Page 31 of Sweet Escape
You sure know how to pick ‘em, Liv.
“How did you know Daddy was the one?”
A wistful smile spreads across her face as she continues to work the yarn around the knitting needles. “I don’t know if it was any one thing. There was a spark from the moment we locked eyes, and it developed quickly after that. When weweren’t flirting, we were laughing. When we were apart, we were constantly on each other’s minds.” She glances out over the landscape with a thoughtful expression.
“He brought me tulips every day for a month because he knew how much I loved them. He took care of me even when I was stubbornly trying to push him away.” She reaches for one of my hands and gives it a squeeze. “Find someone you can laugh with. Someone who brings out the best in you. Someone who can see you at your worst and still make you feel beautiful. When you do, make him work for it. The things worth having are always worth fighting for.”
Wilder has already seen me at my worst, and he’s never wavered for a moment, but that doesn’t mean he’s the one for me. I want to believe the right man is out there, but what if I miss him because I’m too focused on the one who’s still grieving? No, I can’t afford to get all twisted up in Wilder Hayes. I’m a mess. He’s a mess. Nothing good could ever come from two messes colliding.
Standing, I swipe my hands over my jeans. “I better get back to the diner to help Grammy with the lunch rush.”
Mom stands and pulls me in for another hug. “Be patient, my love. The right one is worth waiting for.”
Wednesday, May 21st, 8:23AM
Wilder: Good morning. How are you feeling?
Olivia: Considering I’ve had my head dangling over the edge of a toilet for the last hour, not great.
Wilder: Do you need anything? I could stop by the drug store.
Olivia: I’m all set, but thank you. ??
Thursday, May 22nd, 1:56PM
Wilder: Storm misses you.
Olivia: I miss her, too. Give her a peppermint for me.
Photo of storm eating a peppermint.
Friday, May 23rd, 10:22AM
Wilder: Are you going to be at the festival tomorrow?
Olivia: Yep. Working the Rosie’s booth with Grammy.
Wilder: Save me something sweet. ??
Friday, May 23rd, 5:55PM
Olivia: Look at these tiny cowboy boots!
Photo of little pink boots.
Wilder: Buy them.
Olivia: We don’t even know if it’s a girl
Wilder: Buy them anyway.
Money transfer.
Wilder: Get something nice for my baby mama, too.
Saturday, May 24th, 4:32PM
Wilder: Feeling okay? You don’t need me for anything?
