Page 134 of All Too Well
Ainsley turns her head to look out the window. “I know and I hate myself for that, but I don’t want to spring it on her in the morning. I’d like to talk to her when we get back.”
“If that’s what you want.”
It’s definitely the better plan. At least then Rose can have a little time to be sad, but hopefully see it more like when Caspian comes to visit.
I pull up to the house after we finish the last part in silence. I’m fully aware that I’m being standoffish, but I know what has to happen here.
“And what about you? Are you crushed for yourself?”
“You know how I feel about you.”
I fucking love her.
Ainsley pushes her long brown hair back. “I don’t know how I’m going to get in that car and leave you willingly.”
I don’t know how I’m going to survive her doing it.
I force a smile. “We have tonight. Let’s not even think about tomorrow.”
Because if I do, I might fucking scream.
“Can we go to the falls?”
“What?”
“I’d like to go back, if Delaney can watch Rose, or I can ask Hazel.”
At this point, all I can hope for is some magic to make all this work out. “Sure, I’ll text Delaney, and if not, we can ask Hazel or any of the guys. They owe me.”
“Okay.”
“Okay.”
twenty-nine
Ainsley
“Idon’t want you to leave,” Rose says with an ache in her voice that has me wanting to cry.
“I don’t want to go, either, but maybe we can make some plans? Like, I’ll come to your competition, and maybe I can visit when Uncle Caspian comes?” I suggest, hoping her father will allow it.
She nods, that promise slightly mollifying her. “Do you think you can come to the carnival?”
I glance up at Lachlan. “There’s a carnival?”
“Yes, we have a big Founder’s Day carnival with rides, games, food, the whole thing in two weeks. You should come. We’d both love it.”
It’s the first time he’s talked about any kind of a future for seeing each other after this is over. I knew we weren’t going to completely cut each other off, but it’s nice to hear that he wants to see me again.
“I’d love that.” I smile at Rose. “I’ll put it in my calendar.”
She smiles and then wraps her arms around my neck. “I’m going to miss you, Ainsley.”
“Oh, sweet girl, you have no idea how much I’m going to missyou. But as long as your daddy says it’s okay, you can call me and tell me all about what’s new, and I’ll be here for the carnival.”
“All right, Rose, off to bed. You’re up way past your bedtime.”
“But I want to stay with Ainsley.”
