Page 54 of No Time for Traditions

Scott smiled and threw Brittany’s last bag in the backseat. He seemed so confident in his answer that she chose to believe him, despite the worry creeping into the back of her mind.

Brittany picked at her fingernails all the way from the airport to Hillside. As much as she wanted to see Greg, the guilt of what she’d last said to him washed over her. How could she have told him any girl would be a fool to marry him? And what she’d said about Autumn. If she were Greg, she’d never want to talk to her again.

Soon enough, Scott pulled up to Greg’s office, and Brittany was overtaken with flashbacks of the last time she was here. She wanted to throw up. She put her hand on the door, then froze and turned to Scott.

“Could you go in with me?”

“I really think he’ll want to talk to you. But if that’s what you want.”

“It is.” After all the hurtful things Brittany had said to Greg, she wasn’t even sure if he’d give her a chance to apologize. Having Scott with her might help her chances.

Scott nodded. He opened his door, giving her the courage to open her own. They walked up the sidewalk to the door. Scott opened it, and they went inside.

Jake was sitting at his desk. Greg wasn’t.

“Scott.”

“Hey, Jake.”

“Brittany, long time no see.”

“Hi, Jake.” Brittany managed to smile, though her lips grew heavy with fear. “Is Greg here?”

“He was. But he went home to do some things.”

“Thanks.” Brittany nodded slowly, trying to hide her disappointment. The sooner she saw Greg, the better.

“Thanks, man. We’ll catch him out there.” Scott smiled and exchanged a glance with Jake.

Brittany studied their faces. Something was up.

Chapter 19

“Come on.” Scott turned Brittany back toward the door and led her out.

“What’s going on, Scott?”

“Nothing. But since Greg’s busy, are you okay with seeing Mama and Daddy first?”

“I guess.” Brittany shrugged. “Come to think of it, that will give me some time to calm my nerves before talking to Greg.”

Scott smiled. “To the business.”

They rode out of town in silence, past all the farmlands and fields. Brittany took in the scenery she’d missed in the short time since she’d been gone. Which was just as lovely without all the decorations, if not more. Her body relaxed as she realized she could now take this drive anytime she wanted.

Soon enough, they drove up to the large metal building that housed the Barnes family business, parked, and got out. A large stone carved with the words “Barnes Farm and Land, Inc.” welcomed them as they walked toward the front entrance. Scott opened one of the double doors, which rang a bell to signal a customer had entered.

They entered the lobby area where Sarah usually sat. Brittany stared up at a sizable frame that held a black-and-white photo of her grandpa standing on top of a pile of freshly cut logs. As they neared the front counter, Sarah came into view, standing behind the front counter with her back to them, digging thought a filing cabinet.

“Can I help you?” Sarah straightened and turned toward them. As soon as she saw Brittany, she dropped the file she was holding and ran around the counter. “Oh, sweetie.” Sarah grabbed Brittany around the neck and kissed her cheek. “What are you doing here?”

Brittany hugged her mom back, relieved that she didn’t seem the least bit mad. “Well, Mama, I’m moving back.”

Sarah clutched her chest and almost fell back. “For real?”

Brittany laughed. “For real.”

Sarah pulled her close and gave her another big hug.

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