The man’s footsteps faltered as he took in my reaction. I instantly ducked my head, embarrassed. Twice in a span of five minutes, I’d overreacted and made a fool of myself. Which was why my friendships were short-lived. People didn’t know what to do with me.
Aspen’s hand pressed into the small of my back gently. “Hallie, this is our vet and friend, Damien Miller. Damien, this is Hallie, Lawson’s new nanny. She’s new to Cedar Ridge.”
I didn’t want to look up and would’ve paid a million dollars not to, but I’d only seem odder if I didn’t. I forced my gaze up to the man a handful of feet away from us. His expression was curious, but there was also kindness in his green eyes, and he made no move to come closer even though the distance was awkward.
“Hi, Hallie. It’s nice to meet you.”
I nodded. “You, too.”
My palms were more than damp, and my heart thudded against my ribs. Too many new things, too close together. I struggled to rein it all in.
Damien turned to Aspen. “I’m all done with the inoculations. You know the drill. Some fatigue and upset stomach are normal, but if anyone seems extra out of sorts, just give me a call.”
She didn’t move from my side, her hand still on my back, letting me know she was there. “Thanks, Damien. I really appreciate you coming out.”
He dipped his head in answer. “Anytime.” His gaze flicked to me. “Welcome to Cedar Ridge, Hallie.”
My mouth was so dry my tongue stuck to the roof of my mouth. “Thank you. Nice to meet you.”
My words sounded robotic, as if I were some sort of AI. But at least they came.
Damien waved and headed for his vehicle. When he shut his door, I let out a breath. It was only then that Aspen moved her hand from my back.
I expected her to say something, maybe prod into my reaction or at least ask if I was okay. She didn’t say a word, simply turned around and began pointing out the animals to me.
Pressure built behind my eyes. Frustration. Despair. Anger. I only wanted one thing: normalcy. But I wasn’t sure it would ever be mine. All because ofhim. He’d stolen that chance from me. Of all the scars he’d left behind and the pain he’d inflicted, that was the worst of all.
11
HALLIE
“And then Emmalinetried to eat your hair!” Charlie said, practically bouncing in his booster seat.
I grinned back at him. Charlie was so easy to love, full of life and kindness. So easily accepting of me and anyone else in his orbit. “She must’ve been extra hungry. Unless emus usually eat hair.”
Charlie laughed harder, shaking his head. “Good thing we had treats.”
“Good thing,” I agreed as I turned onto Main Street and headed toward the high school. I was beyond grateful for the size of Cedar Ridge. And the fact that it created a sort of easily remembered grid.
But it was more than that. The town being so small made it easier for me to push my boundaries and dive into thenew.
“I wish we could’ve stayed longer,” Charlie said wistfully as he turned to look out the window.
“I bet Emmaline wished you could’ve, too.” It was the best I could give because, after my second freak-out of the afternoon, all I’d wanted to do was run back to my cabin and hide.
My cheeks heated just thinking about it. Aspen’s kindness said so much about who she was, but I was sure she wondered what was wrong with me. Everyone did. And I didn’t blame them. It generally didn’t come from a bad place, but it made me feel like a freak all the same.
Charlie let out an epic sigh, his shoulders rising and falling with the action. “I wish Dad would let us get a puppy or kitty.”
I glanced in the rearview mirror. “I always wanted a pet growing up, too.”
His eyes sparked with hope and a bit of mischief. “You could get one now! And then I could play with it all the time. Dad couldn’t say no because it would be yours, and you’re a grown-up.”
I couldn’t help the laugh that bubbled out of me. “Has anyone told you how smart you are?”
“Not today.”
I grinned at him. “Since I’m living in your dad’s guest cabin, I don’t think it would be very fair of me to get a pet without his permission.”
