Page 34 of Hidden Vows
We both start and stop at the same time, and my head falls forward—a genuine smile forming on my lips. That’s something we would’ve done as kids. “You go,” I say.
“I was just wondering what happened when you talked to Marybelle about the store.”
“She was ecstatic.” I laugh. “She’s so happy she said I can get started on the renovations right away.”
“Wait. What?” He shakes his head in disbelief.
“Once I told her that Dad was investing in the business, she said we didn’t need to wait for all the paperwork. There are still a few details to iron out, but I’ve already set up a few meetings with some contractors, and Ava and I start packing the inventory next week.”
He stares at me, stunned for a minute, before the corner of his lips lifts in a small smile. His arm twitches, almost like he wants to reach out and touch me but holds himself back. “That’s great, Abbey. I’m really happy for you.”
“Thanks.” I beam. “I’m really happy for me too.”
He opens his mouth but closes it almost immediately, shaking his head before glancing away for a moment. Whenhe looks back at me, the smile on his lips doesn’t reach his eyes. “I definitely don’t have the knowledge to do most of what you need, but I worked in construction for a bit, so I’m happy to take a look or help out wherever I can.”
My eyes widen in surprise. That’s the first bit of information Jude’s offered about his time away from Ashford Falls, and if I’m being honest, it makes me that much more curious about what he’s been up to.
“Thanks,” I whisper. “I might just take you up on that.” And I’m shocked to realize I mean it.
fifteen
JUDE
The doorto the bar slams open, startling me from my staring contest with the blank word document on my laptop, and my eyes jump to the door to find Edward Selbey glaring at me.
It’s my fault. The bar doesn’t open for another hour, but my secret hopeless romantic heart leaves the door unlocked when I’m here, wishing the woman always on my mind will walk through those doors.
“How’s it going, Eddie?” I close my computer and stand from my seat, shoving my hands in my pockets as I face him. I shouldn’t egg him on, but his entrance has me on edge and I just don’t care what the man thinks of me. “Anything in particular I can help you with?” My tone is flat, though my heart is racing from the surprise. I was under the impression Edward had gone back to DC for work.
I might not go out around town for fun, but I do need groceries if I want to survive, and one aspect of living in a small town where everyone knows everyone is hearing all the gossip whenever you step outside. Abbey and Edward have been a popular topic of conversation since the news broke of her buying the bookstore,and anyone who knows our history loves to make sure I’ve heard the news.
Everything I’ve heard has been incredibly positive. For the most part, people are excited to see what Abbey plans to do with the space. But the one thing they’re all getting wrong is how she has the money to make this dream a reality. They’re not wrong in where the money came from, just wrong in the way Abbey received it.
I know even if people knew the truth, the way they talk about Edward wouldn’t change. Or maybe it would, but only in a positive manner for him. Somehow that man is always depicted in the best light around Ashford Falls, even if he’s rarely around for town events, and was absent from most activities Abbey had growing up.
This town can’t stop gushing at how much he loves his daughter. How could he not since he’s given her the money to open the store?
I still don’t know what strings he’s attached to the purse, and I’m pretty sure Abbey doesn’t either, but I know they exist.
“You’re spending time with my daughter…” He lets his words trail off, the threat implied in his tone.
“We’ve already been over this. I’m not going out of my way to avoid Abbey.” He doesn’t need to know I plan on going out of my way to spend time with her. I’m sure he already guessed that if he’s showing up like this.
“Let me make something very clear, Mr. Murphy.” He takes a step closer on each word until he’s standing toe-to-toe with me—exactly like he did the last time he was here. “Youwillstay away from my daughter. I don’t care what you have to do to convince her not to be around you, but you’ll do whatever it takes to make sure that happens.”
I keep my eyes on his, but silently count to three before responding. I want so desperately to egg him on more. But while I may not care what he thinks of me, I don’t want to be responsible for any issues between Abbey and him. Abbey and I may not be together, but if I get it my way we will be, and I won’t be responsible for Abbey losing her only remaining parent.
“Sir, I wish I understood what I did to make you hate me, and I wish I could do what you’re asking, but the truth is, when it comes to your daughter, I’m incapable of staying away. She’s my true north, and no matter what, I’m always drawn to her.”
His eyes sharpen and if this were a cartoon, steam would be pouring out of his ears.
I know my words won’t change anything, but I can’t stop them from spilling out. “The only way I stay away from Abbey is if she asks me to. I’m done letting anyone else decide what we do with our lives.”
“You’re just like your father.”
I’m not entirely sure I’m meant to hear those words, but that doesn’t stop me from responding. When it comes to my dad, I’m nowhere near the kind of man he is, he’s far better than me.
“I don’t think that’s the insult you want it to be. My father’s an amazing man, and if I can be half the person he is, I’ll be happy with my life.”
