Page 43 of Memories of the Past

“Sure was. Honestly, I’d had a lot of interest in that property over the years, but your father wouldn’t even entertain selling. When you came in and said you wanted to list it, I knew it would go rather quickly. Probably would have been gone in the first couple of days had I have been able to put a sign out.” Serenity smiled, gathering up the papers and slipping a paperclip onto them.

“When is the closing date?”

“Ah, looks like the end of next month, unless, of course, you’re going to need more time. I know you’ll need to arrange to have the animals taken care of.”

“Should be fine. I already have something in the words.” I muttered, thinking of Connor Darling’s offer.

“All right then, you’ll be hearing from me as soon as I hear back from them. Now, will you be needing a place to live?” Serenity asked. “There are some nice homes for sale in the area right now.”

I thought to myself, feeling unsure of what exactly my path was. “I’ll have to get back to you on that. For now, I’m going to say no and head out to the ranch to start getting some things organized.”

“Very well. Well, if you do, please do not hesitate.”

As I drove back to the ranch, I felt empty. It had been a such a hard few weeks. I’d lost my parents and sold the last part of them that I had. I’d once again lost Trinity. I had nothing, except a pile of cash, and a duffle bag full of clothes. Despite everything going through my mind, I got straight to work when I got back to the ranch. The first thing I did was go inside and call Connor Darling, and then I sat down with Lyle.

CHAPTER 18

Trinity

I had never been so glad to see a Sunday as I was this morning. After everything that happened between Thomas and me yesterday morning, I was so glad to be going out to see Aunt Vi today. It was just the break I needed, and I was looking forward to spending some time out in the gardens with her if it wasn’t too cold out.

I slipped from my bed and shoved my feet into my slippers and grabbed my light cotton robe from the end of the bed. My whole body felt heavy, and I had a horrible headache. I wrapped myself in my robe and shivered; it was starting to get much colder in the mornings. I made my way into the living room and turned the gas fireplace on, allowing it to heat my small apartment.

Then I returned to the kitchen, switched the kettle on, and set up my French press. In a matter of minutes, I was greeted by Luna. I smiled down at the tabby cat then reached up into the cupboard and pulled down a can of food, opening it and dumping it into Luna’s bowl as she sat meowing behind me.

“There you go, Luna. Eat up,” I said, patting her gently on the head.

I grabbed a pot and the oatmeal and began making my favorite autumn breakfast: apple and cinnamon oatmeal. Once finished, I sat down at the small dining table and enjoyed my coffee with my breakfast. I was flipping through a magazine and eating breakfast when my phone pinged. I grabbed for my phone and smiled when I saw a message from Peggy; however, reading it wiped the smile off my face.

Peggy: Jenkins ranch has sold.

I stared down at the message, tears coming to my eyes. I had been doing so well without any more tears, until now. I guess it was final. Thomas had gone through with the sale and would be leaving Willow Valley. I had gotten my wish. That my life would go back to normal, only I knew now that wasn’t what I wanted at all. I swallowed hard and shoved the half-eaten bowl of oatmeal away from me and hit reply. Through tear-filled eyes, I managed to type, “I know. I don’t want to talk about it,” and hit send. Then I buried my face in my hands and let it all out, already missing the feeling of his arms wrapped around me as my phone continued to ping.

An hour later, I’d showered and dressed, making my way over to The Crispy Biscuit. It was a quiet morning there, and I walked inside and right up to the counter.

“Good morning, Trinity,” Brooke said, wiping her hands on her apron, smiling.

“Morning. Can I get four apple fritters please?” I asked, making sure to avoid eye contact with her.

“Sure thing.” She smiled, grabbing a bag from the counter behind her.

The last thing I wanted to do was to be asked about Thomas, and since we had normally gone to having breakfast Sunday mornings here, I figured that would be the first question on her lips.

“We hoped you’d come in today,” Melinda said, bringing out a fresh tray of croissants. “Where’s Thomas?” she asked, looking around the diner.

“Hi, Melinda,” I greeted. “I’m alone today and won’t be staying.”

“Did you hear the news? Serenity sold the Jenkins ranch,” Melinda said, sliding another tray into the display case. “I drove by on my way in this morning. Sold sign up on the driveway. I didn’t even know it had been listed.”

Brooke glanced in my direction then turned to Melinda and shook her head and held her finger up to her lips, but Melinda kept talking.

“Oh, and I wanted to apologize for the meal choices that Thomas brought to you last month. I was only having fun. Brooke told me all about what happened between the two of you and how he treated you all those years ago.”

“Melinda now really isn’t the time,” Brooke whispered, looking over at me.

Melinda nodded and turned, heading toward the kitchen.

“I’m sorry about that. Serenity was in this morning and told me the news.” Brooke softly smiled. “I can’t imagine what you’re feeling. I remember how heartbroken you were before.”

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