Page 48 of About Time You Noticed

"Don't worry, honey. I knew you two would end up together. Tommy made sure of it. He wouldn't let anyone else even look in your direction."

The woman could be infuriating at times. And this was one of those times. Sarah's fingers flexed. "What are you referring to, Mrs. Baxter?" The tone of her voice came out firmer than she'd expected—even assertive.

"Isabell asked Theo why he didn't take you to the prom when he liked you. Theo said Tommy shoved him against a wall and promised that if Theo laid a hand on you, he'd be drinking his meals from a straw."

"He what?" Sarah's pulse quickened.

"It happened years ago, honey, but I believe Theo is not the only boy he steered away."

"He threatened other guys?"

Audrey, Jake's mom, leaned forward. "I remember one time when another youth group visited. You were probably seventeen. Tommy had words with a young man who’d been flirting with you. I was helping in the kitchen and overheard everything."

"Yes, dear. He is very protective when it comes to you." Mrs. Baxter was on a roll. "Like your father. I knew there was something more to it. Just Becca's friend.” She snorted. “He wants you for himself." She raised her palm. "And now he has you."

Sarah's blood simmered. Did the woman speak the truth? If Tommy was anything like her father, she'd run the other way.

"Pfft." Becca rolled her eyes. "Those examples do not prove Tommy was interested in Sarah back then. He was one of the youth leaders at the time and would've been looking out for all the girls in our group."

Audrey raised a brow. "Perhaps. But why didn't he act the same way with you, Becca? Wouldn't he be more concerned for his sister?"

Becca cut a glance to Sarah before directing her gaze back to Audrey. "Tommy believed I could stand up for myself. I wasn't . . . as naive about boys." Becca gave Sarah an apologetic smile. "Sorry, but it's true. You longed for a boyfriend and might have chosen the wrong one."

Sarah squirmed under all the attention. This wasn’t her party, and she didn't appreciate Becca insinuating she had no insight into men. Sure. She hadn't dated anyone. Now the truth came out that she wasn't the ugly duckling she’d believed herself to be. A few guys had found her somewhat attractive. Fine—they were dropkicks. It didn't mean she would've fallen for them. But she'd spent years feeling like an unread book, collecting dust on the shelf. The town had limitations for singles. Since she worked locally and liked the small comforts of a close group of friends, she hadn't met anyone else.

Emily stood next to Sarah and placed a hand on her shoulder. "What is wrong with you people? Can't you see she's not enjoying this conversation?” Emily plunked a fist on her hip. “It's not anyone's business what goes on between Sarah and Tommy.” Emily scanned the room, meeting the eyes of each guest with the challenge to duel a grumpy pregnant woman. She nodded. “Now that we’ve cleared the air . . .” Her smile widened. “Let's open the presents."

Thank the Lord for friends like Emily, willing to go to bat for her in these awkward moments. But Sarah needed to find her own voice. She wouldn't make a scene at someone else's baby shower. But she had to get it through Tommy’s thick skull that his interference wasn’t okay. It wasn’t just a past issue. He’d come between her and Edward, and it had to stop. Time to press pause on their relationship and take a breather. Dang it, she had to face him after the party without having time to process all of this. Tommy had organized a hike, but at least Becca and Paul were coming.

Chapter Fourteen

LATER THAT AFTERNOON, she and Tommy hiked up St. Mary’s Glacier behind Becca and Paul. Sarah tried to keep a healthy distance between her and Tom, but he often pressed his hand to her back, helping ease the incline.

Sarah breathed in the fresh country air. Tall pines dotted the hills on each side. A heavy fog blanketed a distant mountain setting the mood for her inevitable conversation with Tommy. Today.

Paul and Becca held hands, swinging them on occasion. They made a cute couple. Sarah peeked at Tommy to her side. He sure looked athletic in his too-tight sweatpants hugging his muscled thighs. He wore dark sunglasses and a beanie, a two-day stubble which, dang it, how it made him look even more gorgeous. Could she call the sheriff to arrest Tom for being irresistible?

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