Page 69 of Hidden Vows
“You know the phone works both ways, Mae. You could always call me.” I can’t help the chuckle that falls from my lips. Mae might be giving me a hard time, but I know she’s only teasing me. It’s been too long since I talked to her and Willie.
I called them a few days after I got settled in Ashford Falls, letting them know what was going on, but have only shot them a text here or there over the last two and half months. They’re far too important to me to have let this much time pass between phone calls. The support they’ve given me since I first met them means the world, and just because I’m getting my life back doesn’t mean I don’t still need them, because I do—probably now more than ever.
“How’s your dad doing?” I hear the screech of their screen door through the phone, and I know she’s stepping out the front door, probably on her way to the garage where Willie likely is.
“No change. They move him to the nursing home next week.”
“No change is better than bad news.”
“I know. I just wish he’d wake up already.”
“Is that our boy finally calling us?” Willie’s booming voice sounds in the background, and I’m grateful for the smile that pulls at my lips. I’ve missed them. Hearing their voices always has a way of calming my spirit.
“He had the nerve to tell me it’s my fault we haven’t talked!” Mae hollers back to him.
“Hey now! That’s not true.” I laugh as I close the apartment door and head down the stairs to meet Abbey at the bookstore.
There’s a rustling on the other end of the phone for a second before I hear Willie more clearly. “It’s been a while, kid.”
“I know. I’m sorry I haven’t called more.” I pause as I step outside, taking a second to enjoy the fresh air and soak in the fondness of that nickname, before I make my way around the building.
“Oh, you know we’re only giving you a hard time. We just miss you.” There’s no censure in his voice, but it doesn’t stop the pang of guilt in my chest.
“It’s been too long since I’ve been out to visit you two.”Way too long.
“Does that mean we’re getting a visit here soon?” Mae’s excitement at the simple possibility of me coming to visit makes me smile.
I laugh, unable to stop myself. “I think that’s definitely a possibility.”
Pausing in front of the bookstore, my eyes catch on a hole in the paper covering the front windows. The paper’s been up since Abbey started renovations, wanting to keep everything a secret from the town, and I know that hole is an accident. That doesn’tstop me from stepping up to it and taking full advantage.
“How are things going there, kid? Everything all right?” Will’s voice sounds in my ear, but I don’t take my eyes off the sight in front of me.
George and his team cleared out of the bookstore and handed the keys over yesterday, and Abbey jumped in with both feet to get the place ready for her grand re-opening in just over a week. After giving herself a few minutes to come to terms with the stagnant conversation with her dad, she started figuring out exactly how she was going to get everything ready. Without even an hour passing, the entire gang showed up and boxes of books started coming in through the back door.
I don’t know why, but it blew my mind to see everyone piling in through the front door asking about how they could help. Declan and Quinn showed up with pizza and beer, Ava and Gage came with a speaker and playlist ready to keep us motivated, and Emily—with Fiona strapped to her chest—Caleb, and Max arrived with snacks to keep us energized.
With everyone working together we were able to bring in all the boxes of books, the new furniture Abbey bought, and all the supplies she got for the café. There’s still a lot for her to do, but having everything in one space means she’ll have a much easier job doing it.
But now, instead of unpacking the boxes like I thought I’d find when I walked through the doors, she dances around the space, the most radiant smile on her face, and I fall in love with her all over again.
“Yeah.” I smile, my eyes never leaving Abbey through the window. “All things considered, everything is pretty great.”
“Well, there’s definitely a story to tell there,” Mae calls, and I can imagine her clearly, leaning forward with her chin propped inher hand, eagerly waiting for me to say more.
“Abbey and I are back together.”
“Oh,” Mae gasps, and when she speaks next, her voice is choked. “That’s wonderful, Jude.”
I have to look away from Abbey and swallow the lump in my throat before I’m able to speak. Even with them not knowing the full story, I know they understand how big of a statement that is. After Grace died, and I went back to Minnesota needing the comfort I couldn’t find anywhere else, I couldn’t help but think I’d ruined everything. I was so adamant I’d never find true happiness again, that Abbey had been my one true love. I didn’t need to tell Mae or Willie that for them to know I’d practically given up all hope. They didn’t necessarily push me to reconsider going home, but they definitely pushed me to think about what I wanted out of life. They pushed me to find new passions and things to bring joy.
“You’re gonna bring her on your next visit?” Willie asks.
“Yeah.” I chuckle. “Abbey’s already said she wants to meet you both before the end of the year. She said she wants to meet the people that kept me in check all these years.”
“I like her already.” Willie laughs.
“Yeah, I have no doubt you’ll love her,” I answer absentmindedly, my gaze moving back to Abbey through the window.
