Page 64 of Two Risks I'd Never Take Again

While idyllic in one way, the relationship I had with him wasn’t fair to either of us. If I couldn’t embrace the idea of a relationship, I’d have to pull away. But just like I’d let myself enjoy our atypical friendship for that week at the house, I gave myself permission to enjoy things as they were until after the wedding.

I changed into my swimsuit and pulled on the robe. As I turned to walk out to the porch, I spotted fuzzy slippers sitting beside the bedroom door. They were decorated to look like doughnuts with pink icing and sprinkles. On top of them was a note that read:Saw these and thought of you.

As I stared at the slippers, for some completely irrational reason, my brain pictured those cute little slippers as a metaphor for a romantic relationship with Garrett. They might fit perfectly. They would probably be warm and comfortable, but there was also the possibility that I’d slide my foot inside and my toes would meet a nasty scorpion. In these parts, it wasn’t unusual to find a scorpion in your shoe.

Putting the slippers on included a risk, but by not putting them on, I’d never know which part was true.

After staring at them way too long, I padded outside in my bare feet and tossed my robe over the back of a chair, trying not to think about how much time and effort Garrett had put into my Christmas gift. In addition to the hot tub, there were several pieces of patio furniture and the screens. It was the perfect getaway.

Once I submerged in the warm water, I closed my eyes. The only thing left to do for the wedding was make the cakes, and I had all of tomorrow and part of Friday to make them. The cakes would be nothing short of fabulous because that was what my friends deserved.

My phone rang, and I answered the call on speaker. “Hi, Mom.”

“Tessa, any news?”

“About?”

“Oh, you know... anything.” She stayed quiet for almost a second. “Okay, fine. I’m asking about Garrett.”

I hadn’t mentioned to my mother that he’d given me a cabin and a hot tub because my parents would never buy the friendship story if they knew that.

“He’s working at the ranch. So far he really likes it.”

“Good. But I wanted to know more about the two of you.”

“We’re still friends.”

She sighed like a balloon being deflated. “I was afraid of that.”

“How are you and Dad? Sorry I haven’t called this week. It’s been all wedding and doughnuts.” I kept still so she wouldn’t hear the water splashing.

“We’re good. Your dad suggested that after Eli’s wedding we go away on a second honeymoon. Our neighbor said they’d feed the cats and look after the dogs.”

I looked at the phone as if that could in any way confirm that she’d actually said what I’d heard. “A second honeymoon?”

“Sounds romantic, doesn’t it? Your dad isn’t the gushy type, but sometimes he surprises me.” I could hear the smile in her voice. “We’ve been seeing a counselor, and things are going well. There were lies I believed that were keeping me from a happier life. I’m dealing with those things now.”

I needed my mom to get out of my head. This was not the time.

Boots sounded on the porch, and I turned and smiled up at Garrett.

“Hey, Tessa.” His voice was deep and smooth.

“Hi, Garrett. I’ll let you go, Tessa.” Mom ended the call before I could say goodbye.

He glanced around the porch, then dropped into a chair. “Rough day?”

“Not too bad. But I’m not sure how much downtime I’ll have until after the wedding is over. I almost texted you, but I figured you were out working.”

“I was. When I spotted your car, I thought I’d pop by and say hi.” He leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees.

“Thank you for the slippers. They’re super cute.”

“Did they fit?”

Of course he would ask me that question.

“Not sure yet.”

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