AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Because he had dealt with this for most of his adult life alone.
She understood that in the clear light of day. She also understood that he’d thought he’d been about to hit her. The pain in her chest told her that while she and Ford had decided to take things slow to see where they went, she’d fallen fast for him.
Last night and the hurt inside her now told her that much.
“We need to get dressed, Mom.”
Ritchie was bouncing on the bed beside her.
“Shall we go into town for breakfast?” She wasn’t ready to see Ford yet.
“What about the others?” He frowned.
“They’ll join us soon, but I thought you’d like waffles.”
“Waffles!” As they were her son’s favorite breakfast, it was an excellent distraction.
On the way out, she noticed Ford’s door was closed and there were no sounds coming from inside. She tried to put it out of her mind as she led Ritchie downstairs and out the front door. Joe was there with Benjamin, who was throwing a ball around.
“Morning.”
“Morning. We’re just heading into town. See you at the volleyball venue, Joe.”
He stopped throwing and moved to stand in front of her, effectively stopping her moving.
“You all good there, Autumn?”
“Sure. Great in fact.”
His eyes narrowed. “Where’s Ford?”
“I have no idea. I’m sure you’ll find him if you head inside.”
“You sure you’re okay? Need me and Benji to come with you?” He was staring at her intently now.
“No, we’re fine, Joe. Really. Just needed to stretch our legs.”
“You look tired.”
“You know how it is. Strange beds—it takes a while to sleep.” Her laugh sounded high-pitched and nervous.
“Joe!”
They turned and saw Nash in the doorway. With him was Luke.
“See you later.” She didn’t exactly run, but it was a near thing. No way did she want to talk to Nash. He’d ask more questions, and right now Autumn just wanted to take her son for waffles and deal with Ford later. Was it a coward move? Definitely. But right then she didn’t care.
“Autumn—”
“Ritchie’s hungry, Nash. I’ll catch you later.” She raised a hand and walked away, hoping he didn’t follow. Turning back, she saw he wasn’t. But he was standing with Joe now, watching her leave.
“I like living in Ryker Falls, Mom.”
“Me too.” That wasn’t a lie. She’d found a place that suited them, a place where people knew her and looked out for her boy. People like the Trainers and Howards. People like Mr. Goldhirsh and the Robbins sisters.
She wouldn’t leave just because she’d fallen hard for Ford Winter. More than hard, a small voice in her head said. She was falling in love with him.
Excellent timing, Autumn.
