Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 76364 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 382(@200wpm)___ 305(@250wpm)___ 255(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76364 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 382(@200wpm)___ 305(@250wpm)___ 255(@300wpm)
Beckett looks at us, confused, but I don’t have time to explain since I need to get to the store. Luckily, my shift ended a little bit ago, and I’m off for the next four days.
I scoop up Cinder, give my niece a kiss, and tell her I’ll see her tonight at her party. Then I take off in my truck to the boutique my sister-in-law Allison owns. She’s married to my other brother, Jackson, who runs our family’s ranch.
After she helps me pick out two gifts for Tilly—one from me and the other from Jordan—I drive over to Mrs. Jenson’s house. There’s no car in the drive, but it might be in the garage, so I chance knocking. It takes several seconds, but finally, the door opens, and Kelsie pops her head out. The first thing I notice is that she’s no longer in the sexy off-the-shoulder sweater and tight jeans she was wearing earlier. Now, she’s wearing a long-sleeved shirt with flannel pants. Still sexy, but in a different way.
My gaze glides up her body, landing on her face. Her eyes are red and puffy, her cheeks tear-stained. She’s been crying.
“Pierce, what are you doing here?” she breathes, her sad eyes connecting with the present in my hands.
“Tilly’s party is at Snow Hill Park in the community barn at four o’clock.” I hand the gift to her. “Dress warmly. It’s supposed to be chilly tonight.”
“I-I don’t understand.” Her eyes flit from the present to me. “Why are you doing this?”
I consider telling her everything that’s gone through my mind since the moment I saw her in line at the grocery store, but Kelsie reminds me of Tinsel, the rescue horse at my family’s ranch. She’s timid and scared, and if you don’t approach her slowly and carefully, making her feel safe, she’ll freak out on you. I don’t know Kelsie’s story, but I can see it in her eyes. She needs me to approach slowly.
“Because life’s too short not to attend a party,” I tell her, making her jaw drop open. “See you and Jordan tonight.” With a playful wink, I turn on my heel and head back to my truck, hoping my gut is right, and she and Jordan will be there tonight.
CHAPTER FIVE
KELSIE
He brought Jordan a present so that she could attend the party. He went out of his way to purchase a gift and have it wrapped, then drove it over to our house to give it to me. All so Jordan could attend his niece’s birthday. He didn’t make a big deal out of it, just reminded me of the time and place. He told me life’s too short not to attend a party. Then with a sexy wink that went straight to the apex between my thighs, he walked back to his truck, while I watched him, frozen in place, wondering what the hell had just happened.
It isn’t until his truck disappears and I glance down at the beautifully wrapped gift that I realize I never thanked him.
Guess we’re going to a party…
I let Jordan take a full nap, since we’ll be up late. While she sleeps, I get dressed and spend some time reading. When she wakes up and sees the gift, she’s beyond excited that she gets to attend the birthday party. My heart sinks at recalling how I told her she couldn’t go to begin with, realizing I’ve allowed my preconceived notions about this town to affect my daughter. The owners of the café I work at are understanding. Mrs. Jenson is beyond sweet, and Pierce is so nice. Even his niece had such a big heart, offering her present so Jordan could attend.
Sure, there will always be people who will judge and make assumptions about me, but I can’t allow the fear of what someone might think or say to run our lives. We moved here for a fresh start, yet I brought my past with us. And that’s not fair or healthy for either of us.
“Mommy, look at the giant TV!” Jordan exclaims as we walk into the barn where the party is being held. There are blue and white balloons everywhere. Stations for food and drinks and, as Jordan mentioned, a gigantic blow-up screen where I’m assuming they’ll be playing the movie.
“Jordan, you came!” Tilly yells, running at full speed toward my daughter.
“I brought you a present,” Jordan says, handing the gift to her friend with a proud smile on her face. She didn’t ask where I got it, only hugged and thanked me, telling me I’m the best mom in the world.
“Thank you!” Tilly says, taking it from her. “Come get hot cocoa.” She takes Jordan’s hand, and the two girls run off together.
“I’m glad you came,” a masculine voice says, making me jump.
I turn and find Pierce standing there, looking at me with a soft smile.