Page 55 of Timber Ridge
We take the ATV down the mountain. The farther we get from the house, the thicker the tension seems to grow. Our three days alone have been filled with discovering each other, our new love blossoming in the isolation. Daily calls with Hailey have been comforting, but we both really miss her. Had she missed us as much as we did her? Every mile away from our sanctuary makes the questions between Kane and me louder. What will Hailey’s return mean for our intimacy? We haven’t discussed how to handle things moving forward, and that uncertainty gnaws at me. Is he as uncomfortable as I am about it?
Finally, I blurt what neither of us is saying. “I’ll miss sleeping with you.”
It’s true. My relationship with Kane goes beyond physical intimacy. It gives me a sense of belonging, which is exactly what I came here for. He also makes me seem delicate and vulnerable. I have never been described as slim—even May refers to me as sturdy. But standing next to Kane, I am small in comparison.
He reaches out and takes my hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “We’ll figure it out.”
I want to believe him, but deep down, I know it won’t be the same.
We arrive at Eliza’s and Kane parks the ATV by the door. It doesn’t take long before it flies open, and Hailey rushes out. I expect her to run straight to her dad, but she doesn’t. She squeals, “Timber,” and throws herself into my arms. “I missed you so much.”
“I missed you too,” I say, picking her up and turning her around before setting her in front of her father.
Kane is smiling. “I rate higher than Olaf, but you rank higher than me.”
I probably should feel bad, but I don’t. I like that Hailey misses me.
Kane squats down. “Come here, Noodle.” He lifts her with ease and sets her on his hip. “Where’s your Aunt Eliza?”
“Feeding Cody. She said to come in.”
“Where’s Uncle Matt?” Kane asks.
“He’s in the shower.”
We enter the house just as Eliza exits the bedroom. “Hey, you two. How are things?”
“We had a wonderful time, Eliza. Thank you for everything.” I turn away, my cheeks burning. Eliza knows exactly what we were up to, and part of me is thankful for her intervention, even if it makes facing her a bit awkward.
Eliza throws a victorious fist in the air. “Mission accomplished.”
Moments later, Matt comes from the room, hair wet but fully dressed.
“Thanks for taking her,” Kane says.
Matt nods. “It was our pleasure. She’s a good little helper.” He looks at me and Kane and says, “She’d make an excellent big sister.”
Matt’s words leave me speechless. Hailey beams up at us, her eyes shining with excitement. “I want a little brother or sister.”
My smile falters for a fraction of a second, the weight of Hailey’s innocent wish pressing heavily on my heart. That’s something I can never give her.
Kane, noticing my discomfort, quickly changes the subject. “By the way, my boat's ready. They called yesterday. I’ll pick it up on Monday.”
“Need any help getting it?” Matt asks.
Kane shakes his head. “No, this is where you're needed,” he says, glancing at Eliza. “Besides, I need to make sure I can handle her on my own.” He tousles Hailey’s hair. “Are you ready, Noodle?”
As soon as we’re on the ATV, Kane says, “I’m sorry. They didn’t know.”
Most of me is okay with it, but a part of me is sad that I’ll never experience carrying a child of my own. I close my eyes and imagine that baby, and what I see is Kane’s brown hair and those stormy blue eyes.
“You know what sounds great right now?” I don’t wait for anyone to answer. “May’s fresh pie.”
Kane looks at me and nods. “Pie it is.”
Shortly after, we arrive at May’s Café.
“Look what the cat brought in,” May says as we enter.