Page 48 of Timber Ridge

I swallow hard, a pang of guilt catching in my throat. “Those nights were about us, Kane. I refused to taint them with my unresolved past. Besides, I was caught up in your stories, and the way you painted this place with your words. I didn’t want to interrupt that.”

He shifts slightly. “I was just filling in the blanks, telling you about the town. You could have told me anything.”

“I wanted to,” I admit, my voice trembling. “But every time I tried, I felt this ... hesitation. Like if I started looking for answers, I’d lose the magic of what we were building. I didn’t want to risk that.”

Kane steps closer, his eyes searching mine. “Do you think finding your father will change anything between us?”

“I don’t think so,” I whisper. “I just know that after my mom passed, I felt lost. When I found that postcard, it gave me hope. Coming here, meeting you, it’s been more than I could have dreamed. But I also felt this void, this need to know where I come from.”

“We all have our voids to fill,” he says. “But you don’t have to do it alone. You should’ve trusted me.”

“I do trust you, Kane. More than anyone. That’s why I’m telling you now. I’m sorry I kept it from you.”

Kane reaches out, taking my hand in his. “Whatever reasons brought you here, I’m glad you came.”

His words, simple and sincere, give me a squeeze of emotion. I’m glad he knows because now there’s nothing coming between us. As we finish tidying up, certainty settles in my chest. Here, with new friends, potential family, and a community that’s slowly becoming my own, I’m learning that sometimes, the universe doesn’t just send us on a journey. It brings us to a place that could very well be home.

The hum of the ATV lulls Hailey into a deep sleep in the back seat. I glance at her before my eyes shift to Kane. “She's out cold,” I say.

He nods, his grip tightening on the steering wheel. “Yeah, she’s had a long day.”

Silence settles between us.

As we pull into the driveway, he cuts the engine, and the sudden stillness makes his next words seem even more significant. “Timber, we both know where this is leading if we ever catch a moment alone.”

My breath hitches, and I turn to face him, my eyes searching his. “Is this the right time to talk about it?”

He sighs, running a hand through his hair. “It needs to be said. If we continue to go forward, I’ll need to plan. All I’ve got is an old box of condoms and a huge amount of desire.”

A blush creeps up my cheeks, but I meet his gaze steadily. “Kane, I can’t get pregnant. And it’s been a long time for me too.”

He looks at me. “I don't want to mess this up because we didn’t think things through.”

Before I can respond, a small noise comes from the back seat. Hailey stirs, mumbling something in her sleep. The moment is lost, and we both turn to look at her.

Kane sighs, his shoulders relaxing. “Guess that’s our cue.”

We share a look, that says there are more conversations and moments to come. For now, we unbuckle Hailey and carry her inside.

Chapter Twenty

KANE

The first light of morning filters through the kitchen window as I crack eggs into the hot skillet. Today, I have plans that’ll take us away from the usual routine. Having no boat until the new one arrives next week gives me plenty of time to fulfill the vow I made when I was stranded. Quality time for Hailey. With Lucas and Tommy not showing up at the community center this week, Timber is free too. After yesterday’s potluck, where she didn’t get the answers she hoped for about her dad, I want to give her a day to remember, something to lift her spirits.

I’m busy at the stove but also prepping for our outing. There’s a picnic basket on the counter, already packed with smoked salmon, sharp cheddar, fresh apples, and a loaf of French bread. We’re heading out to my favorite spot, a secluded cove perfect for a quiet day of clamming and unwinding.

“Good morning, Daddy.” Hailey’s voice cuts through the silence.

“Good morning, Noodle,” I greet Hailey as she scurries into the kitchen, her hair a tousled mess from sleep. “Can you go wake Timber? Tell her breakfast is ready and we’ve got an adventure planned.”

Hailey’s eyes widen, and she grins before she takes off running down the hallway.

About ten minutes later, Timber walks in, dressed in one of the new outfits she recently ordered—a simple yet flattering pair of jeans and a soft flannel shirt that accentuates the blue in her eyes. It’s a casual look but suits her, and I realize I haven’t yet commented on her new wardrobe.

“You look really nice,” I say as I place the plates on the table. “I mean, you always look nice, but I didn’t get a chance yesterday to say how great those new clothes look on you.”

“Thanks, Kane.” A smile brightens her face. “What’s this about an adventure?” she asks.

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