Page 14 of One Southern Summer

“And yet you’re still standing.”

Staring out over the lake, her baby boy nestled in her arms, she wanted to believe in herself the way Harper and Cole did.

Cole topped a cracker with a slice of cheese. “I know how much you love a good project, especially when you’re dealing with your problems. I have something that’s right up your alley.”

Curiosity outweighed her uncertainty. “Do tell.”

“Imari’s Place is due for an expansion. I need an interior designer—someone to make all the decisions from paint color to cabinets in the kitchen and choose all the furniture.”

Avery stopped rocking. Chill bumps pebbled the skin on her arms. “You’re kidding, right?”

“I’m serious. The board approved it. We’re scheduled to break ground next week.”

Wan laughter escaped her lips. Hayes flinched and cried out. She leaned down and planted a gentle kiss on his head then patted his backside until he fell asleep. Cole’s offer scared her. She was a single mother and an irrelevant lifestyle blogger abandoned by her husband and her temperamental audience. Could she really design and decorate a large-scale project without Pax and Trey? “I appreciate the offer, but I’ve never worked solo before. I’m not sure I can handle a major assignment right now, given all the upheaval in my life.”

Cole dusted cracker crumbs from his fingertips. “You have a bachelor’s degree in fashion and textiles, right? Plus, extensive experience. Once I send you the specs, you can make a final decision. Funding’s approved to pay you, although it isn’t as substantial as you may want.”

She sifted through the details, trying to discern what he wasn’t telling her. Hadn’t he heard what she’d said?

“Yes, I have a degree, but in a mostly unrelated field. There must be more qualified candidates available. My experience is not as extensive as you might think.”

Her heart hammered. Telling Cole her most vulnerable thoughts and feelings had never been difficult. But they were adults now. There was so much at stake. “Trey, my ex-husband’s partner, did almost all the work and I let people believe that I deserved the credit. A few clever shots of me tossing pillows on a sofa and arranging flowers in a vase had everyone fooled.”

She forced herself to look Cole in the eye. She couldn’t mislead him. His work with Imari’s Place meant so much to him. He battled human trafficking out of his own personal loss. She’d never forget how he’d suffered when his sister disappeared. Or the agony he’d endured as the news of her murder had split his family in two.

“Please, Avery.” Cole’s voice implored her to reconsider. “Everything you’ve experienced personally and professionally adds value to this project. You can mold this building into a beautiful home. I looked through the pictures on your website and watched three episodes of your television show. Your style is unmatched.”

Her throat tightened. His gaze was so earnest she had to look away. This was the kind of meaningful work she’d told Harper she wanted. A job that helped women get back on their feet. How could she say no?

He’d enjoyed his reunion with Avery’s family far more than he should have.

The laughter, effortless conversation and delicious food pulled him in, slowly weakening his defenses.

While the realization made Cole uneasy, he still couldn’t bring himself to say his goodbyes. Then Julene refilled his glass with more sweet tea and Mrs. Lansing—Mrs. Huntington now—served a second helping of that scrumptious pulled pork and he settled back in the upholstered dining room chair. Greer regaled them with his misadventures hiking the Appalachian Trail, woefully unprepared among a bunch of buddies from his financial advising firm.

One glance at Avery sitting across from him, the candlelight from the centerpiece flickering in her eyes, and everything felt good and right in his world. His devastation over her decision to marry Pax was conveniently erased.

Seriously, it’s time to go.

He’d missed her.

“Cole, can I interest you in some peach cobbler and vanilla ice cream?” Mrs. Huntington asked.

He groaned and pressed his palm against his already full stomach then opened his mouth to politely decline.

“Now, don’t you go trying to scoot off, young man.” Maribelle shot him a pointed glance from the far end of the table where she’d held court all night.

“Maribelle, you aren’t shy about expressing your opinion, are you?” Greer teased, the lines around his eyes crinkling.

You have no idea.Cole forced a smile and plated his utensils while Julene and Harper cleared the table.

“And don’t pretend you don’t play tennis.” Maribelle shook her finger at him. “You can afford a few extra calories every now and then.”

Avery laughed, her oversized feather-shaped earrings swaying above her shoulders. Heat climbed his neck as Avery’s eyes locked on his. He glanced at Julene, hovering at his elbow to collect his plate.

“Thank you,” he said. “It was delicious.”

“You’re quite welcome.” Julene smiled. “We’ll be back with dessert in a second.”

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