Page 32 of Cinnamon Cider Whiskey
Cinnamon nodded.
“And what does he say?”
“That he doesn’t expect me to. That what’s done is done. That we can’t change the past. We can only move forward.”
“I’m not sure I understand what the problem is then.” Georgia Moon lowered her chin. “What are you so afraid of?”
“I don’t know. Maybe being happy. I’ve forgotten what that looks like.”
Georgia Moon smiled. “There’s only one way to find out and that’s to let it happen.” She kissed Cinnamon’s cheek. “I need to get back to the bull riding school and you need to get to your first official day at the nursery. Trust me. Let Austin in. It’s going to be worth the risk and you know your heart and soul want it.”
“You’re right.” Cinnamon rose and squared her shoulders. “I’ll send in the application for college today. Call a therapist. And I’ll tell Austin the truth tonight.”
“Good for you and call me anytime you want to talk. I’m always here for you.”
“Thanks. I really appreciate how you and everyone else have welcomed me back.”
“Are you kidding? You’re family. We’ve missed you.” Georgia Moon looped her arm around Cinnamon’s waist. “This place hasn’t been the same without you.”
8
Austin pushed open the door to the cabin. “Cinnamon? Are you home?”
“In the kitchen.”
He tossed his Stetson on the sofa and kicked off his boots. “Are you cooking? It smells like… I don’t know… is that pasta or something?”
“Fettuccine Alfredo. At least it’s what I’m trying to make. I have no idea if it will be any good or not. I’ve never been the best cook.”
“I’m sure it will be great.” He took the beer she offered and leaned against the counter.
She’d pulled her hair into some bun thing on the top of her head. She wore jeans, a white tank top, with an apron, and bare feet. The sexiest thing he’d ever seen. “Did you have a good day with the babies?”
“It was the best. I can’t wait to go back tomorrow. Oh, and you’ll be happy to know that I sent in my college application today. But…” She waved a spatula in his face.
He leaned back and arched a brow.
“…it’s incomplete because of the financial aspect. I’m still married to dickface so I can’t apply for financial aid.”
“I told you that I’d pay for it.”
“I don’t want your money.”
“Then you can pay me back when you get your divorce and go from there,” he said. “Consider it a loan.”
“You have an answer for everything.”
“I’m a smart man.”
She set the spatula on the counter and shoved two plates in his gut. “You’re a wiseass is what you are and while I appreciate the gesture, I need to be on my own two feet.”
“Babe. Right now, you have no credit cards, no money, and everything is wrapped up with your soon-to-be ex.” He set his beer on the counter, moved to the other side of the kitchen, and did as he was told. Not just because she asked, but he knew her well enough that getting out of her way while he had this conversation was for his own safety. “I understand you want to do this on your own terms. I respect that. But Pete is in jail. Even if this case doesn’t go to trial and he plea-bargains it out, we both know he will fight you in this divorce.”
“Not to mention he won’t give me a dime.”
“All the more reason to let me give you a loan.” He made sure he chose the words she would want to hear, even if that meant he’d have to let her pay him back. He didn’t want that because eventually he wanted a life with her, and to him, that meant they shared everything fifty-fifty. But until they reached that point, he’d agree with her borrowing the money.
“I could get a loan from a bank.”
