Page 24 of Rushing Into Love

“I’m sorry. That must have been an incredibly trying situation for you. Raising a baby all by yourself can’t be easy.” Squeezing my hand, she locked her eyes on mine.

“Yeah, it was tough. I found out real quick the type of girl Shayna was. I thought I knew her, but when I got injured and then eventually cut from the team, she totally lost it. Like, went off the deep end. The last straw was when she put Charlie in danger. Anyway, long story short, I moved back home with Charlie and we’ve been here ever since. Every once in a while, Shayna resurfaces out of the blue, but there’s a restraining order and for the most part, it’s under control.”

“Good to know.” Bree gnawed on her lip. The sun glinted off her hair, making a halo around her head.

“You want to get outta here?” I glanced down at our empty plates.

“Sure.”

I waved to Milly for the check, plunking cash down on the table.

“I can get it,” Bree said, reaching for her credit card.

“No, it’s on me. I invited you.”

She blushed. “Thanks.”

“No problem.”

We stood and I discretely put my hand on her back, leading her out of the diner quickly, before anyone could ask me any questions.

“Do you think your knee’s up for more walking?” I glanced down at her leg.

Picking her foot up, she wiggled her leg back and forth for effect. “Definitely. I had it checked out by a professional and he gave me the go-ahead.”

I laughed. “Great. I want to show you the park. It’s really beautiful this time of year.”

We walked south down Main Street, keeping perfect pace together. For the first time in a long while, I relaxed, not worrying about Charlie, or Shayna, or football. It was nice. Bree leaned in closer to me, our arms grazing. Her fingers brushed mine and I took the opportunity to grab her hand. She intertwined her fingers with mine, giving me a reassuring squeeze.

Eventually, the cobblestone dead-ended into Peachtree Grove Park, a sprawling parcel of land owned and maintained by the town. Framed by arching wrought-iron gates, the main path into the park was long and windy, looping around the lake. The trees were showing off, leaves blazing amber, scarlet, and auburn in the bright autumn sun.

“Ryder, it’s beautiful,” Bree sighed, her head leaning back against my shoulder as she tipped her face up towards the sky. I could see tiny flecks of gold in her eyes and I wanted to kiss her.

“Isn’t it? I’m glad you like it—it’s one of my favorite places in Peachtree Grove. The Peach Fest is held here every May. You should come.” I held my breath, waiting for her response.

“I should, shouldn’t I?” she nodded, agreeing. “I’ll put it on my calendar.”

We walked further into the park, around the lake where kids were tossing breadcrumbs to the ducks.

“Charlie loves to come here and feed the ducks.”

“Alex would like that, too. Who’s watching Charlie right now?” She turned to me, curious.

“My mom. She loves having him. Even if I were home right now, he’d be over there, running around with the dog or helping my mom bake cookies. She spoils him rotten.”

She smiled. “It’s great that you’re so close to your family.”

“It’s been good. How about you—where’s your mom? Nearby?” I asked.

“Uh, no. Definitely not. My sister could never handle that,” she laughed. “My mom’s in Boca now, with lucky husband #3. #2 didn’t last long, thank goodness. He wasnotawesome.” Bree rolled her eyes.

“What was wrong with him?”

“Larry was a used car salesman. Literally. She thought he was great—a real sweetheart—but he drove me and Brooks batty. He turned out to be a jerk and she dumped him. It only took her a few months to find a replacement, though. His name’s Bill and he lives in Boca. They met online and he convinced her to move down from Orlando. She’s been in Boca about two years now and all she ever talks about is how ‘everything’s better in Boca’ and that we really should move there.”

I laughed at Bree’s imitation of her mother, a high-pitched, whiny falsetto voice.

We eventually came to the top of the hill, which was the furthest and most private part of the trail. A small waterfall was to our left and white water spilled over, flowing into the creek. This was my favorite part of the park because it was quiet, with the exception of the rush from the water. I’d spent a lot of time up here as a kid, and then again, after my divorce. It was a good place to come and think.

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