Page 32 of Shattered Hearts

A smirk pulls in the corner of her mouth. “I told him to get lost, and he did.”

I snort, covering my grin. Of course she did.

“So, I can’t really blame him for running. He made his choice clear, but I didn’t expect him to go so soon. I had only just found out a few days before.”

“Maybe it was a blessing?”

“It was.” She squeezes tighter. “I had you, and Hazel was there with me at the birth. Then not long after I met Levi, and the rest is history…”

Levi has been nothing but supportive and protective of me, even if he isn’t my biological father. He chose me to be his daughter, and I can never thank him enough for that. For giving Mum a chance with a four-month-old and living out of her van. He loves her more than life itself, and I’m forever grateful to have him in my life.

“So, you never know,” Mum continues, drawing back my attention.

My teeth dig into my bottom lip, and immediately Grayson’s face appears in my mind. There’s something about him that I have always been drawn to. Every time I picture my future, he’s in it. I never imagined him not being by my side. But I also never anticipated this happening, either…

“You really think that all of this will be fine?” I murmur, head shaking a little.

Her hand runs through my hair like she used to do when I was younger, her grin widening as her head tilts to one side. “It all worked out for me, didn’t it? It might not necessarily go the way you think it will, but I bet that you’ll have all that you need and more once you’re a mum.”

A mum.

“Who knows,” she adds, her hand tangling in mine as I breathe softly, clinging to her. “Maybe you’ll find someone new out there.”

Or maybe someone who I've always known. “Yeah, maybe.”

She hums and taps my leg gently. “Why don’t we do something fun tonight? Take your mind off things?”

My chin lifts, gaze blurred. I shake my head. “Sadie and I are going to the ranch. The boys want to have a movie night.”

“Oh, well, tomorrow night then.” Mum kisses my temple. “You two should have fun with your friends. Your dad and I can have some fun of our own, then.”

My head sinks as she gives a devious chuckle.

Chapter Twelve

Laynie

Do you ever feel nervous doing something that you have done a thousand times? I’ve been to Honey Haven more times than I can count and never have I had this many butterflies swarming my insides. It’s like they are fighting each other, and there’s nothing I can do about it.

Getting out of Betsie, her slightly rusted door whining shut, I lock her up and shove the keys in the pocket of my trackpants. An oversized hoodie covers up my nauseous body. I look over at my cousin, whose gaze sweeps over the ranch.

In the sunset, the place seems to shimmer in warm tones. Golds, reds, deep purples, and oranges. It’s beautiful up here, and so much quieter than the middle of town. Ashwood Creek might be small, but it can be noisy, especially during tourist season. I love sitting up here watching the sunset. We’ve done it ample times; Grayson, Macie, and I. Setting down a blanket, grabbing some snacks and the spare quilt. We’d sit on the hill, listening to the crickets buzz, and an occasional possum scurry through gumtrees. It’s pleasant and calming.

Sun lowering on the horizon, the air has chilled significantly, alerting the wildlife that it’s almost time to sleep—or wake if they’re nocturnal. The birds are quiet, bunnies find holes to sneak into, and the night creatures start emerging.

“This is a really nice farm,” Sadie mentions.

A smile tugs at my mouth. “Yeah, it’s beautiful. It’s where I escape to when I need to get away from home.”

“Plus, your friends live here,” Sadie reminds me as she walks around the car.

I nod, feeling a flush of heat crawl up my neck as I think of my best friend. “Yeah, and Hazel is just amazing. You’re going to adore her.” Sadie’s eyes droop for a second, and I sling my arm over her delicate shoulders. “I’m sorry, is it still too soon?”

“No.” Her head shakes against my neck. “I just miss Mum a lot.”

“We all do. Especially my mum. She misses her sister.”

Sadie sniffs, wiping beneath her eyes before plastering on a glossy grin. “I’ll be fine. It’s just still fresh. And she’s the one person who believed the most in my dancing. I wish she was still here to see me get the teaching position.”