Page 44 of Sterling Clay

“You think I’m trying to save her, don’t you?” I demand, still on edge. Still shaky, with the energy I can’t contain.

“Aren’t you?” He arches a brow again.

I shake my head because it would never occur to anyone that I’m not doing the saving.

She might save me.

+ + +

Following Knox out of my office and back to the festival, I reflect on Glady’s sudden appearance. How it must have looked to Mavis. As small-town rumors bleed into other small towns, Glady must have heard about my housemates. It was the only explanation for her sudden appearance at the Seed & Soil because we didn’t see one another outside of our rare hookups.

When Mavis disappeared, I was quick to follow her, rushing to excuse myself from Glady after telling her I’d met someone. I was no longer available. No feelings, hard or soft, Glady and I once promised each other.

And right now, my emotions are in turmoil as I struggle to find Mavis and Dutton in the crowd and fight the urge to take them back to my home. I don’t buy the excuse Mavis was selling about an accidental collision in the hallway. Something, or rather someone, spooked her, and the last thing I want is Mavis frightened of living in Sterling Falls. Or afraid of me.

That kiss proved she didn’t fear me.

Fifteen minutes of searching here and there pass before I find Mavis and Dutton, who were not in the area with the newly hatched chicks or in any of the other animal petting experiences provided by local farmers.

Instead, Mavis and Dutton are doing some kind of dance to kid-friendly music on the temporary dance floor where a group singing children’s songs performs. Zelle and Winnie join them.

Later tonight, there will be a band for adults. I should have asked Mavis to hang out. I hadn’t considered childcare. Haven’t ever been with a woman who has a kid. Now, I’m certain I’m too late to find someone to watch Dutton.

Someone bumps into my arm, and I turn toward Ford, who is holding June against his chest, her head on his shoulder. His hand gently rubs up and down her back.

“Someone tired?”

“Yeah, she needs a nap.”

“No nap,” she mutters around the thumb in her mouth.

“When’s she going to give that up?” I chuckle, noting her thumb’s position.

“Probably not until she’s sixteen.” Ford presses a kiss to her downy blond curls. Then he tips his chin toward Mavis and the girls dancing. “What’s her story?”

“Still trying to figure it all out myself,” I admit.

“And Dutton.” Ford means the costume.

“He likes pink and princesses.” I hold my breath recalling how I first reacted. A bit stunned but not offput by the behavior.

“Winnie wants to have him over tonight for a while.”

I spin to fully face my brother. Was the Universe just listening to me? “How would you feel about that?”

“What?” Ford shifts only his head to glance at me. “Winnie making a new friend?”

I smile, knowing Ford’s deflecting any issue with a boy liking stereotypical girl things, as in, Ford isn’t bothered by it, as he shouldn’t be.

“He isn’t in the local school. Mavis is homeschooling him right now.”

“So I heard. Now Winnie’s trying to convince me she shouldn’t have to go to a physical school, and I should be her teacher.” Ford chokes. “Put me out of my misery. Kudos to the parents who homeschool, but I can’t educate from home. And I know teachers aren’t paid enough to deal with my rascals, but I’m still not interested in homeschooling.”

“Might help Dutton if he had a friend as well. He’s been through a lot, but he’s a good kid.”

Ford nods, not needing all the details.

The silly song finishes, and the kids rush Ford with Mavis laughing as she follows them.