Page 16 of Beneath Southern Stars

“Edibles.”

Is it cruel to tease him? Maybe. But that’s what he gets for being him and making my dreams feature his kissable lips and perfect beard. Pure shock crosses his face.

“Oh. Umm . . . I didn’t realize?—”

A giggle escapes. “Edible flowers. I cultivate blossoms and sell them to restaurants and bars. It’s a busy season with all the holiday parties and specialty gifts created.”

Ryan visibly relaxes, a loud exhale my first clue.

“I had no idea that was a thing. That’s super cool.”

Then I do something new to me.

“Would you and Pepper like to come over and see?”

A smile I would categorize as a panty-melter graces his perfect face and he disappears behind the fence shouting, “Be right there.”

Chapter Eleven

Ryan

Watchingmy daughter interact with someone who isn’t family has become so rare that I can’t take my eyes off them. Laney is patient and hasn’t once tried to get her to speak. Instead, she asks questions in a way that has Pepper’s attention but doesn’t require a response. I’ll admit to being curious as to what she does in this small building. My mind drifted to varying possibilities, but edible flowers was not one of them.

In the days since we arrived in Magnolia Grove, I’ve seen Laney a handful of times. Not only scooping ice cream and sorting books but out on walks with Steve, interacting with Connie as he stops by her dock, and one evening sitting on her deck, staring up at the sky. Each time, I’ve noticed how content she seems. Comfortable. But here, in this space, it’s not contentment I see, it’s a sense of belonging.

“Do you feel how cool the soil is?” Pepper nods. “Sometimes when it’s crazy hot outside, I’ll come in here simply to play in the dirt.”

I watch as Pepper mimics Laney’s movements and slips her little fingers into the dirt. Her nose scrunches. It’s adorable and makes me chuckle. Two sets of eyes turn my way, smiles accompanying them both.

“Don’t mind me,” I comment, my hands raised in surrender.

At the sound of my voice, Steve jumps from his bed and rushes over to my feet. For such a little guy he has the energy of a dog five times his size. I lean down and scoop him up, flipping him onto his back to rub his belly. My gaze lifts from the happy guy in my hands to find Laney staring at me. Her eyes widen and a blush creeps across her cheeks.

The moment is short before she returns her attention to Pepper. A dozen questions run through my mind.What is she thinking? Does she realize how amazing she is? What would she look like completely uninhibited?

“I think these cells are ready. How about we get cleaned up?”

“Okay.”

The questions in my head come to a screeching halt and I look at my daughter. It’s a single word. Four letters. Maybe two. Pepper’s smile is wide, and her dirty little hands held up in front of her like she’s preparing for surgery.

I should go to her but something in my gut tells me this is a pivotal moment for her. For us. Laney must recognize the same thing because she hesitates, only for half a second, but it’s enough for me to notice. My heart beats quickly as I watch her help Pepper off the stool and motions her toward the small sink.

They’re far enough away that I can’t hear what is being said over the music, but I’m watching my daughter’s lips move and Laney laugh as she washes her hands then goes about helping Pepper with the task. It’s been over a year since I’ve seen this side of my baby. I wondered if it was possible she would come back to me. Our loss will be with us forever, there’s no way to avoid it. But I have hope. Hope we’ll begin healing. I could give credit to being in a different environment, but I think that’s doing a disservice to who really deserves the credit. It can’t be a coincidence that Pepper is more open when she’s with Laney.

“Oh goodness, look at the time. We should probably get inside. Emma and Mattie will be here anytime.”

I blink twice, my eyes falling to where Pepper and Laney’s hands are clasped.

“Ryan?”

“Hmm?”

When I make eye contact with Laney, I note the smirk on her face and the kindness in her eyes. She understands what’s happening. Of course she does. How is she so connected to what we’re going through?

“Come on Pepper, let’s get ourselves some lemonade and Steve a snack. Your daddy seems to be frozen.”

At the mention of his treat, Steve rushes to the door and begins doing circles. Laney opens the door and ushers him outside. I’m still planted in my spot, watching it all happen in front of me. When I make my way outside, Laney is waiting for me while the shorter duo runs around the yard, giggles and barks competing for the loudest sound.

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