Page 15 of The One Who Never Left: Colter

“Put it together. Tap-tap, spin, pinkie lock, a dramatic double clap, and point. Now, you say “Ride or die.” And I say, “No prisoners.””

“Ride or die,” Lynlee said proudly.

“No prisoners.”

“Will you come to my birfday party?” Lynlee asked.

“Um, sure?” Jo said, clearly uncertain what the right answer was but too decent to say no.

One four-year-old, zero effort, and Bridlewood's most terrifying barista had just RSVP'd to a pony party. Sutton made a mental note: use Lynlee for all future negotiations.

Sutton placed a gentle hand on top of her daughter’s head. “Why don’t we go sit down and let Jo get back to work.”

“See ya, kiddo.”

Lynlee waved a big, enthusiastic goodbye as they took their seats in a booth and glanced out the window, which opened up out onto Main Street.

Downtown Bridlewood was a mix of old charm and small-town grit. Brick storefronts with faded signs lined narrow streets, colorful awnings adding splashes of life. The scent of fresh bread drifted from the corner bakery, and string lights crisscrossed above, twinkling even in the afternoon, giving the thoroughfare a softness that made the town feel like it had been waiting for her.

Oh, how she hoped that were true. Her daughter’s world was counting on it.

Sutton had spent a week last summer in Bridlewood, quietly trying to get a sense of what kind of man Lynlee’s birth dad was. With the little sleuthing she’d done, she’d only learned that he was well-respected around town for his Doctor Dolittle talents and he was one of the legendary Callahan brothers.

“Sutton?” someone said from behind, her voice full of surprise and uncertainty.

Sutton turned. The woman had her long blonde hair pulled into a ponytail and wore a flowered sundress and pink cowgirl boots that looked like they belonged walking down Broadway in Nashville.

Sutton blinked, piecing it together. It was the woman who had been so kind to her last summer when Sutton had visited the town. A real smile bloomed. “Vivi?”

Vivi’s blue eyes sparkled as recognition hit. “I knew it was you!”

“Oh my god,” Sutton said, a small laugh escaping before she could stop it. “You’re still here.”

“And it looks like you came back. Just visiting again?”

Sutton glanced down at the table, then up again. “We just moved to Bridlewood last weekend.”

“I’m Lynlee.”

“I remember. You played with my necklace,” Vivi said, tugging gently on Lynlee’s hair bow. “I’m Vivi.”

“Wants to come to my birfday party? Parker’s coming cause he’s got nowhere else to go. And Jo’s coming and did you see my artwork?”

Vivi crouched slightly to meet her at eye level. “What a beautiful picture.”

“You can buy it if you wants. Jo said my art will sells by the end of the day.”

“I bet it will. As for the party, I’d love to come,” Vivi said.

Lynlee clapped her hands with excitement. “Yay! Justs so yous know, it’s a horse party but you don’ts have to bring your horse to come.”

“I love horses.”

“Me too.”

“So, you’re here to stay?” Sutton asked when Vivi straightened.

“It’s my forever home. I fell in love here,” Vivi said softly. She extended her left hand and Sutton looked down, catching the glint of an elegant engagement ring.