Page 8 of Fall for You
On a whim, she’d left him a toy Darth Vader that Antony had gifted her. It had seemed a fitting joke, as the first time they’drun into each other this past summer, she’d made a quip about how he was like a villain in a superhero movie.
And now…
She clutched the little white figurine to her chest with a laugh that brought tears to her eyes.
He’d done it.
Eric Spencer had actually played along.
And it was freakin’ adorable.
Chapter Three
This town was freakin’ adorable.
Ronnie’s lips twitched with an affectionate little smile as she drove through downtown Paradise Springs. The familiar shops and restaurants from her childhood and high school years still stood where she’d left them, like old friends greeting her.
Pop’s Burgers had gotten a new paint job, and the display out front of Bob’s Hardware was new. But for the most part, it was like time had stood still, just waiting for her to return.
She made a left onto her street and passed one familiar home after another. The Landry house had finally sold—that must have been a boon for Marsha May, Paradise Springs’ most enthusiastic real estate agent.
Also theironlyreal estate agent.
Ronnie’s smile slipped a bit as she drove one more block and came to a stop in front of her house. The small blue split-level ranch house where she’d been born and raised, and where her father and younger sister still lived.
Until her sister’s wedding, at least. After that, her dad would be on his own here.
Unless I move back.
Ronnie straightened in her seat with a blink at the unbidden thought. Of course she couldn’t move back. Not for good. She’d been lucky her coach had agreed to let her come home for a full month to prep for the big wedding. There was no way she could live here and train for the next X Games, and if she wanted to take a shot at the Olympics…?
She shook her head, clearing it of all things snowboarding. That stuff could wait. She had four weeks off, and she meant to make the most of it.
With that thought, she slowly got out of her car and walked the familiar path from the driveway to?—
The front door flew open, and her younger sister came rushing out. “Ronnie!!”
Ronnie let out a little grunt as her sister caught her up in a hug so enthusiastic, she couldn’t help but laugh.
“It hasn’t beenthatlong.” She patted her sister’s back. “You and Dad saw me last month in Denver.”
“I know, but now you’rehere.” Her sister’s smile could only be described as maniacal, her eyes so wide Ronnie drew back a bit. “And now you can help me with the wedding plans.”
Her father’s chuckle came from the doorway. “I hope you know what you’re in for, maid of honor.”
Ronnie smiled at him over Margot’s shoulder. “Hey, Dad.”
“Come in, come in.” He stepped aside and gestured with his hand. “You two are causing a scene out there.”
Margot latched on to her arm and all but dragged her in.
Impressive, really, considering that while they were both short and slim, Ronnie was the one with all the muscles. She wasn’t sure her cute-as-a-button little sister had ever stepped foot in a gym.
Even now, at home and with no big plans, her sister was sporting a dress and lipstick, her hair neatly curled.
As usual, Ronnie looked like the ultimate tomboy next to her in baggy pants and a men’s crewneck sweater. Makeup had never been her thing, and she could only imagine she’d look ridiculous in that bright pink shade Margot wore. A shade that matched her nails perfectly.
Honestly, sometimes it was shocking that they’d come from the same parents.
