Page 25 of Buried Roots

“What?”

“My wish might be coming true.” She nods to a man standing at the Violet Moon beer tent. “I don’t know that guy, which means he’s a stranger. And he’s dark-haired and mysterious.”

“Sounds like we need to get another beer.”

We make our way over, and I’m ready to help Dakota talk to this guy when I realize she doesn’t need me. She tromps straight up to him and says, “I don’t know you, and I know everyone in this town.”

He chuckles, then says something to her, which I can’t hear over the music. That’s when I see Trinity with a woman in her early twenties, probably one of Owen’s other sisters, Bailey or Kayla. I’m guessing it’s Bailey since Kayla is getting ready for her wedding.

“Willow!” Trinity cries out, running over and throwing her arms around my waist.

“Hi, Trinity.” I return the hug, my heart bursting.

“I’m Bailey,” the young woman says, and she has Owen’s eyes. “Looks like you’ve made yourself a friend.”

“Willow saved Oreo’s life, Bailey.” Trinity’s toothy grin grows ear to ear.

“If that’s the case, then you’re a hero.” Bailey flashes a stunning smile, her chestnut hair flowing in the wind. She’s got the same good looks as her brother.

Mary Louise bustles over, her strong lilac perfume wafting in the air when she says, “Well, how are y’all tonight?” Her tone’s as sweet as her pies, and her red lipstick almost glows in the evening light.

“We’re good,” I say.

“How’s graduate school, Ms. Bailey?” Mary Louise tips her head. “You home for the summer?”

“It’s coming along—I’m actually in Atlanta right now, interning, but I’m here for Kayla’s wedding,” Bailey replies politely, but her pep from earlier is gone. Trinity says nothing as she moves closer to her sister.

“Well, it sure is nice to see you.” Mary Louise puts a hand on my arm. “And how are you doing with the farm, Ms. Willow?”

“So far, so good. I’ve made a few repairs to the stable, and I hope to make some on the house before I list it for sale.”

“Trinity, why don’t you go and get us both a cream puff,” Bailey cuts in, her words rushed.

Trinity scowls. “Get your own cream puff, Bailey.”

Mary Louise’s eyes stay trained on me. “I can save you the cost of listing the house and hiring a real estate agent. Bill and I’d love the chance to sit down and make you an offer you can’t refuse.”

I blink, thinking about what Sally Keller said. I don’t know how many other offers I’m going to have, if any, and I don’t have much time. I should be absolutely thrilled about this, but for some reason, I have to force some enthusiasm when I say, “Oh. That’s great.”

Thatisgreat, right? I’ll have this place sold, and I’ll be back in New York in no time. Except, why is my stomach knotting?

Bailey smiles again, nervously this time. “I reckon Willow will have other offers on the place to consider.”

“I highly doubt that,” Mary Louise says, indignant. Then she looks at me. “How does tomorrow sound?”

I hesitate, finally managing a weak smile. “That works.”

Trinity’s small, delicate face twists in anguish. “Can I talk to you, Willow? Please?” Desperation flickers in her sky-blue eyes.

Bailey grabs Trinity’s hand. “Come on, little sis, let’s move along. I promised to win you a stuffed horse at the basket toss.”

“Stuffed animals are for babies,” Trinity snaps, but she backs away with Bailey. With quivering lips, she turns to me and mouths, “Don’t do it.” Then she’s pulled away by her sister’s tug.

“What was that about?” I say, more shaken than I probably should be.

Mary Louise barks out a laugh. “Oh, that sweet little girl. She’s just got her heart set on things staying just as they are.”

I understand that. I wasn’t one for a change either until my parents were gone in a flash. Then, I had to alter anything and everything about my life in an instant. It was soul-crushing, and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. I remind myself that change is a part of life, and logically, I know it’s something Trinity should learn to cope with, but, hopefully, only a little at a time.

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