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“Everything is just falling apart,” she cried. “Me included.”
“Not everything,” I said, my voice low as I wrapped my arms around her, embracing her.
“All I wanted to do was refinish the cupboards,” she muttered. “Just update them a little.”
Once she stopped crying and, with her still in my arms, I brought my forefinger to her chin and lightly tilted her head so her eyes could meet mine. Her blue eyes, glassy from the tears, showed me just how vulnerable she was in this moment. I’d felt like I’d gotten to know her well through our letters, only to find out that she’d hidden this part—the part that housed her emotions. If I thought she was beautiful before from the things I already knew, this was the icing on the cake. I loved strong women, but I also loved them when they weren’t afraid to show this side of themselves.
We stood there, our eyes locked, not a word passing between us. As I stared down into her eyes, I slowly leaned forward and allowed my lips to graze over hers. When she didn’t jump back, I kissed her again, this time with a little more pressure. I felt her body slowly relax as her arms wrapped around my neck, her fingers running through the hair on the back of my head.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered, our lips parting as she now sat up on the kitchen counter where I’d put her. “I wanted to write you back. I just needed to get over this moment of weakness.”
“Never be sorry for showing me, or anyone else, how you feel,” I said, my forehead resting against hers. “As for writing me back, well, I’ll forgive you. I have waited much longer for your letters.”
Looking deep into my eyes, she softly smiled. “That sounds funny coming from a strong man like you. Someone who has admitted that they don’t show their feelings very well, either.”
I shrugged. “Let’s say I’m learning to do that as well.”
“Oh.” Her eyes didn’t leave mine as she brought her hand to my cheek. “How about we learn this together?” she whispered.
I swallowed hard at the look in her eyes and nodded, resting my forehead against hers.
It was then that she brought her lips to mine for the first time, then she wrapped her arms around my neck. Wrapping my arms around her, I slid her forward on the counter, her legs resting on either side of my hips, and I pulled her in tight to me, attempting to continue comforting her.
PEGGY
Four Weeks Later
I helped Trisha and Sarah load the last pile of things into Carl’s van. I stood back, hands on hips as I ran through a mental checklist, making sure that we weren’t forgetting anything. Today was the day of the summer festival. The day where most of the small businesses and other crafters in Willow Valley moved to the outdoors in the park and sold goods to the floods of tourists that drove through. The organizers had offered me a table for free that I’d originally turned down. After a long conversation with Ethan and Trinity, I decided that I really needed to be present to represent Peggy’s Petals and asked once again for the table.
“You girls sure you are going to be okay without me there?” I questioned.
Both Trisha and Sarah smiled. “Of course. Besides, you will be there, just not actively working. We will know where to find you if we need you.”
“Did you grab the table wrap and the canopy from inside?” I questioned as they climbed into the van Sarah had borrowed from her mom.
“It was the very first thing we put in.”
“You know where the booth is, right?”
“Yep, beside Bluebird Books. Ava is running that table for Trinity.”
“Okay, you sure you have everything? I just feel as if you are forgetting something,” I said, fidgeting, looking at all the boxes inside the back of the van.
“Have fun, girls,” Ethan said as he stepped up beside me, placing his large hand on the small of my back. “I’ll keep Peggy busy while you two look after things.” He winked.
“By, Mr. Alexander,” they said in unison as they giggled. I waved and watched as they pulled away from the curb, leaving Ethan and me standing there.
“You just about ready?” he asked, looking me over.
I smiled and looked down at myself. I was still in my yoga pants and an old concert T-shirt. I’d pulled my hair back in a messy bun when I’d gotten up and had come right outside to help the girls load things up. “Um…not really,” I said, crinkling my nose at him. “I still need to shower.”
“Have you had breakfast?”
I shook my head. “No.”
Ethan smiled. “I figured I’d best get over here. I knew you’d be worried about today. Come, I’ll put on some coffee and make us some breakfast, while you take your time showering and getting ready,” he said, guiding me gently toward the front of my house.
* * *
