“So you’ve known about this for a while?”
“Yes.”
Miller said nothing, just returned his attention back to the scene on the grass below. “I’m glad she’s home safe,” he finally said. “Thank you.”
Kayce’s surprise had been the perfect gift for Ava’s birthday.
But why did I think Miller didn’t quite agree?
* * *
When a man tells you he’s in it for the long haul, it’s hard to go about your business as if your entire world hasn’t turned to rainbows, glitter, and a touch of nausea.
Night had fallen, the party was long over, and I had waited long enough.
Forty-five minutes ago I’d received the email I’d been checking for on the half hour since this afternoon. The state budget had passed, and my equine-assisted therapy program would be funded for four more years. It was as if God himself had put the stamp of approval on my life here in Sugar Creek.
At ten p.m., bolstered by two Red Bulls and a pep talk from my grandma, I stood at Miller’s front door and knocked.
I knew he and his sister had a lot of catching up to do, but I kind of needed to know where I stood in his life, if he was okay with Elvis marrying us in Vegas, and if we could bring Ernie along as a witness. The important things.
Was I freaking out? Yes. Had I suffered exactly five panic attacks since Miller had declared his very romantic intentions? Also yes.
Did I think I loved him?
Maybe.
Ava opened the door, looking cute in her pink pajamas and her eyes full of stories she’d hold onto for years. “Hey, Hattie. Come on in.”
“How’s the reunion going?” I squeezed her in a hug, noting the progress Ava had made as she hugged me back. Ava 2.0 was a great hugger. Ava 1.0 would’ve hissed and flashed me her claws.
“Mom’s really home,” she said. “Can you believe it?”
“I’m so happy for you.” Maybe this would nudge Ava toward even more healing. “Is your uncle here?”
“Yeah, he and Mom were talking in his office, but surely they’re done by now.” Her phone pinged from her pocket, and Ava fished it out. “I’ve had a million texts tonight. I have friends, Hattie. It’s the coolest.” I had a feeling, besides the visit from her mom, that friends was her favorite gift of all.
“Of course your classmates love you.”But did I mention this afternoon your uncle handed me his heart then casually strolled away?“You said Miller’s in the office?”
“Yep. Go on in.”
A more mature therapist would’ve lingered and chatted with Ava, helped her unpack all that had transpired, and given her an outlet for her many feelings. Me? I called upon my high school track skills, sprinted down the hall and around the corner, and made record time to Miller’s office.
Where I heard voices.
Loud ones.
Darn it. Could Miller and his sister just press pause on any of their own needs so I could deal with mine? I was a planet out of orbit, spinning madly into the stratosphere. I needed gravity to pull me back in, and the only way that would happen was if Miller and I told each other exactly how we felt and where we saw this relationship heading.
And if I got another piece of that birthday cake from the kitchen on my out.
“Miller, you owe me the truth,” I heard Kayce say.
My hand, ready to knock, froze near the massive wood door.
Miller’s tone was restrained, almost detached. “Kayce, we’ve talked about that night. What else do you want from me?”
“I know you’re not telling me everything. Stop protecting me.”
