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“We got some new camping gear in. There’s some cool gas griddles that we just got in.”
Graham nods as he leans over, resting on the front counter.
“How are things going with you? Did you ever make a move on your diner dream girl?” he asks with a smile.
“As a matter of fact, yes I did. We just had our first date and we’re going out again in a few days.”
“Congratulations.”
“Thanks, what about you? Any special lady in your life?” I ask and he snorts out a laugh as he shakes his head.
“No, there’s not a lot of eligible bachelorettes in Fallen Peak.”
“Maybe you’ll find someone down here,” I suggest.
“Maybe,” he says but I can tell he doesn’t really believe it.
Some tourists come in then, and Graham wanders off to check out some of the camping gear. I move over to help them, and seeing the hiking boots gives me an idea for my next date with Caroline.
I check them out and then help Graham check out and haul his supplies out to his Jeep.
“I’ll see you next time you’re in town,” I say as I shake his hand and he nods.
“See you then. You can catch me up on diner girl.”
“Sounds good.”
I wave as he drives away. It only takes a second for me to get distracted when I spot Caroline through the front windows of the diner. She waves at me, grinning, and I wave back before I head back inside my shop.
I think about Caroline for the rest of the afternoon. I grab some hiking boots that I think will fit her and Charlotte and stack them behind the counter for later. I can’t wait to spend more time with her.
It feels so right being with her. It’s effortless and that’s how I know that we were meant to be.
Now I just need to convince her of that.
ChapterNine
Caroline
I smile down at my new hiking boots as I trail behind Heath and Charlotte on the well-worn trail. Heath surprised both of us with the boots when he picked us up a few hours ago. Charlotte loves hers with the pink laces and she couldn’t wait to put them on.
I had heard of the falls up in Wild Ridge Mountains but never thought of taking Charlotte there. Being back in the mountains reminds me of the camping trip and I can’t help but grin.
Charlotte is holding onto Heath’s hand, chattering about everything that she sees and Heath is patiently listening to her. She’s very excited about the possibility of seeing some bunnies out in the wild and I hope that we can find some.
This hiking trail is super easy and only about half a mile long but that doesn’t stop Charlotte from asking if Heath can carry her. He obliges, letting her ride on his shoulders so that she can get a better view.
My heart clenches as I see the two of them together. It’s been a huge adjustment becoming a single mom and there have been a lot of times that I would have done anything for some help.
I was always too afraid to bring anyone around Charlotte, though. She had just lost most of her family and the therapist had warned me about bringing people into her life that wouldn’t stay.
I needed to find people who were in it for the long haul and I think that’s Heath.
I hope that it’s Heath.
We come out in front of the falls, close to the spray, and I laugh as Charlotte giggles, wiggling on Heath’s strong shoulders.
“Want down?” he asks her, one of her tiny hands in his, keeping her steady.
