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Logan simply looks on with amusement as he stores his number in Kim’s phone and hands it back to her.
I’m slightly jealous it’s not my phone.
“I’ll be in the city for a couple of days if you have any questions.” He tips his head, and I know he’s about to leave. “Goodnight, ladies.”
As he walks away, I can’t help but feel like I just let my boat—or helicopter—sail away.
That old feeling bubbles in my stomach. My gut is screaming at me, but I haven’t been able to trust it in a long time.
I think of the two little people sleeping upstairs, and not knowing where they’ll rest their head in a matter of weeks is enough for me to step forward.
Am I doing this?
Oh, God, I really am.
“Logan, wait.” He turns, and those eyes are enough to take my next breath. “I think I need a boat.”
Fifteen
The sun is shining down on us as we drive into Pine Falls. The road winds through a picturesque landscape that seems like it’s been pulled straight from a postcard. The colors of summer paint the scenery with vibrant hues; wildflowers in full bloom create a patchwork quilt of yellows, blues, and reds along the roadside. The air is filled with the sweet scent of blossoming trees, and I crack open the window to let it in.
I glance at Kim, who hasn’t stopped nattering since she got in the car. I don’t even think she’s noticed my lack of replies.
She reaches over and squeezes my thigh. “You’re going to love it here.”
“Hold your horses. I haven’t agreed to move yet.”
She ignores me.
As we enter the small-town, the charm is evident in every detail. The main street is lined with cobblestone sidewalks and wrought-iron lampposts, each adorned with hanging flower baskets. We pass a bar called Molly’s advertising live music on a chalk board outside, and the aroma from the café next door is mouth-watering as I slow down and take everything in.
And there it is, staring me in the face. Daunting me, daring me to go further.
King Ink.
I notice the slight change of name from the city shop, but the font in the sign is still the same, as are the black and gold colors of the exteriors.
“I told you it was beautiful here.” Kim sighs, resting her head back against the seat, oblivious to my heart climbing into my throat until I swallow it back down when I finally drive past the shop.
I knew this place was popular with tourists, I just didn’t expect it to be so—I don’t know—busy.
“Okay, I’ll admit, it’s gorgeous,” I say, trying to keep the nerves out of my voice. “A fresh start? I’m still not sure.”
Kim rolls her eyes. “Oh, come on. It’s not like you’re moving to a haunted house.”
I check the mirror to make sure the girls are still sleeping in the back before I say, “Yeah, well, my life has been like a horror movie lately, so you never know.”
“You’ve got this. You, me, Hannah, and Isabel. We’ve got this.”
God, I love her.
As the car drives away from the town, the road begins to incline and wind its way up the mountain. The scenery quickly changes from the town to towering trees and rolling hills. The air grows cooler and fresher, filled with the sweet scent of pine and earth.
After a few minutes, we reach a narrow road that leads off to the right. It paves through forest land, with trees crowding on either side. The light dapples as my heart begins to expand out of my chest, my knuckles white as they grip the steering wheel. But soon the forest opens up to reveal two, almost identical farmhouses standing on a large piece of land. I can tell they’ve been recently renovated, but still have that charming look of a bygone era. With wraparound porches, white railings, and large white shutters, the only difference between the houses is the color of the doors. One is red and the other is black.
“It’s beautiful,” I whisper, more to myself than Kim.
Regardless, she gives my shoulder a comforting squeeze. “This is it. I know it. And hey, if things get too boring, you can always join the knitting club.”
