Page 57 of Lime Tree Hill

Tayla stilled as she looked at her sister. “Shit, Ruby. This changes everything.”

“I thought it might.”

25

THE RETURN

Tayla walkedfrom the terminal and climbed into a waiting cab. The air, crisp and cool, felt like home, but she reminded herself that the word ‘home’ had many connotations. She had no home. Not now.

Decorated in various shades of tedious sage green and gray, her parents’ condo at the retirement complex was pleasant enough. Still, she struggled to imagine them—with their vibrant personalities—living in such a small space after the large rooms and sweeping veranda of their family villa.

Mitch had called her several times that week, but they’d played phone tag as usual. If she were honest, she enjoyed listening to his messages. That rich voice, laced with care as he asked after her day, somehow helped her sleep.

However, being back meant she couldn’t ignore him any longer, especially given Ruby’s revelation. And despite the little white lie that she’d told her father, the thought of seeing Mitch filled her with apprehension.Because her husband—with his amused stare, pin-up body, and that sexy voice—was tiptoeing his way into her heart, one voicemail at a time.

Tayla had spent hours mulling over Ruby’s words, questioning her sister’s recollection of events. But the more she thought about it, the more it made sense. Mitch was doing the right thing by carrying out Norman’s wishes.

Picking up her car and a few belongings from the orchard was Tayla’s first step. If she left now, Mitch would be working, and she might not have to face him. Her Uber arrived ten minutes later, and she hurried out the door, her luggage still in the spare room.

When she arrived at Lime Tree Hill, Edward lay in the sun on the grass at the base of his kennel—a sure sign the king of the hill was in residence. She crouched to pet him, those big eyes looking up at her as he cocked his head to the side.

As she climbed the stairs and tiptoed down the hall, Tayla could hear him talking on the phone in his office, chuckling the way he often did when on a call.

In her bedroom, she noticed a duffel bag on the floor and a pair of women’s boots against the closet door. Mitch had company.

“Hi, you’re back. Welcome home.”

She jumped. “Shit, you gave me a fright.”

“Sorry.” Mitch leaned against the doorframe. His arms crossed and his smile soft, he stared at her. “Your hair looks good.”

Tayla ran her hand through her shoulder-length bob. She hadn’t been sure about it at first but was used to it now. “Oh. Thanks. I needed a change.”

“How’s Barry?”

“Improving. They’ll be home soon, all going well. He said to say hi.”

Mitch intensified his gaze, nodding as if he’d heard what she said while his mind rehearsed his reply. “You should have texted. I would’ve picked you up from the airport.”

“I caught an Uber. Actually, I thought I might stay at Mum and Dad’s for a few days. You obviously have a guest.”

“Yes, CeCe. She’s visiting a friend, but she’ll be back for dinner.”

Tayla looked around. “Where are my things?”

“In our room. I’ll go grab your suitcase.”

Our room?“Oh, it’s still at Mum and Dad’s.”

Mitch didn’t miss a beat, but his frown said it all. “I have to make a delivery after dinner. We can pick it up then.” He hesitated. “Or am I missing something?”

“I don’t want to be a burden.”

His face softened. “We have a deal, remember? And you’re no burden.” He started to walk away but turned back. “It’s nice to have you home.”

Home?There seemed little else she could say but, “Thanks.”

As Mitch left the room, Tayla failed to understand her reaction. She’d planned to collect a few things and go. But as exhaustion overtook reason, returning to the retirement complex no longer appealed.

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