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I wander the streets and window shop when I run into three little old ladies coming out of the diner.
“Well, hello. You’re new to town. I’m Viola.”
The three women look me over closely, and I can’t help but sense that I’m being slightly judged. It’s nothing bad, but more like these women take pride in this town and are a little extra protective of the community. As charming as the place is, I can see why they are.
She points to the other two women. “This is Violet, and that’s Vivian. We’re the Teagarden sisters.”
“Hello. I’m Maitlyn, and I’m just a visitor.”
“Oh, we know who you are. You saved Jake McCovey,” Viola says.
Shaking my head. “No. It wasn’t like that. It was kinda my fault he was—”
Violet interrupts, “Not how I heard it. I heard you and your dog helped him, and he wouldn’t be alive without you.”
My heart beats fast as I recall everything. The feelings, the closeness, the moments of happiness I never thought I’d have with a man, and the ultimate terror of Jake being shot. Those thirty-six hours were more living than I have done in my lifetime.
Feeling the emotions overwhelm me, I whisper, “We saved each other.”
“That’s how it always starts. It’s about being there for each other. My Harold always said that I was his angel. I bet Jake thinks the same of you,” Vivian offers.
And he’s mine.
The truth of the realization has never been more accurate. Biting my bottom lip, I’ll do what I want for the second time in my life. The first was taking Jake by the hand in the cave.
“Say, I’m looking for someplace to stay for a couple of weeks, and the cabin I was staying in, well, it was—”
“Say no more.” Viola grabs my hand. “I’ve got you covered. There’s a woman who rents out rooms—”
“Yes, Flora. Flora will help you,” Violet says, shuffling her orthotic shoes on the concrete.
I feel like I’ve been accepted into something that I might regret.But probably not.“Great. Can you tell me where to go so I can talk to her?”
Viola drags me behind her. “We’ll take you, dear. Now tell us, how was it surviving a fire?”
Oh, brother. I better make this good as these three are going to tell everyone. I need to make sure it’s something I don’t mind hearing repeatedly from here on out.
* * *
JAKE
Two days later
The hospital bed is uncomfortable, and my attitude is getting more piss-poor by the minute. Maitlyn hasn’t come to the hospital, at least not I’m aware of. I want to know what’s happening with her and Kraine and if they’re safe.
Hell, no one’s come to see me.
And that’s making me even more pissed off. And also a little concerning that Iwantpeople to come see me.I thought I was acting the loner, when I was never really alone. The people of Black Timber Peak just let me do my own thing and just gave me the amount of attention I needed.
The door opens, and I lean off the pillow as I stare at it.Please be her.
Pierce— ugh.
“How’s the worst patient in the world doing?”
“Fuck off,” I scowl at him.
“Well, I see your grumpy attitude is back. Thank God, I would’ve been worried if you smiled.” Pierce smirks at me. “I thought maybe Ms. Sunshine would’ve done some magic to fix that shit, though.”
