Page 38 of Forever To Me

Walker sits first, stretching his long legs out. I sat beside him, close enough to feel his warmth but not close enough to make it weird.

The faded plaque on the bench catches my attention.

In loving memory of Grace Murphy. May your kindness live on in all who sit here.

“Who is Grace Murphy?” I ask, curiously.

“Grace was Poppy’s mother,” Walker says as he looks over at the plaque.

“Poppy’s mom?” I remark, sadly, tracing the letters.

Walker nods. “She was a great lady.”

The silence stretches between us, comfortable and easy. The wind picks up slightly, rustling the leaves overhead.

After a moment, I sigh, turning my coffee in my hands. “I, uh… just wanted to say sorry about last night.”

Walker turns to me, brow furrowed. “For what?”

I let out a dry laugh. “You know, making a mess of your bar. Nearly starting a fight.”

Walker’s expression doesn’t change. “You stood up for yourself.”

I blink “Yeah, but?—”

“I’m raising my daughter not to take shit from anyone either,” he says. “So, if you think I’m gonna lecture you for standing your ground, you don’t know me very well.”

I stare at him, something in my chest tightening. He’s right. I don’t know him very well. But with everything that I’m learning, I want to know him better.

It not just the words—it’s the way he says them. Like it wasn’t even a question. Like he respects me for it.

A slow, unfamiliar realization settled in my bones.

Green flag.

And oh my god, there are so many.

I haven’t seen this color before. Not once. My ex had so many red flags it felt like the carnival was in town. But, green? Nope.

I let myself look at him then, and before I could stop myself, I smile. “You’re a good man, Walker.”

He exhales, shaking his head, but I see the corner of his mouth twitch like he’s fighting a grin.

“Don’t go spreading that around,” he mutters. “I got a reputation to keep.”

I laugh, sipping my coffee as the small town of Bridger Falls moves around us like it has all the time in the world.

“Thanks for your help at the bar last night,” he says, his voice low, almost gruff.

I tilt my head. “You still need me?”

A beat passes. He exhales, like he’s been holding something back, then nods.

“Yeah,” he says. “If you have the time. Cash needs to be with his family.”

I smile, a warm feeling settling in my chest. “I have the time.”

I should not be feeling like this.

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