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“Sure thing. Good luck. You know where to find me.” And with that, I walk out of the kitchen with just a pinch more strength than I had when I walked in.
Before putting my truck in drive, I take out my phone and text Shannon.
JACKSON
Seriously, Shannon, a wind farm? Kind of big news. We need to talk. I’m going to see Solia for a bit this afternoon. Let me know if you’re around tonight or tomorrow.
My fingers hover over the screen, trying to formulate the words to send to Solia. Selfishly, I want to talk to her as soon as possible, but Mia is still in town.
Here goes nothing.
JACKSON
Hi, Solia, are you around today? I was hoping to swing by and talk.
I press Send and hold my breath.
18
Having Mia here in New Hampshire is like that first sip of coffee in the morning. She’s the yin to my yang, my grounding force. Everything is better with her around.
And with each repair I make to the cabin, whether it’s righting the crooked stair rail or hammering the nail back into the deck board, I mold this place into my own, and pride fills my heart. Being here is what I dreamed it would be. The stillness and quiet mountain air are so freeing. With Mia here, even just for these few days, I am happier than I’ve been in forever.
Once the school year starts, I know I’ll meet more people and I won’t feel Mia’s absence so acutely. But meeting Jackson, as unexpected as it was, might ease my loneliness. Love is something I thought I ditched in the potholes outside the Meriden town limits. Except it’s found its way back on its own, and I know I’m falling hard.
Jackson seems like a man worth taking my chances on.
Being able to enjoy the weather, the lake, and campfires at night without the stress of work the next day is fantastic—and Mia and I took full advantage of this last night. Despite our late bedtime, we rise with the sun. She thinks it’s the quiet causing her to wake up early—it’s interesting how people become accustomed to their surroundings. Traffic, honking, and streetlights lull big-city residents to sleep, but out here, there’s nothing but stillness. The cabin isn’t just small-town quiet; it is silent, which I’ll take any day, but Mia’s not a fan.
The morning dawns warm, and since Mia is leaving tomorrow, we want to play during the time we have left. I have two paddleboards, paddles, and jackets in the garage in hopes I’d have someone to enjoy the water with this summer. Throwing the boards and paddles into the truck bed is the easy part; finding a place by the small craft launch at the beach on a Sunday morning will be the challenge.
To my surprise, only a few cars are parked along the shore. We secure a spot next to the launch and float the boards right into the water. Newfound Lake is magnificent, no matter the time of day, but there’s something special that happens in the early-morning hours. The sun rising in the east over the mountains uses the sky as its canvas and reflects shapes of yellow and orange on the lake. In a word, it is awesome. On a morning like this, there isn’t a breeze to be felt; the water appears glass-like.
As our paddles dip into the water, I can tell by the expression on Mia’s face the view has her speechless. Looking across the lake on all sides, we seem to be the only ones around, the only ripples the wake left behind from our paddle strokes.
“I see why you love this place. It’s a little magical right now.” Mia turns to me, balancing well enough to stay on her feet.
“It does, doesn’t it? Summer allows Newfound to shine. As a kid, I came with my family over break. My only goals were to meet other kids, and I lived for ice cream nights. Now, I see much more. I don’t want to get sappy, but I’m eager to see this place in each of the four seasons and for longer than a weekend.”
“Well, give it some time. It’s still early. You may miss home.”
She always has my best interests at heart. I know she wants me to be happy.
We reach the swim line and follow the shore bordered by gorgeous lake homes with views to die for and impressive mountain ranges as their backdrop. “I’d say these people have it made. Their morning view is stunning! Sometimes I wonder if my parents would’ve traded the privacy of their cabin for a water view. I’m not sure which I prefer.”
Mia keeps her focus on balancing. “I don’t think you can lose either way.”
“Yeah … soooo, last night was fun. You seemed into Tyler. Tell me …”
Mia’s head swivels. “He is a hottie. Did you know he has a tattoo of a mountain range on his shoulder? Freaking hot. I’m not sure if I could hack it out in the country, but the muscles that guy has from living around here and being outdoorsy—ugh. So sexy. You didn’t tell me that his family owned Bear Farm. Have you seen his triceps? He looks like he wrestles bears. If it hadn’t been so long since I’d seen you, I would’ve jumped in that truck and gone home with him.” Confidence oozes from her as she tosses her hair behind her shoulders.
She always has a way of making me laugh.Carefreeshould be her middle name. Her attitude is admirable—she does what she wants, never overthinks things, just goes for it. “I’m glad you didn’t go home with him. He was a little too sloshed. Maybe next time you come to visit.”
“Well, he texted me a minute ago. I haven’t responded, but it popped up on my watch.”
I’m not surprised. I can’t blame a guy for trying to keep Mia’s attention. There is nothing not to love. If you don’t laugh your ass off when you’re with her, the problem is you and not her. And she is as beautiful as she is kind. “This early, huh? Impressive. You haven’t lost your touch. Not even here in the mountains.”
“Did you doubt me, Solia? I think he wants to grab dinner. I haven’t answered him, but I’ll say no. I’m here to spend time with you.”
