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I reached for her hand, threading her fingers with mine. “Because you’re the strongest person I know.”
I lifted her hand and kissed the back of it. She inhaled sharply as I lowered her hand to my lap.
I felt a pang of guilt that I was taking advantage of the situation to hold her hand and be close to her. But it was important that she knew how incredibly capable she was.
She was quiet for a few seconds before asking softly, “Why do you say that?”
“I was there, Hailey. I saw what it took out of you each time your mom showed up and then disappeared again. Even as a teen, it was hard to watch.”
She huffed. “That doesn’t prove I’m strong.”
I squeezed her hand. “It does. Each time, you went back to living. You sucked it up and moved on.”
She shook her head, her hair falling in her face.
“You survived your mother, and you’ll get through this. Besides, this time, you have me by your side.”
We were stopped at a red light, so I was able to see the smile that played over her lips. “And you’ll make all the difference?”
“I sure as hell hope so. You helped me with Corey, and I want to do the same for you.”
Her eyes lit with satisfaction before dimming a bit. “It’s green.”
I turned back to the road, pushing on the gas to move forward. I wanted her to believe I was here for her, but with her history, actions spoke louder than words, and I was a patient guy.
No matter what was going on with Corey, I wanted to be there for Hailey. And it wasn’t just because of some promise to her brother. She was important to me, too.
I pulled into Colton and Remi’s driveway where there were already several cars parked on the driveway and lawn. “I didn’t realize so many people would be here.”
“The Shops on Main group is large and growing.”
I hadn’t let go of her hand, so I turned to face her, her expression wary. We needed to talk about Friday night, but we didn’t have time. Instead, I leaned over and kissed her softly on the lips as my promise to her. I’d be there for her. I’d help get her through this.
I shoved down my selfish desires for more. She needed me, and I wouldn’t disappoint her.
“Thank you,” she said when I pulled away.
“I don’t really know everyone yet,” I admitted.
She smiled, the worries from earlier disappearing. “I’ll introduce you.”
I wanted her to forget about the decision she had to make and enjoy the night with me.
Walking inside, I felt like I was finally on the right track. Corey was getting guidance and the help he needed, and I was so grateful to have Hailey in my life. For the first time, I felt hope for a better future.
When Tiffany told me she was pregnant at eighteen, my dreams of opening a garage were put on hold. I never thought I’d be able to swing it without Jake. But we’d made it work.
Colton greeted us at the door. His dog, Scout, circled our legs, begging for our attention. Colton introduced Remi to me as his girlfriend and the one who owned the juice shop. Then he led us onto the back deck where everyone was gathered, some spilling out into the yard.
Colton needed to man the grill, so Hailey took over introductions. I already knew Max, the owner of Max’s Bar & Grille, and his girlfriend, Zoe. Then there was Savannah, her son Miles, and Ethan; Easton, owner of ReSails, and his girlfriend, Celeste; Sophie, the baker responsible for Treats on Main; and finally, Hailey’s best friend, Brooke.
The others paired off for two games of cornhole, and Sophie left to help Remi in the kitchen.
“You two came together?” Brooke asked us when we were alone.
“We were at Nana’s earlier. It just made sense to come together,” Hailey said.
We weren’t holding hands or standing close. I didn’t want anything to get back to Jake, and we hadn’t talked about Friday night.
