Page 106 of Follow My Heart

I let out a laugh. “We’re going to have to go out or order in.”

We ordered in and ended up eating at the kitchen table. The one I barely spent any time at. I usually ate at the counter or on my way to or from work. This place wasn’t a home for me. I was building one in Maryland with my family and Violet.

I’d screwed things up with Violet. “What if it’s too late?”

Dad scrubbed a hand over his beard. “You mean, because you pushed Violet away?”

I nodded, feeling uneasy.

“I don’t think it’s ever too late. But you have to convince her you’re including her in your present and your future.”

“How can I do that?” I asked, not quite believing I was taking relationship advice from my father. He’d been happy with mom, but he hadn’t moved on or dated anyone since. Not that me or my brothers knew of anyway.

Dad chewed thoughtfully before he answered, “Charlotte said she’s helping Violet with the store.”

“She hired Charlotte?” That was something she hadn’t mentioned to me at all, but I was impressed she had.

“She wants to increase brand awareness and stand out from all the ice-cream shops in town. Charlotte has some solid ideas.”

“That was a good move.” I was impressed with Violet’s tenacity.

Dad nodded. “I think so too.”

“What is she planning for the store?”

Dad went through the various options, and I couldn’t let go of one. They were going to write a story about her shop in the paper. It would be in the lifestyle section, but still, that was great exposure. What if I added something to it? Something that told her I wanted to be part of her life in a big way?

“You think the reporter will talk to me?” I asked him.

Dad grinned. “I think she’ll love this angle. And so will Charlotte.”

“Teddy won’t like that I’m working with Charlotte.”

Dad shook his head. “I wouldn’t worry about him.”

Soon Axel would be home, and I wanted to be part of that. I wanted all the Calloways to finally be together. “This feels like the right decision.” I was excited in a way I hadn’t been in a long time.

“Then you know you’re on the right track.”

“I need to talk to Faith and get things settled here first before I come back.” The house would need to be sold. I needed to make sure there wasn’t anything left here that was mine. Or that there was something Faith would want later. That meant going through the attic and the garage.

“I wouldn’t expect anything less. I know Charlotte is planning an event at the ice-cream shop this weekend to coincide with the article in the paper. Maybe that would be a good time for you to make your move.”

For the first time in a while, I felt like I was making an intentional step forward. Life wasn’t happening to me. I was creating one I wanted with the woman I loved.

I felt like I had been holding back in my relationship with Violet, afraid to take the next step because of Stacy. But my ex didn’t get to have that kind of hold over my life anymore. I just hoped I wasn’t too late.

CHAPTER 23

VIOLET

On Friday, my friend Luna flew in for a visit but hadn’t said when she was leaving. I enjoyed her company. It was a distraction from what a mess my personal life was.

Ryder had finally responded to one of my texts asking if he was okay. He’d said he was staying to work a few things out. I took that to mean he was moving to Virginia and wouldn’t be coming back. He’d been clear on the phone that our relationship was over.

“Are you ready for tonight?” Charlotte climbed down the ladder where she’d spent a good chunk of the day hanging twinkling lights and decorations on the ceiling.

“You thought of everything.”

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