of the journey.

But instead of heading straight home, I found myself pulling into the parking lot of the Everwood Inn. My truck crunched through the fresh snow, and I could see warm light glowing in the windows.

Janet appeared at the door before I’d even knocked, her face breaking into a surprised smile.

“Cassie! What are you doing out in this weather?”

“Probably being foolish,” I admitted, stomping snow off my boots. “But I was hoping we could talk.”

“Of course! Come in, come in. I was just making hot chocolate.”

Janet’s living quarters behind the inn were exactly what you’d expect—cozy and warm, with soft lighting and furniture that invited you to curl up and stay a while. She bustled around her small kitchen while I settled onto her sofa, grateful for the warmth and the company.

“So,” she said, returning with two steaming mugs topped with marshmallows, “what’s on your mind? And don’t chicken out and say ‘nothing.’”

I wrapped my hands around the warm mug, gathering my thoughts. “Dad’s visit got me thinking about some things.”

“Good things or complicated things?”

“Both, I think.” I took a sip of the hot chocolate, which was absolutely perfect. “He thinks I should consider other opportunities—bigger places, better positions. He’s worried I’m playing it too safe.”

Janet settled into the chair across from me, her expression thoughtful. “And what do you think?”

“I think I love it here. But I also wonder if that’s enough. If loving where you are is a good enough reason to stay when there might be bigger things waiting somewhere else.”

“Bigger according to who?”

The question caught me off guard. “I don’t know. Society? My dad? The voice in my head that sometimes sounds suspiciously critical?”

Janet laughed. “Oh, that voice. I know her well. She’s usually wrong about the important things.”

“But what if she’s right this time? What if I’m settling because it’s comfortable instead of pushing myself to grow?”

Janet was quiet for a moment, sipping her hot chocolate thoughtfully. “Can I tell you something about my brother?”

I nodded, curious where this was heading.

“Levi could have stayed in the military. Could have made a career of it, traveled the world, climbed ranks. Instead, he came back here to help toss bales of hay on the ranch and volunteer at the fire station. Some people might say he was wasting his potential.”

“But you don’t think so?”

“I think he chose the life that fed his soul instead of the one that would impress other people. And watching him these past few months, especially since you came to town, I’ve never seen him happier.”

My heart did a little skip at the mention of Levi. “We haven’t talked much since Dad’s visit. I think I may have hurt his feelings.”

“He’s been moping around town wearing that stubborn expression he gets when he’s trying not to show he’s upset,” Janet said with a knowing smile. “Whatever happened, I’m sure it’s fixable.”

“I hope so. Because I think I’ve figured out what I want.”

“Which is?”