Page 34 of From Grumpy to Forever
He’d always resented the closer relationship I had with my grandparents growing up. But that wasn’t my fault. If anything, it was his.
As the daughter of a single mom, I’d started spending my summers with them in Trickle Creek when I was pretty young. My aunt and uncle sent him to stay, too. Some of the time. But when we each got old enough to choose, Jacob wasn’t interested in visiting a small town and chose instead to go to summer camp or stay in the city with his friends. Of course, my relationship with them grew stronger.
The only time Jacob ever cared about it was on the very few occasions we were all together at a family function. It was only then that his jealousy shone through. And that’s all it was. Jealousy.
His parents doted on him to such an extreme that he couldn’t stand not being the favorite or the center of attention at all times.
No, this wasn’t about him wanting the inn. It was about the fact that I had it instead of him.
Not that it mattered. Either way, it was a giant pain in my ass because nothing could proceed as long as he was contesting the will. Which, as of yesterday, was officially what was happening.
William assured me that Jacob didn’t have a chance at succeeding considering I was now legally married. Still, I couldn’t help but worry that he was going to do everything he could to make things difficult for me.
I dipped the brush in the can a little too aggressively, sloshing paint over the side. “Dammit.”
“Looks like you could use a break.”
I jumped at Reid’s voice and almost kicked over the can of paint entirely.
“Sorry,” he said with a chuckle. “I didn’t mean to scare you.” He crossed the floor and took the brush from my hand. “Why don’t you call it quits for the night?”
Given all the mistakes I was making, it didn’t seem like a bad idea. “I think that’s probably a good choice.”
I let Reid put the lid back on the can of paint while I cleaned up my spill. “I thought you were out for the night,” I said when we were done. The moment the words were out of my mouth, I wanted them back. It wasn’t my job to keep tabs on him. He was free to come and go as he pleased. “I mean, I don’t care. It’s…fine. You can…”
His eyes flashed and his lips curled up into a small grin, clearly amused at my discomfort. “I went to unload some equipment in my new shop,” he offered. “It didn’t take as long as I thought. Besides, there’s something I want to talk to you about.”
My stomach dropped.
“Talk?”
Nothing good ever started with those words. If Reid wanted to pull out of our agreement now, I wouldn’t have any chance at keeping the inn. He was my only hope now.
“Oh, I…sure.” I tried to smooth my hair back in an effort to look even a little bit put together and in control of the situation.
He shifted his weight, his gaze dropping briefly to the floor before once more meeting mine. The hesitation on his face made my pulse race, and I had to force myself to take a deep breath.
“Avery.” He reached for me. His touch both calmed me and sent my heart on a wild new rhythm. “It’s nothing bad.” His tone was softer this time. “I promise.”
But there was no way I believed him. Not when every nerve in my body was screaming that this was all about to blow up. I swallowed hard and forced my well-practiced smile onto my face. “Okay. Why don’t we go sit outside?”
He nodded. “I’ll meet you out there.”
It was a warm night; spring was quickly turning into summer. Alone on the porch, I took the opportunity to take a few deep breaths and calm myself down. Even if Reid did want out of our agreement, it would be fine. Everything would work out. I knew it would.
It had to.
* * *
Reid
With two glasses in hand, I stepped out on the porch, expecting to find Avery waiting but she was nowhere to be found. I glanced at the heap of destroyed wood in the corner that used to be her beloved swing. It wasn’t high on the priority list, but it would have been a nice place to sit and have this conversation.
At the very least, I could haul away the mess.
But it was a problem for later. I had more important things to discuss with my wife. If I could find her.
I moved to the porch rail and scanned the yard, finally spotting her on the grass, standing next to the old wooden sign.
