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I wasn’t intentionally being an asshole. My brother was a great guy and all, but like the rest of the family, he’d perfected the ability to smother me with his constant concern.
“Incoming,” I mumbled as I caught sight of the manager of the inn heading toward us.
He turned, and a moment later, he stepped away to deal with an issue.
Our parents had retired years ago, and Rhett had taken overthe daily aspects of the business. He and our three sisters all worked in some capacity to keep the place running.
And then there was me. Joined the army at eighteen. Came home for good at thirty-two after getting myself shot. This stay was a temporary one, though, because I couldn’t see how there would ever be anything for me here.
Chapter Three
TINA
“But Mom…”Callie whined from the back seat. “Why can’t I hang out with you and Teddy today?”
A month ago, when I’d registered her for this week-long dance camp, she had been ecstatic.
I smiled at her in the rearview mirror, and in return, she rolled her eyes. With ahmph, she tore her gaze away and focused on the scenery outside her window.
“Callie, you’re going to have so much fun today. I promise.”
In response, she crossed her arms over her chest and slumped in her seat.
“And you’ll meet some of the kids who will be in your class at school this year.”
“I’m going to hate it,” she huffed.
“No, you won’t. I’m telling you. When I pick you up, you’re going to say you had the best day ever. I just know it.”
Callie hadn’t always been this difficult, but since her father died, she’d struggled to be the happy child she once was. I couldn’t bring her daddy back. Lord knew I would if I could. But I could encourage and support her in the best way I knew how, so I had been leaning into that.
“Daddy wouldn’t make me go,” she mumbled.
“What was your father’s motto, baby girl?”
We’d had this conversation a dozen times over the last year. But if I needed to remind her every day, then that was what I would do.
“Don’t be afraid to take the first step.”
“Right. So, do you think you can be brave and try it today?”
“Fine.” She sank even lower in her seat and dipped her chin.
I sent up a silent thank-you for another minor victory. Now Teddy and I just had to get in and out of the grocery store without incident.
It started out great, but within minutes, it was clear I had been asking for too much. Teddy attempted to climb the canned vegetable shelf, even after I told him to stay with me. He knocked over dozens of cans, then took off like a shot down the aisle. I apologized to the store employee, who scurried over to clean up the mess as I hastily followed my son.
“Teddy, wait for me, please.”
He turned the corner without a backward glance, so I picked up my pace. As I neared the end of the aisle, the sound of a deep, familiar voice hit me.
Shit.
“Whoa. Slow down there, McQueen.”
My son’s response was a giggle.
“Now, where’s that mom of yours?”
