“Who was?—”
“I’m leaving for the day,” I call over my shoulder as I turn and stomp my way through the front doors, silently hoping that the chilled air will calm the fire burning within me.
Chapter Four
Olivia
“Quit Playing Games with My Heart” by Backstreet Boys is playing softly in the background as Edna, Raine, and I work on our embroidery projects. Raine is snuggled next to me, and I glance over at her wildflower design. Edna has been teaching us embroidery every Monday evening for the past few months all because I had complimented her work so much that she finally broke and said it was time for me to learn how to do it myself. Raine also wanted to learn, and that’s how this whole thing got started.
Since we started, I have added embroidery to my jeans, Converse shoes, aprons, and a few hats. I like adding a piece of myself to everything that I wear—usually flower designs or fruit. Recently, I’ve been working on a bakery-themed apron design that I’m about finished with, and I can’t wait to wear it.
“It looks amazing.” I smile at Raine, watching her press the needle in to finish the edge of a honeysuckle.
“Thank you. I’m going to put this in Annabelle’s room. She wants it to be wildflowerthemed.”
“That girl is something special,” Edna adds as she concentrates on her design, which I’m curious to see. She’s been snickering to herself, and I can’t get a peek from where she’s sitting across from us in my cozy recliner.
“What happened to theBlueytheme?” I ask, setting my project down in my lap as I turn toward Raine. “I’ve already bought her a few things.”
“She still loves anythingBluey. Her bedroom will end up beingBluey-wildflower themed, I'm sure.”
Ten years ago, Raine had moved away to attend college and never looked back. Ryland had broken her heart, and at the time, her mom was dating Luke’s dad, Davis. I loathe that man for all the pain he caused. But now, there’s this sense of peace that Raine carries with her since she moved back to Covewood eight months ago.
Forgiving Davis has been hard, because the truth is, he's the reason Luke got mixed up in the wrong crowd and struggled with an alcohol addiction in high school. It broke my heart in more ways than one. And for that, forgiveness has not been easy for me. Davis is also part of the reason Luke chose to become a cop. Luke has worked tirelessly to clean up the police department, making sure corrupt officers were fired, and as a result, the streets of Covewood are much safer now.
I guess even in a bad situation, some good can emerge. God really does have a way of turning things around. Raine and Luke are two of the people I love most in this world. And I see the marks Davis left behind, even if they never say a word about it. I think, deep down, they know I see it.
“Are you excited to have Ryland and Annabelle move in after the wedding?” I ask, my smile growing as she beams at the question.
“Yes! I wish they’d move in right now, but Ryland doesn’t want to live together until we’re married, which I respect. Plus, we’ve been working on getting Annabelle’s room ready to surprise her.”
Edna peeks up from her embroidery hoop. “She’s going to enjoy living on the farm, as much as that girl loves animals.”
“She’s already convinced Ryland to get her a pony for Christmas.” The three of us share a laugh.
My sweet little niece has brought so much joy with her since she was born eight years ago. Raine might not be her mother by birth, but ever since she and Ryland have been back together, she has taken on the role of stepmother beautifully. And even though I’m not blood related to Ryland, I’m still Annabelle’s favorite aunt.
“Speaking of Christmas, I bought some small hoops that we can turn into cute, embroidered ornaments.” I bend over and grab them from the basket near my feet.
Edna’s eyes widen. “There’s only, what, twenty-one days until Christmas? We better get to work!”
I hold up one of the small hoops. “Do you think we can get them done before then?”
Edna’s mouth opens to reply, but the sound of my front door opening steals our attention. The three of us twist to see Luke, still in his police uniform that stretches across his chest in a way that makes my mouth feel dry. I push those feelings aside, forcing my eyes to look down at the grocery bags he’s holding in one hand and the orange-and-white cat in his other.
I arch a brow as I study the feline. “Luke, why do you?—”
“Merry Christmas.” Luke closes the door behind him before handing the cat to me.
It growls, and the hairs on its back stand up as it twists its head to face me, its bright golden eyes piercing into mine. I’ve never been scared of cats before, but there is always a first time for everything. Edna is cackling behind me, and I want to give her a scolding look, but I’m currently frozen, fully focused on the cat. She or he—I’m not sure what it is—blinks, and then its ears move back as it lets out a low growl.
“Luke, I'm not sure this cat likes me.”
“He doesn’t seem to like anybody but me at the moment.”
“Then why don’t you keep him?” I go to move the cat, but he lets out another growl, and I stay completely still.
“Maybe this is payback for this morning.” A smug look takes over his face. I want to smack it away but can’t move at the moment.
