Page 83 of Forever in the Country

“I’m going to talk to Dad and then Oakey.”

“Who?” Waylon asks as he finally turns his gaze away from the house to the dark-haired powerhouse we get to call our sister-in-law.

“Tom Oakden is a private investigator that we have on retainer for Andrews International.” Hank nods like it’s no big deal and for him it’s probably not. I didn’t have all the details, but I knew Tom Oakden had been instrumental in helping Hank unravel the conviction that landed him in jail years ago.

Both Isla and her father had left the business and settled down in Clementine Creek, but apparently that didn’t stop them from retaining certain perks.

“Can someone bring me to work?” I ask.

Hank opens his mouth to speak, but Isla just pats him on the chest. “Why don’t you get started on breakfast and I’ll drive your sister. Waylon, go to your wife, and when she’s ready, bring her to the house.” Waylon looks unsure so she adds, “You gave her a minute, now go.”

My brother doesn’t waste another second before taking off across the lawn.

“Have I told you lately that I want to be you when I grow up?” I ask as Isla hooks her arm through mine and leads me to her fancy white SUV. The first time I’d ridden in it, she’d turned on whatever makes the seat cold and I’d jumped higher than a wet dog in a truck bed.

“Flattery will get you everywhere.” Pulling down the drive, Isla stops at the main road and turns to look at me. “Are you sure you want to go to work?”

No.

“Yes.” She rolls her eyes but doesn’t move.

“It’s okay. Y’all have been thrown headfirst into all the heavy stuff. Anyone going through what you guys are would be reeling too.”

“I don’t think I’ll ever get over hearin’ you say y’all.”

“Your deflection is not appreciated but noted.”

I snort and she pulls onto the main road toward the bakery.

“I feel like this has been the longest few weeks of my life,” I say as she parks in front of the bright teal building I love so much.

“I told you men like Hank and Sorren are exhausting and they’re going to screw up.” She sighs. “His whole world came to a head today, and he needs you, Rhea. He’s going to need you when he pulls his head out of his ass, but he might not know when or how or if he deserves to have you.”

“Love you,” I say as I reach across the console and hug her tight.

“Love you too.”

Biting the inside of my cheek, I walk the few steps into the bakery as her words wash over me. I’d watched Sorren’s face during the exchange with his parents. Felt the tension radiating from his body as he stood there so enraged he could barely speak.

Marlee had done enough for both of them, and I hope he could see her strength in that moment. That when he needed her—even before he knew it—she’d been there.

“Hey, you’re not supposed to be in today,” Ella says as she places a gentle hand on my arm. I jump, and her look of confusion turns to one of concern.

“I’m just gonna make a few things, that’s all.”

She assesses me for a minute then tilts her head to the side. “If you start cryin’ into the batter, I’ll kill him myself.”

I laugh and wrap her in a quick hug.

“No need, but I appreciate the offer.”

“Hmm. I’ll keep the option open.”

I chuckle and shake my head as I walk back to the sink and wash my hands.

* * *

It’s almosteight at night by the time there’s a knock at my front door. I’d spent all day at the bakery trying to distract myself, but it had been a foolhearted attempt. From the prepping area, I could see out into the shop, and I’d seen Sorren’s parents walk by the big glass windows a few times before stopping in.

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