Page 104 of Love in Riverbend
It’s at least three sizes too big, and the hem lands in the middle of my thighs. Moving the hood over my head, I step in front of the full-length mirror. A genuine laugh bubbles out of me as I take in my reflection. “Oh right. Add darkness and sunglasses and it might work.”
Jill laughs. “Since it will be dark, we should probably skip the glasses.”
“Yes, and it will be after dark,” Marilyn says. “This will be fun. Just like old times.”
“If anyone asks,” I say, still looking at my reflection, “my name is Echo.”
“Echo?”
I shrug. “I just made it up. Seriously, my mom would be upset if she knew I came to town and didn’t tell her. I don’t want to hurt her feelings.”
“Did you hear someone?” Jill asks Marilyn.
They both laugh. “Not someone. I think it was an echo.”
Chapter 4
Justin
I swing my seven-year-old niece into my arms as her giggles fill my ears.
“Uncle Justin,” she squeals as her little arms wrap around my neck for only a second before she wriggles to be put down.
As soon as her feet hit the ground, she’s running to an area farther away from the bonfire, one dominated by people her size. She is completely in her element, playing with friends she’s known most of her life. I suppose it’s not a lot different than those I’m standing with—friends forever. A hand comes to my lower back. I turn, seeing my sister’s smile.
“Remember when she wanted to be held all the time?”
“Yeah.”
Kandace hands me a plastic cup with foam.
“Since when do you bring me beer?”
“Apparently, not everyone in Riverbend knows everything.” She laughs. “Crystal brought it to me. Hated to see it go to waste.”
“You mean, she doesn’t know about” —my gaze goes to Kandace’s midsection and back to Kandace’s blue eyes, a little lighter than my own— “my new niece or nephew? Shocker.”
The truth is that Kandace isn’t showing yet. That doesn’t usually stop the gossip mill.
“I know,” she says. “Riverbend needs to up its game. It’s not like Dax and I have announced it formally or on social media, but come on, this is Riverbend.”
I take a sip of the beer. “Dax tell you about the Dunns’ farm.” I wasn’t sure if it was a question. The thing is that I’ve been giving the whole concept a lot of thought.
Kandace nods. “I’m pretty sure,” she whispers, “it’s not something we should talk about here—especially if they aren’t sure about selling.”
“You’re probably right.”
She bumps my shoulder with hers. “What’s eating you?”
Kandace knows me well. I’ve felt off since Ricky told me about the possible sale. “Nothing,” I lie.
“Yeah, right.” She looks all around. “In case you’d like to inform your face, you’re at a party, the kickoff of spring. Tradition.”
My lips quirk to a smirk. “I like tradition. It’s change I don’t care for.”
“There’s my brother. Admit what bugs you and try smiling. I promise it won’t hurt.”
My cheeks rise as I shake my head. “You can be a real pain in the ass.”
