The boys kept her plenty busy during the day. The truth was, though, the evenings and nights were terrible. They were way too quiet, lonely, and sometimes downright creepy. Having this huge house felt like too much when all the creaks and groans made her feel jumpy. And that was before someone was trying to scare her out of her home.
Would she ever be able to relax again after this case was solved?
A dog of their own very well might be a must. But a house all on one level would be really nice, too. If they stayed here, she would look into having a security system installed.
There were a lot of ifs there. Was she actually seriously considering selling the place?
Her gaze flicked to the framed photo on her dresser. She and Joe were smiling for the camera. What the picture didn’t show was how Joe had his hand poised just inches from her ribs and that, as soon as the photo was taken, he’d tickled her.
The memory made her smile, but it quickly morphed back into a frown.
“Would you hate me if I sold this place?” As soon as the words were uttered, she knew the answer was no. He would want her to be happy. Safe. He would have supported her in anything she truly wanted to do.
Was she willing to walk away from the place that held so many memories that she shared with Joe? That was the real question. Why couldn’t it all be black and white?
She took a deep breath and headed back downstairs. When she re-entered the living room, both Nate and Jenny looked up from their conversation, concern evident on their faces.
“I was just going to come up and check on you.” Jenny stood. “I know today’s been a lot. Maybe I should head home and give you a chance to relax a little this afternoon and evening.”
Bailey swallowed hard. “Joe had so many plans for our future here. Would I be dishonoring his memory if I sold this place? Would I be severing one of the last connections between him and the boys?” Her voice cracked, and her face flushed. She never should’ve voiced her concerns. Her friends were going to think she was finally losing it. Maybe she was.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Jenny strode across the living room and gave Bailey a tight hug. “Are you serious? Of course you wouldn’t be dishonoring his memory. My goodness, Bailey. All he wanted was for you and the boys to be happy.”
Another hand touched her back and she let Nate’s warmth and calming presence wash over her.
“Joe once told me that he liked the idea of the farm because he hoped the two of you would eventually be able to work together. I don’t think he would’ve cared if it’d been here or if you’d bought and run a pizzeria.” His voice was gruff. “It was always about spending time with you and the boys.”
Jenny leaned back and looked Bailey in the eyes. “As far as keeping Joe’s memory alive for Seth and Jordan? You, my friend, are that connection. Not this house or that lamp on the table or even the tire swing outside. You. The stories you’ll tell them, pictures you’ll show them. You’re the one who’s going to keep Joe alive for them. And do you knowwhat?” She paused dramatically. “You can do that from anywhere.”
Bailey chuckled and swiped at her tears. Heat suffused her cheeks as she cast a glance at Nate. “I’m sorry. I promise I don’t normally cry this much.” She pressed her hands against her face and willed herself to stop blushing.
“Are you kidding? You’re a beautiful person inside and out, no matter what.” The words left his lips, and he seemed surprised that he’d spoken them out loud.
Jenny nodded. “I couldn’t agree more.” She glanced from Nate to Bailey. “You’ve got to give yourself a little grace, girl. You’ve earned it.” She gave Nate a pointed look.
He dropped his hand from the small of Bailey’s back. “Why don’t I check on the boys for a few minutes? Make sure they’re not getting into too much trouble.” He let out a whistle and led the way upstairs, Minnie on his heels.
As soon as he was gone, Jenny placed her hands on Bailey’s shoulders. “This isn’t just about the farm, is it?”
“What do you mean?” Bailey stepped away to retrieve a tissue from a box on a nearby table. She blew her nose and then grabbed another to swipe at her eyes.
When she turned back, Jenny was standing there, hands on her hips, with an unconvinced look on her face. “I’ve known you and Nate long enough to see something’s shifted. You two are acting differently toward each other. Did something happen?”
Bailey shrugged, but her face must have revealed the truth.
Jenny slapped a hand over her mouth to cover a surprised gasp. “Somethingdidhappen. I knew it.”
Bailey glanced at the stairs and lowered her voice. “We kissed yesterday.”
Her friend looked excited and then sobered. “Are you okay?”
“Honestly? I don’t know. Like you, Nate’s one of my best friends. The idea of something ruining that makes me physically sick.”
“The fact that you’re such good friends is a big plus. Nate knows exactly what you’ve been going through. He’s been there for you and the boys. I mean, as soon as he knew you were in danger, he was ready to do anything in order to keep you guys safe.”
“I know.” Bailey groaned. “Then there’s Joe. We’re talking about his best friend here. I should feel horribly guilty for even thinking about this, much less for how I’m starting to feel toward Nate. But I don’t. Which makes me feel even worse.” She gave a half sob, half laugh. “I’m an absolute mess. Seriously.”
