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I laugh. “I love that. Pancakeisspecial.”
I take in my new friends where they’re all curled up on Beth’s big sectional couch, and I choke up for a second, thinking about how grateful I am. Coming back to Freedom Valley is just what my heart and soul needed. Finding a friend group that is like family, that accepts me, has been a godsend.
“Hey, did you hear me?” Beth calls. “Earth to Paige...”
“Sorry, what did you say?”
“I just was telling you that the auction flyers have been printed, and it’s all over our local social media now. I was also wondering if you’d like some help setting up an online store so that you can sell off some of your inventory in the meantime.” Beth says.
“Yes, I would love that so much.” I say, “Are you sure you have time?”
“I’m on bed rest. I have nothing but time.”
* * *
I walk back into the garden shed and find Evan fixing something at the table. “How was Pancake tonight?”
He looks at me strangely. “We have a situation.”
“Oh no. What happened?”
He motions for me to follow him, and I see Pancake in the upstairs window, pressed up against the screen. Below him outside the window are two raccoons circling the bottom of the garden shed, pawing at the wall to where Pancake is.
“Oh no,” I whisper.
“He made friends,” Evan says with a look of concern. “He’s multiplying.”
I look up at Pancake, who’s still watching the raccoons below. “Pancake, you are a worldly gentleman. Don’t be bringing street raccoons home.”
Evan’s eyes widen, and he laughs.
“I’ll talk to him,” I promise with a straight face and head up the stairs, snickering under my breath.
* * *
My room is lit up with the moon streaming in, and I’m having a hard time falling asleep. Pancake is curled up next to me in a little ball. His friends seem to have given up and gone home.
I sit up and pull the binder of letters onto my lap. I flip to one of my favorites from my mom. It’s from my 19thbirthday. Honestly, they’re all my favorites. Anxiety fills me when I think of not having any more letters to open. It almost feels like I’m losing her again. A hot tear slides down my cheek, and I brush it away.
At least I have these letters. We had about a year to prepare, and as hard as that was, my mom was able to leave me with these letters, her final gift to me. I am thankful for each one.
My dear Paige,
Happy 19thbirthday, Bug! Someday you’re going to be dating and just writing that leaves me nervous. I don’t ever want you to be hurt. I want you to find an amazing partner who will love and cherish you. The thought of someone not treating you the way you deserve makes me feel so much sadness and anger.
You are such a bright light, Paige. You have so much love and radiance to offer the world. Don’t ever let anyone diminish that. Don’t do what I did, Paige. I didn’t date or let anyone in because I wanted to focus on you. I figured I’d date when you were older. And now I’m going to be gone. I didn’t get a chance at love. Don’t do that. Take chances, Paige. Love big and allow yourself to receive love in return.
Remember that the wrong man will find you in peace and leave you in pieces. The right man will find you in pieces and lead you to peace. Look for that man. The one who will fill your cup and make you happy. You will feel safe and at peace around him. Listen to your gut, Bug. I’ll be with you in the sunrises and sunsets.
Love,
Mom
13. preston
Tusk
Sitting at my desk,I read the same email at least six times before I realize my attention span is spent. This is becoming a problem. I can’t focus because I keep thinking about Paige. I wonder what she’s doing, what she’s thinking. Whether she ate lunch, how her bookstore is coming along, and how I can help her. I can’t even help it at this point. She’s got me hooked. And no matter how much I try to pretend that I don’t like her like that, I do. I so do. She’s even got me reading romance books, for God’s sake.
