Page 85 of Choosing You

With nothing else to do, Will walked back over to where he’d parked his truck and made the short drive over to the shop. Once there, he loaded the coolers into the back and then decided to call and check on Sloane.

He sat down on the bed of his truck and listened as her phone rang.

And rang.

And rang.

“Maybe she’s sleeping,” he murmured and decided to just leave a message. “Hey, sweetheart. Just calling to see how you’re feeling and make sure you’re okay. I’m on my way back to the festival with some coolers and I’m going to see if I can help out by driving some tractors for the hayrides. Anyway, I hope you’re feeling better. I love you and I can’t wait for next week. Bye.”

Hanging up, he sighed—hating that she hadn’t answered. With nothing left to do, he secured the coolers, climbed into the truck, and made his way back across town. This time, the drive over was a little slower because of all the extra traffic and some roads being blocked off for the festival, but he figured he wasn’t in too big of a rush.

At the school, he had to park further away than he did the last time, but he was a little closer to where the booths were. Grabbing two of the coolers, he made his way around toward where they had refreshment stands set up. He noticed several long tables and a first aid booth. It looked brand new, and he wondered who was manning it because he didn’t see anyone around.

“Hey, Will!” Ashlynn called out as he approached. “I see you brought Devin’s coolers!”

He nodded. “Yeah. Devin forgot them, and when I ran into him and MacKenzie a little earlier, he asked if I’d mind going back to the shop and picking them up. They seemed excited to walk around and check things out, so I’m happy to bring them over.”

“That was very nice of you,” she said with a smile. “I heard Sloane’s down with that stomach crud.”

He nodded. “Yeah, it put the move off for another week.”

“If it’s any consolation, she’s pretty disappointed about all the delays too.”

“I know. I’m just hoping we’ve hit the last one. I really hate that she’s missing the festival.”

Ashlynn chuckled. “Dude, we have a ton more coming up. She’ll be fine.”

He wanted to argue, but what was the point?

“Hey, Will,” Reid said as he made his way over. They shook hands and Reid took the coolers from him. “Thanks for bringing these over. Are there more?”

“Two more in the truck. I’ll be back in a minute.”

It wasn’t necessary to run back to his truck, but he still did a leisurely jog—holding down his cowboy hat as he went—and waving to the people he knew along the way. Grabbing the last two coolers, he made his way back to Ashlynn’s booth at a slower pace. Reid met him and grabbed them, thanking Will again.

“So, I hear Sloane’s move got postponed again.”

Damn small-town living. Everyone knows your business…

Sometimes it didn’t bother him, but right now he really didn’t want to talk about it.

But he had to.

“We’re hoping next weekend will be the one,” he said, crossing his fingers. “And if not, I’m flying down to Florida myself and getting her.”

He was only partly joking.

“That’s what Max did with Hailey,” Ashlynn chimed in. “But I totally get why it makes sense for Uncle Kevin to drive the truck. We all know he’s dying to get back here and see how things are going at The Ridge.”

“That place has been packed every night!” Reid told him. “They really hit on a good thing.”

“This town needs a few more social places,” Ash added. “And I’m not just saying that because my dad is involved—although it’s been really nice knowing he has something of his own to occupy his time now.”

Will nodded because he had no real idea what she was talking about, but also didn’t care enough right now to ask.

“If you guys are set, I’m gonna see if maybe they need a hand with the tractors.”

“Thanks, Will! Have fun!” Ash said, waving to him.

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