Page 45 of Secret Southern Promises

“Just worn out, I guess. How was your night with Boone?” I asked, hoping to keep this conversation going.

“Good. He made chicken, potatoes, and veggies. He made enough for you, but you didn’t come,” he said casually.

That was unexpected. I hadn’t even realized I’d be invited to dinner. “Oh, well, guess Boone has got lunch for tomorrow, then.”

“Yeah,” he agreed, a small smile tugging at his lips.

I wanted to ask a million questions, but I forced myself to slow down. This was the first real conversation we’d had in days, and I didn’t want to scare him off. “How’s your arm? Want some Tylenol before bed?”

He shook his head. “It’s a little sore, but I think I’ll be fine tonight.”

I nodded, relieved we were still talking. “Okay.”

For a moment, silence stretched between us, but it wasn’t the heavy, painful kind that had been hanging around since Boone came back.

“I’m not mad at you anymore,” Nash said suddenly.

His words hit me like a warm breeze, filling me with relief and hope. “Yeah?” I asked softly, trying not to let the emotion in my voice betray how much I needed to hear that.

Nash nodded. “I talked to Boone about it. He made me realize being mad at you isn’t changing anything. I’ve got Boone now, and he’s not going anywhere. That’s what matters to me.”

I swallowed hard, my throat tight with emotion. “That’s great, sweetheart. I know Boone’s going to be a great dad for you.”

I’d never doubted that. Boone had always been good at heart, even if he’d left, but that was because I pushed him away. But now, hearing Nash say it—that he was ready to move forward—was everything I hadn’t dared hope for.

Nash let out a long yawn and rubbed his eyes. “Well, I’m gonna head to bed. Oh, don’t forget about the pie auction next week,” he added as if he wasn’t dropping a bombshell of emotional growth right before heading off to sleep.

I chuckled. “Don’t worry. I’ve already got my game plan for that.”

“Good.” He turned to go, then paused. “Night, Mom.”

“Night, Nash,” I whispered. “I love you.”

“I love you, too,” he replied casually like he hadn’t withheld those words for days.

My heart swelled with gratitude. I hadn’t realized how much I’d missed hearing him say that. It had only been a few days, but it felt like an eternity.

As I lay back on the pillow, relief washed over me. Nash was done being mad. He’d grown up a lot in these past few days, realizing that anger wouldn’t change the past. It was a big step, a mature one, and I was so proud of him for seeing that forgiveness was better than holding onto his hurt.

Nash was growing up faster than I could keep up with.

I thought about Boone then. He had been the push Nash needed to understand that forgiveness was a lot more freeing than anger. Boone had come back into our lives and shifted everything, but in most ways, he was making it better.

I wondered if Boone felt the same way about me. Could he forgive me, too?

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Boone

I stepped out of the Bagel Bin, enjoying the crisp morning air as I pulled my phone from my pocket. A text notification popped up, and I was surprised to see it was from Nash.I told her I’m not mad at her anymore. She’s sort of happier.

I chuckled to myself and shook my head. Typical Nash, keeping things casual, but I knew it was a big deal for Dolly. I quickly typed back,I’m sure she is—though I was pretty certain Dolly was more than justsort ofhappier.

A few seconds later, another text came through.Now it’s your turn.

I glanced at the bag of warm bagels in my hand. Two, because I wasn’t sure if Dolly was feeling something sweet or savory today.I’m working on it. Aren’t you in school?I fired back, smirking as I pictured him slacking off.

He sent back a grinning emoji.I’ve got study hall first. No worries.

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