Page 30 of Sugarloaf Ridge Lies

Chapter Nine

Liv

Gareth waves at thechildren after the march as they reunite with their parents. In art class, we made paper poppies, and my heart fills with pride as the children proudly wave them about like flags.

Veterans in their military attire linger to pay their respects and to tell stories of their time serving our country. I touch my grandfather’s medals pinned to my shirt, grateful for the freedom his service has given me and generations to come.

When I arrive at the busy corner near Emily’s Florist Café, Jerry’s hands are stuffed in the pockets of his dark jeans, his white shirt hugging his broad chest. His hungry eyes are fixed on me as if he’s tracked me here. But it’s his bright smile that has my breath catching.

He licks at his lower lip and starts in my direction. My pulse thunders as I recall his soft mouth on mine, our hands exploring.In the Veterinarian carpark...

Jerry sweeps me up, his arms around my waist. He swirls me around, my long skirt billowing out at my heels. I laugh as he sets me on my feet, then I grip his shoulders as dizziness takes over for a few seconds.

Angling my head back, I smile as Jerry leans in for a kiss. Strong hands grip my waist, drawing me into his body.

“Haven’t been able to stop thinkin’ ’bout yesterday.” He presses a slow kiss to my lips.

I dig my fingers into his rounded shoulders and hold him closer, kissing him as we did twenty-four hours ago. For a moment, I forget we’re in the heart of town.

When our kiss intensifies to the point of me almost throwing a leg over him, bystanders be damned, I pull my lips from his.Get yourself together. “You’ve been on my mind too.”Understatement.

Jerry winks, pulls me to his chest and nibbles my earlobe. “You’re gonna make it damn hard to think about anything besides you today.”

His fresh woodsy scent wraps around me, causing my head to swim.God, he smells so fine.“I could say the same thing.” I flatten my hands against his chest.

“Do you love him?” a tiny voice squeaks.

Gracey’s eyes are wide as she tugs my skirt, a beaming smile on her sweet face. Her pale blue dress flares out at her knees as she spins around, gripping the fabric at her hips.

“Gracey,” I say, breathing out. “Hi.”

She regains her balance and laughs. “You must because you smile all the time now.”

I do?

“Hey, you,” Jerry says through a chuckle.

Gracey’s eyes pin me. “Are you going to marry him?”

My mouth drops open. Did she just catch us kissing? I dare to think what we looked like. You don’t see too many public displays of affection around here.

“Not sure I’m that lucky,” Jerry jokes. “Nice medals.” He glances at the medallions pinned to my jacket. From the smirk on his face, I’m not certain he’s talking about the medals.

“They were my grandfather’s. From the Vietnam War.”

“You must be proud.”

I nod. “I am.”

“Don’t forget what you said,” Gracey whines and tugs on Jerry’s jeans.

He crouches down so their eyes meet. “Would I ever forget, sweetheart?”

She wraps her small arms around his neck and jumps up and down. Her blonde pigtails swish every which way. “Let’s go!”

Jerry stands, unhooking Gracey from his neck. “I promised I’d get Gracey a treat. One sec?”

“Sure. She definitely deserves it.” I reach down and tap her shoulder. “You marched very well, honey.”

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