Page 22 of Unbearable

“What else did Austin say needs to be done?” Trent asked.

“The roof, electrical, plumbing, and maybe a new HVAC,” I replied, listing off the issues with a sigh. His brow furrowed as he glanced up.

“I can help with the roof. I did mine back when I bought my house. I can help you pick out what supplies you need,” Trent offered, his voice confident.

“Oh, thanks. That actually would be a big help. It seems like a big undertaking, though. I can hire out for it.”

“Nah, I can get Colt and Dorian to help. Maybe Sawyer too, if his season hasn’t started yet. We can get it done. I can ask Henry and Chris to help too, if need be, but I havea feeling it would only take three to four bodies and a weekend,” Trent said, waving off my concern.

“That would be great. I’ll feed you guys and maybe even take you guys out for beers after,” I said with a grin.

Trent gave me a look that I couldn’t place.

“What?” I asked.

“Did we just have a nice conversation?” Trent’s charming smile made an appearance, dimples and all.

“Don’t ruin it.” Rolling my eyes, I turned toward his truck to head to Harmony Hardware, the local home improvement store.

“Admit it, Dot. You enjoy my company.” He chuckled.

“I enjoy the silence when you’re not talking.” I shot back.

“Guess I’ll have to win you over with my charm.”

“Good luck with that.” I tossed a smirk over my shoulder.

“Challenge accepted,” he called after me, his voice laced with amusement.

Our trip to Harmony Hardware was a success. We were able to find everything we needed for the roof and a few extra supplies. Walking through the aisles, it almost felt like old times. We even joked and laughed before parting ways. He had some more work to do on the ranch, tending to the cattle, and I needed caffeine, desperately. I didn’t even care what time of day it was.

Walking into Woodstone Perks, I was greeted by a warm smile.

“Hi, Aiden. Told you I’d be back,” I said, smiling back at him.

“Hi, Dotty. Good to see you. Same as last time?” he asked, wiping his hands on his navy-blue apron.

“Yes, please. Thank you,” I replied, handing him my card. “I’m paying this time,” I added with a stern look.

“Yes, ma’am. Anything to not be on the receiving end of that face again,” he teased, swiping my card and handing me the receipt. After signing over a tip big enough to cover my last visit, I walked over to the other side of the bar to wait for my drink.

“It’ll be right out for you,” he called out, already working his magic behind the espresso machine. I lost myself in the art on the walls until I heard a familiar voice.

“Hey, Dotty. It’s good to see you. How are you holding up?” I turned around to see the local pastor smiling at me. His hair was neatly styled, and his kind eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled. His slightly weathered face and gentle demeanor made him approachable and comforting.

“Hi, Jeremy. I’m good. I’ll be in town longer than expected, working on the cabin. It’s been a good distraction.” It was true. While losing my grandpa weighed on my heart, I had made peace with it. Fixing up the cabin helped me channel my grief, knowing that’s what he would have wanted me to do with my time in Woodstone.

“That’s great to hear. We’d love to see you one Sunday. The doors are always open for you.”

I felt a little uneasy at his comment but brushed it off. “Thanks, I appreciate that,” I replied with a flat smile.

Jeremy’s order was called, and he walked up to grab it. “Well, it was good to see you. I’ll see you around,” he said.

“Have a good day. See you around,” I responded as he smiled and walked out the door.

Though I had dreaded coming back, I could tell returning to Woodstone was good for me. Even simplyrunning into friendly faces and getting coffee from a local business owner who remembered my order after one visit made me feel at home, despite not having called this place home in a decade. Aiden called my order, and I grabbed my cup, ready to take on the rest of the afternoon.

EIGHT

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