Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 83379 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 417(@200wpm)___ 334(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83379 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 417(@200wpm)___ 334(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
“Does Sienna know?” she asked in a faltering voice.
“I think she suspects. We kept it on the down-low because he, well, he didn’t want to cause any more pain.” I pushed my hand through my hair in frustration. “It just happened, Mom. We got close and, well…he’s a handsome cowboy, what do you want from me?”
She chuckled. “Well, doesn’t this throw a wrench into the whole thing…”
“Nah, there’s nothing more to it.” I swallowed down my emotions. “We said our goodbyes, and I just need to move on.”
She studied me with a strange look on her face. “Are you sure?”
I shrugged, my eyes stinging a bit.
“Oh, honey.”
Just as she pulled me into a hug, my phone started blowing up with notifications. I’d forgotten I changed the setting on my phone last night so I wouldn’t be disturbed for several hours.
When I drew back and fished my cell from my pocket, I stiffened. There were several texts from Sienna. But I shouldn’t have been surprised. Most likely, she’d responded in kind.
“Everything all right?” Mom asked, staring down at my cell.
“Yes, it’s just Sienna. We agreed to exchange photos. Me from the wedding and her from the grand opening.”
“That was today?” she asked.
“Tomorrow. I’m sure she’s just showing me all the preparations.”
“I’d like to see the photos too, if you don’t mind.” She threw her arm around my shoulder and kissed my cheek. I should’ve known better than to think there was a way to get around my heartache, so I’d just plow straight through it.
30
Kerry
The grand opening went off without a hitch. I was standing near the door, helping usher customers inside, but the area outside was just as crowded. The petting zoo we’d set up for the kids might’ve been the draw, or it might’ve been just plain curiosity about the farm and the divorced couple running it, one of whom had come out of the closet. People were generally kind, especially those who knew our family, but I still got plenty of probing looks, and frankly, I was tired of it. Tired of being reduced to my sexuality. On the other hand, I just wanted to get it over with, so I let them look all they wanted. If they left with a purchase from the store, all the better.
I kept a keen eye on Ainsley, who seemed in her element inside the makeshift enclosure as she led kids younger than her to the animals and taught them how to properly approach them. Those who didn’t know her history would’ve never noticed her anxiety around relative strangers—today she was owning it, and I was so proud of her.
My gaze swung toward the store entrance when I overheard a couple of townsfolk complimenting the design inside the space. It certainly was impressive, and we owed it all to the one guy who occupied my mind every hour of every day. We hadn’t spoken since he left, which was likely for the best, though I’d seen the photos of his sister’s wedding from Sienna. Julian in a tux on the beach was something to behold, and Sienna had watched my reaction closely, which made my cheeks flush even further. It probably only added to the string of clues she’d been putting together all along about me and Julian.
Sienna’s gaze met mine, and she grinned at me, no doubt also thrilled that the opening was going so well. She was planted behind the register, ringing up customers, while Brad was nearby, helping direct or answer questions. They had announced to their families that they were officially dating, and I was happy for them. I didn’t know what our lives might look like a year from now, but I’d keep the farm afloat however I could, even if it meant working it without Sienna. Regardless, the extra revenue from Firefly Goods would help our little family no matter what.
Ainsley also seemed to take the news pretty well. She’d had loads of questions for us, of course.
“Will you and Brad be getting married?” she’d asked over dinner one night.
“We’re only dating, for now. Nothing will change in our lives except for Brad coming around a bit more.” I could see the strain in Sienna’s eyes. “Is that okay?”
“Yes. Brad is nice.” Then Ainsley’s gaze had swung to me. “Will Daddy date too?”
“Probably not,” I’d replied without hesitation.
“But Daddy needs someone to make him smile too.” She’d looked thoughtfully at me, and I’d wondered if I’d done a poor job of keeping my sour mood at bay. “Julian made Daddy smile. Will he be visiting us again?”
I’d inhaled sharply through my nose. I knew she was only being an observant kid, but she didn’t know how right on the nose she was.
When Sienna glanced at me, her eyes had softened. “I hope so—or maybe Daddy should go visit Julian in the city.”