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“I pay a small fee to a storefront owner to let me keep a table outside for a few hours each month and hand out books to neighborhood kids. I post about it in the town Facebook group to let people know where I'll be.”
“You pay for that? To hand out free books?”
“Supposedly the fee covers the insurance or something, but it’s so small I don't care.”
“What do you get out of it?”
She shrugs and gives me a cocky smile. “Joy.”
I purse my lips at her. “Cute.”
I watch her place returned books in carts for a while.
My face falls, remembering why she can’t leave town—not even for a better job. I wish things were different for her.
“I’m sorry, Charlie. You really deserve…so much more than this.”
She shakes her head, but there’s no bitterness to it. “Oh, I’m fine. I like it here. I get pretty good benefits,” she says, staying positive. “And I've got a great payment plan set up with the hospital on all my mother’s treatments. This job isn’t glamorous, but it’s enough for me to pay rent, groceries and just above the interest for the payment plan.”
My brows raise. “Hard to believe the local hospital would charge so much interest.”
“They don't. I missed a few payments six months ago and they sold the loan.”
“Oh, I'm sorry. How much do you owe?” I don’t dwell on the fact that I’m asking a personal question. Instead, I think back to how much I have in my savings when I'm able to access it.
“Over a hundred thousand.”
“What?”
She winces. “Pepper, don't worry about me. I know you want to help, but I've got it all figured out. I'm starting to write children's books now. I still need an illustrator and will figure out how to market them, but I'm kind of excited about it. And who knows, maybe it'll be the next big story.”
My eyes sting, and I come around the counter and hug her. I’ve done nothing but pour my own drama on her while she’s suffering in silence and still maintains a bubbly personality.
There’s no doubt in my mind that I’d do anything to help her—and her mother. If she could have more time with her and not have to worry about owing a dime.
“Charlie,” I gasp, pulling back sharply. “Turn me in.”
Her eyes widen. “What?”
“Turn me in. You can claim the million,” I whisper. “Pay off your debt. Get your mother more treatment, maybe even a private nurse and have more freedom. Live your dream.”
Charlie jerks in shock, her eyes watering. “Are you crazy. Pepper? I love you for offering, but you’re not—”
“Charlie, it's only three years. You'll be here when I come back. Debt free and with all the care your mother needs.”
She laughs bitterly. “She won’t make it that long.” Then she grips my hands. “I'm not letting anyone take you away from us. Not even for a day. So no more of this nonsense.” She steps back to the book cart, and I follow her.
“Charlie,” I whisper. “Someone is going to. It’s only a matter of time. It may as well be you.”
Charlie watches cautiously as library patrons pass us. “I’d never accept the money knowing you’re in someone else’s hands. Someone none of us trust. And I’d never risk you not coming back. I don’t have friends here anymore, Pepper. You’re it. And that’s worth more to me than anything.”
It’s unfortunate that an outdoorsy kid like Jackson has a birthday in November, but Levi is prepared. With a party tent big enough for a small wedding reception in the backyard and heat lamps spread throughout.
Aiden offered to cater the party—probably back when he thought it was going to be a few of Jackson’s friends and their parents. Not half the town. But the spread is extraordinary, with enough variety to keep anyone happy. Well—except for the older lady hovering over the children’s table. She’s swiping soda cans from the kids table and replacing them with juice boxes.
“Who’s that?” I ask Chase.
“Mrs. Doubtfire.”
