Page 79 of All Inn Thyme
We get out of the car and as soon as we get inside, Beth turns on the lights and falls onto the couch.
Allie pulls up moments later and comes in carrying a huge platter. “I wasn’t sure what we needed, so I stole this whole snack board. I’ll have to make a new one later, but it’ll be worth it. Beth sent out a 911 for snacks and vent time.”
I bite my lip to keep from crying and they both curl up with cozy blankets across from me to listen. Nova curls up next to me and I pet her, feeling calmer already.
I tell them everything and they don’t say anything until I’m done. Finally, I say, “Well? What do you think?”
Both have wide eyes and look at each other. Beth says, “How did he look in that uniform?”
I roll my eyes. “Beth!”
Allie says, “On a scale of one to ten hotness, what do you rate the ATF costume?”
“It’s not a costume. It’s real. And he was hot, he’s always hot,” I admit. “But he lied. He never worked at Larkin. He’s an ATF agent.”
My whole past marriage was built on lies. I won’t live like that with a man ever again, I don’t care how much he loves us.
Allie says, “Okay, here’s the facts. The Ty that we know? He’s a good guy. He loves you and Kase. He would do anything for you. His job? Not as important.”
“But the truth was important.”
“Maybe he couldn’t.” Beth shrugs.
“Did you hear him out?” Allie asks.
“No. I didn’t want to hear more lies.”
“I think Evan’s right. You need to at least see what he has to say. We can keep Kase so you can sort this out with him,” Beth says.
“Bradley hurt me so much. I can’t let anyone do that to me again. To us,” I say honestly.
“Ty’s not like that. He’s one of us. He’s good people,” Allie says.
“I thought he was.”
“He is. You have a right to be mad, but don’t throw this away because of something he couldn’t help. Wait until you hear all the facts from him, then make a decision.”
I look down at my phone and there are three messages from Ty.
Ty
I love you.
Ty
I’m wrapping things up here.
Ty
I’m coming home. Where are you?
“He says he’s on his way home. He said he loves me. I don’t know what to say.” I stand up. “Can you guys help me? I’m going to grab a few things and go to the garden shed for the night. I need to think. A lot has gone down the past few days… I just need time.”
Beth stands, holding her belly. “I’ll drop you off. I need to get back. You coming to get Caleb?” she asks Allie.
“Yes, let me get my coat. I’ll bring these snacks to the inn and we can hang out for a while. I need to know what happens.”
Feeling numb, I ride with Beth to the garden shed and she drops me off. I feel like this can’t be fixed. I don’t know what to do next.
