Page 25 of Everything I Need

The log cabin has the most gorgeous stone fireplace as a centerpiece in the living room. His house is not very big but he redid the kitchen and living room so they are open and airy. And that view. I can see my whole flower field, and the mountains. Maybe I’ll have to visit Preston some more. I am already envisioning a snowy evening, with the fire roaring and a cozy blanket reading my next favorite book.

“Like the view?” Preston whispers in my ear, and just like that I have goosebumps covering my whole body. I swear he does this on purpose because he knows it affects me so much.

“It's beautiful. The flowers are prettier from here than they are up close.” I step closer to the window.

“Colt is drawing up a big deck to go all around the house, and an addition, right here,” he points to a space next to the floor to ceiling window, “with a master bedroom so I can wake up to that view everyday. I’d be able to open the windows to hear the river as I fall asleep in the summer.”

“That sounds amazing.” I can see his vision. “Wait, Colt is doing that?”

“Oh, you didn’t know? THE Colton West is the most sought after home builder for the rich. He spends his days building multi-million dollar homes from the city down to the Cape.” Preston says it like he’s announcing a commercial but I know he’s proud of him.

“Wow. Did he remodel your kitchen? It’s so gorgeous.” At first a big smile showing his pride for his brother lit his face. Then it fell and a look of anger took over.

“Uh, yeah. He did. My kitchen was the result of a fight between him and Elizabeth. Now my addition is the same. Remember Caleb from the restaurant?” He asks.

“Yes, that snake is unforgettable and not in a good way.” I cringe at the memory of him.

“Well. He thinks Elizabeth and Caleb are. . .”

“No! That is terrible!” I can fill in what Preston isn’t saying.

Colton is the quietest big man I’ve ever met. He snuck right up behind me and I had no idea. “Yup, just need the proof to serve her divorce papers and not lose everything I’ve built.” Colton looks so sad, he looks out the window to mask the sadness before turning back to us. “Almost ready to head to the diner? Scarlett, you joining?”

“No, thanks. I do actually have to get that key. I hired a photographer to come in Tuesday for photos so I really do have to get it done, or at least a majority of the painting.”

I get the key and head out. Still thinking about poor Colton. It’s bad enough when your wife steps out, but with that man? That's just more reason to hate him, and I hope I get the chance to prove how wonderful these two West boys are at the charity dinner. Although, I suppose I have to be polite to Elizabeth too. Maybe I can try to help get that proof Colton needs.

My phone rings making me jump out of my thoughts.

“Hey, Addy.” I answer.

“Hey! Listen. I’m sorry about last night. Mom and I probably went overboard. Can I make it up to you with lunch?” She jumps right into her apology.

“Sure. Could you bring it to Preston’s office though? I’m trying to get the painting done.” I wasn’t lying about having to get the work done, and I don’t want to make Preston leave Colton.

“You need help? I kind of owe you for egging mom on.” She says sheepishly.

“I would love the help. And you definitely owe me, but payback is coming your way one day.” We both laugh.

Addy has never been one to date a lot. She’s only ever truly dated one guy. And Dad put an end to that real quick. He said that guy didn’t come from the right people for his baby girl. He never was one to judge someone so I always wondered what the real story was. Addy wascrushed.

The afternoon is going by really quickly, and I’m glad Addy came by. I missed so much time with my family, it is nice to get uninterrupted time with just Addy to rebuild our relationship.

“So how are things going with Preston?” Addy asks.

“We hooked up the other day. In the office. Right as his brother came in.” I blurt out.

“No way! You got caught like teenagers!” She laughs at me. “Was it at least worth it?”

I swat her arm forgetting that I’m holding a paintbrush. “It wasdefinitelyworth it, and thankfully we were in a patient room not the lobby so he didn’t actually see anything.” I had to be bright red admitting this to her and she’s over there, doubled over laughing at me. “Stop laughing, Addy! It’s not funny! I was mortified. I haven’t seen Colton in years! I can only imagine what he thinks of me.”

I sink to the floor.

“I bet he thinks his brother is pretty lucky.” She comes to sit next to me, “In all seriousness, Scarlett, I’m happy for you. I’m glad things are going well. We all have the one we wish we could get a second chance with, and you’re lucky enough to have gotten it.”

“It’s Porter isn’t it? The one you wish you could get a second chance with?” I ask her.

“Yeah. But this isn’t about me. I just want to say that I am happy for you.” She looks so sad as she gets up to finish painting.

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