The first night Jordan stayed in the main house, Jack seemed torn about where his loyalties should be—with me or with his new friend, who seemed to cling to him as I had once done. I sent him to stay with Jordan, who needed the dog more than I did at this point. Besides, I had Chase, especially considering I spent every night in his bed now anyway. “My” cabin had become more of a command center than a home lately, stacked with donations and boxes of decorations I’d borrowed or found cheap.
The dance was only three days away. Somehow, everything had come together. Sterling Construction had built a stage for the band, bar tables and chairs were being delivered later this afternoon, and over a dozen volunteers were scheduled to help set up and decorate. Bristol’s connection,Slim Pickins, had already rolled into town, and Slim and his crew were quite the characters. They were a lot of fun and would keep the crowd entertained for hours. The last time I saw Slim, he was sharing a laugh with Hans Zimmerman. I just hoped Slim wasn’t sampling too much of Hans’s moonshine.
I unwound the last of the material.Shoot.There was no way it would be enough. I glanced at my watch. If I didn’t waste time, I could get to town and back in time to make dinner. I grabbed my purse, scooped up the list I’d been adding to all week—mostly of things I wanted to get Jordan—and climbed into my car. I tapped the screen on my phone, putting in a call to Mallory on speaker before I pulled down the long driveway.
“Well, well. Look who remembered she has friends outside of Farmville.”
I laughed. “It’s only been a week.”
“Meh. Unnecessary details. I’ll forgive the radio silence if you tell me you’ve been spending your free time in your farmer’s bed. Or out in the hayfield. I’m not picky.”
“It’s not that kind of farm,” I answered with a grin. “No hay in sight.”
She squealed. “You’re not denying the bed, though!”
My lips twitched as I let the silence stretch.
“Oh, my god! How badly are you blushing right now? Looks like I’m going to have to make a trip to the mountains to meet this farmer of yours.”
“I’d love that,” I said as I merged onto the main road. “Just be sure to leave your high-heeled boots and designer shoes at home. You’ll sink right into the dirt here.”
“It’s the perfect excuse to buy new shoes.”
Laughing, I shook my head because I knew she was serious.
“What are you up to now since I’m assuming your sexy farmer let you out of bed to go do…whatever a farmer does?”
“I’m headed into town. I ran out of the material I’m using to wrap my soap. Plus, I want to pick up some clothes for Jordan. He’s outgrown most of what he has.”
“Look at you. Quite the homemaker.”
“Trying. Especially with him.”
Her voice sobered. “How is he, anyway?”
“Doing better. Chase is working with the social worker to explore what he needs to do next to extend his temporary guardianship. If things go the way we hope, he’ll be able to file for permanent custody soon.”
“What about those monsters? The aunt and uncle? Those bastards deserve to burn in hell.”
“Agree,” I said, tightening my fingers on the steering wheel. “Needless to say, CPS found enough duringthe investigation to substantiate the abuse, both physical and emotional. There’s talk of criminal charges, but nothing official yet, but we all believe it will happen. Reid is building the case. For now, there’s a no-contact order. They’re out of the picture. Total pariahs in town, and Jordan is safe. That’s what matters.”
“I’m glad.”
We were both quiet for a few seconds. Then Mal added, “You know what’s wild? You and Jordan. You aren’t that different.”
“What do you mean?”
“You both came out of situations where you were hurt. In different ways, but pain all the same. And now you’re both living under the same roof and both learning what it’s like not to live in fear.”
My throat tightened. Her words were so achingly true.
She went on. “Your Farmer Chase is the common thread. He’s a miracle worker, I think. He’s given you both space to breathe. To be yourselves. To be loved like you always should have been.”
I swallowed past the lump in my throat. My heart warmed to hear someone recognize how much I’d changed. It wasn’t in my head. It was real. And it felt amazing. “I love him, Mal.”
She didn’t hesitate. “I know you do. You always have.”
I smiled to myself, my heart full in a way I hadn’t expected when I first picked up the phone. “I’ll call you later, okay?”