Page 51 of So Right
After what felt like several minutes, during which Gram patted her back and murmured words of comfort, Kelsey pulled away. “He’s getting out tomorrow and moving back to Kennewick.”
“He can do that?” Gram asked.
“Apparently. It’s better than having him here.”
Gram looked at her with concern, her brow creasing. “Definitely. Do you think he’ll try to contact you?”
“He’s not supposed to.”
“You should get a restraining order. Or does that happen automatically?”
Kelsey wasn’t sure. “I’ll call an attorney.” She could go over to Aubrey Archer’s office in person. It was just down the street. Did Aubrey even handle that kind of thing? It didn’t hurt to ask.
Gram took her hands and frowned. “Sweetheart, you’re ice-cold. Come sit down, and I’ll make you some tea.” She ushered Kelsey to the stool behind the counter and went in the back.
Kelsey stared at the window but didn’t really see anything. Her mind was a tumult of fear and anxiety. She’d worked so hard to regain a normal life, and she felt as though the world had been pulled out from under her.
The bell on the door jingled, and she jumped, practically tumbling from the stool. She jerked her head toward the entrance, half expecting to see Noah.
He doesn’t get out until tomorrow. And even then, he won’t come after you. He never touched you in public. He wouldn’t start now.
The pep talk she gave herself did nothing to ease her stress. Her gaze followed the customer, a middle-aged woman who’d smiled in her direction before moving to the racks of yarn along the back wall.
Gram emerged from the back, cradling a steaming mug. “Here, it’s chamomile with some honey. You’ll feel better.”
Kelsey tried to summon a smile but couldn’t. She took the cup and inhaled the sweet, soothing scent.
She lifted her gaze to Gram’s. “I love you.”
Gram kissed her forehead. “I love you too, sweetheart.”
The customer came to the counter, and Kelsey sipped her tea while Gram rang up her order. Soon they were alone in the shop once more.
“What are you going to do now?” Gram asked. “Do you want me to come stay with you tonight? Or maybe you want to come stay with me? The apartment has a pull-out couch.”
Shit. Kelsey hadn’t even thought that far ahead. Did she want to be alone? Not particularly. But he was still in prison for one more night at least. Even so, she just might not want to be alone. “I don’t know. I think I’ll be okay tonight.”
Gram didn’t look convinced, but she didn’t say anything more about it. “Do you mind if I tell George about this? He was in the military, after all. I’m sure he’d be happy to kick Noah’s ass if he ever comes near here.”
Kelsey latched on to the new, much happier topic. “Are you and George serious? You just met him.”
“True, but remember, your grandpa proposed to me after only three weeks, and we were married almost forty-five years.” Her lips curved up, and a sparkle gleamed in her eye. “Sometimes it doesn’t take long.”
Like with Noah. Kelsey had fallen for him hard and fast. No, she wasn’t going to trust that sort of timing ever again. But Gram was right in that it had worked out well for her. “So you like him a lot?”
Gram nodded. “I do. It’s strange because I was confident I’d never have feelings for another man. I loved your grandfather so very much.” She glanced away.
Kelsey touched her soft, wrinkled hand. “He’d want you to be happy. And for what it’s worth, I think he’d like George.” She’d thought that when she’d met him that first day she’d walked into The Arch and Vine. His jovial sense of humor had instantly reminded her of Grandpa.
Gram turned her head back, smiling. “I think so too.” She shook her head and exhaled. “I don’t know where we’re going. But we’re having a great time right now. I have to admit I love his place. He’s got a vineyard, you know, and a filbert orchard.”
“I bet that reminds you of Grandpa too.” He’d raised trees, which he sold to wholesalers and nurseries.
“It does. And I think I could talk George into a goat and some chickens.” She chuckled.
Kelsey laughed with her. “Uh-oh, thatdoessound serious.”
Her equilibrium seemed to settle, and a half hour later, she felt much better. Good enough to walk to Aubrey’s office and talk to her about the restraining order, which she was more than happy to file.
