Page 89 of A Montana Secret Admirer
“You should.”
“And what do you think would happen if I asked him to stay?” Her voice was so small then, she wasn’t sure her sister could hear her. This was a fear she’d had from the moment that Reese had asked about meeting up when he came to visit. “Because I think I know what would happen.”
“And what’s that?” Jane asked.
“I think he’d do it. Or at least, he’d consider it.”
More silence followed. Then, “Would that be so bad?”
Serenity scoffed. “Of course it would.”
“No, I mean, would it be so bad to have found someone who was willing to put you first? When are you going to allow others to love you like you deserve? When are you going to open up your heart to that possibility again?”
“I’m willing, Jane. I’m ready to be in love again. Iamin love.” She shut her eyes tight, and a tear slipped free. “I want to be with him—so much it hurts. I want to throw caution to the wind and allow myself to really live again. But I’m not going to be the person to stand in his way of his dream. It’d be better after he’s done with his program.”
“Don’t you think you owe it to him to let him make that decision?”
“You’re the one who wanted to enlist him as part of your pet project. What do you think? What kind of person do you want working for you? Someone who is willing to walk away from their responsibilities for some girl? Or someone who prioritizes their work?”
“You’re not just some girl, Serenity. And honestly? I know him well enough by now that I don’t see it the same way you do. I see a man who is willing to prioritize a family—and that’s the kind of person I want working for me. Nothing is more important than family, Serenity. And whether you want to admit it or not, Reese has managed to enter yours.”
Her words stuck to the bottom of Serenity’s stomach like a stone in water. Not for the first time, Jane had made a good point. The only thing holding Serenity back was the fact that she didn’t want to make Reese choose between his dreams and her. Maybe he wouldn’t have to.
She just had to be brave.
“Look, I’ve got to go. I’m making some cookies for the party tonight. You should think about coming.”
“Yeah, I’ll think about it.”
“Serenity,” Jane warned.
She laughed. “I said I’d think about it. I’ll call you if I decide to come. I’m taking the kids ice skating. They extended hours for the outdoor rink.”
“Have fun,” Jane sighed, resignation in her voice.
“Thanks—for everything.”
“Arewe going to talk to Reese today?”
Serenity glanced down at Tegan, who had refused to hold her hand as they skated on the ice. His nose was already red, and it matched his cheeks. Jessi was at her other side, gripping her hand like it was a lifeline.
Tegan had always been the more fearless out of the two, and for once in her life, she wished she could take that characteristic and make it her own.
“I’m sure he’s busy. It’s Christmas Eve, kiddo.”
“That’s why we should call him. To tell him Merry Christmas.”
She offered him a smile. “We’ll see.”
He frowned, clearly not liking her decision.
Ever since she’d been a child, she’d been cautious. She didn’t ever just jump into anything. It had taken her several weeks to decide to move to Rocky Ridge. It had taken even longer to accept that she would wait for Reese to come home in the fall of next year before they committed to anything.
But she would.
Serenity was all in. She simply wasn’t prepared to make anything happen right now. Reese had a different personality. He seemed like the type to close his eyes and cannonball into the unknown because his heart told him it would be fun.
Sighing, she glanced down at Tegan again. “I’m sure we could call him. I just need to make sure it’s the right time.”
