Page 94 of Falling for Keeps

“I’ll see you around?”

“Sure.” Seth leaves to find his car as the Walker family passes us. I lift a hand to wave at Liv, a girl I knew in high school, trailing them at the back. Tate is right on her tail, so I wave at him too.

“Hey,” Liv says, reaching to give me a quick hug. “Kiss the Pig had a great turnout. You must be happy.”

“So far, our mayor voting is going well, too.”

“I know.” Liv laughs, pushing her blonde hair over her shoulder. “I’ve seen the stickers everywhere.”

“Will I see you guys at the barn raising?”

She fights a yawn. “Sure will.”

“Okay, have a good night.”

“See ya, Emma,” Tate says before they walk away. The Prices and Walkers are intermingled as they walk, and I can’t help feeling like that many good genes don’t have a right to run in one family.

I climb in my car before they can catch me staring at Carson’s retreating back, but I can still see them dimly in my rearview mirror. Carson looks over his shoulder in my direction before putting his arm around Penny.

He was wrong earlier, as much as I don’t want to admit it to myself. I completely understand. I can’t even complain because this is how it should be.

I’m not his girl.

Penny is.

Carson

I’ve never participated in a barn raising before and I have to say, it’s pretty much exactly what it sounds like. We’ve been working for hours, putting up the frame and securing everything into place. The event had a great turnout, and this many hands really do make the work faster.

Except for the women who are standing around ogling us, everyone is giving it their all. I guess the women are putting in a solid effort, too. They’re providing water, handing tools to the guys, and a few have jumped in here and there. Emma’s been hanging around with Sadie Stevenson, and I’ve been clocking her location all morning.

If we can save them from backbreaking work, that’s just chivalry, right?

By the time the barn is completely raised, I’m tired and sweaty and feel like I put in a hard day’s work. My biceps are feeling it, and I work out regularly.

“This looks incredible,” Maven says, folding her arms and admiring the building. Tall, natural wood with a darker stain. It’s rustic and beautiful against the backdrop of Vermont’s finest. It’s going to become a community event center, and we’re kicking things off with the dance tonight.

Ben runs a hand through his hair, coming to stand on her other side. “I think we’re finished.”

“That’s the best thing I’ve heard since they delivered my exam chairs this week.”

“Maybe I can beat it.” Maven shoots me a smile. “Mom’s chili has probably been simmering all day.”

My stomach rumbles. “We could ditch the cook-off and split her pot.”

Maven smacks my arm. “I’m going to find her.”

Ben watches her walk away, his gaze trailing her blonde hair. When it dips to her legs, I look away.

“Good job, man,” I say, clearing my throat. “This whole thing was a major success.”

“I hope it serves our community well.”

“You know it will.” I’m dying to ask what’s going on between him and my sister, but since that feels like prying, I keep my mouth closed. Maven will talk to me when she’s ready. They both will.

“Now that things have slowed down, you ready to have a life again?”

“I know you really mean: am I ready to go fishing? The answer is always yes.” I scrub a hand over my tired eyes. “I don’t know if I can convince Penny to come, though. She’s anti-fishing right now. A product of the divorce.”