Page 40 of Always Mine

We haven’t talked about it since it happened because I’m avoiding that topic at all costs, and I’m so glad it hasn’t messed up our relationship at all. I can’t imagine losing him too. I love Cooper, and I mean it when I say, if I could be with anyone now, it’d be him, but he deserves so much more than my half-assed attempt at a relationship.

Sothatis why I’m struggling. I don’t want to hurt Cooper by talking about Paxton, but not talking about him is literally making me crazy. Sure, I could talk to Ember, but she hates Paxton, and I know if I tell her that he’s messing up my head again, she’ll either flip her shit or be disappointed in me and neither one of those things will help.

“You alright?”

Speak of the devil.

I nod to Ember as I grab a square of hay. “Yeah, I’m almost done setting up. How about you?”

Every year our family hosts the annual Family Fall Fun Day, which is basically one big Halloween party. We have a hayride, corn maze, pumpkin carving, face painting, and we set the barn up like a petting zoo and all the kids love the animals, especially Daisy and Judith. Everyone brings food and it’s a good time.

Then at night, it turns into a hoedown with music and dancing. The hard part is setting everything up. We started days ago with the help of the community, but we still have some stuff to take care of before we’re done.

“Just finished the kid’s station. I was coming to ask if you knew where Mama put the face paint? I can’t find it.”

“Did you ask her?” I question, putting the last bit of hay on the trailer.

“I did, but she has no idea. I’m going to run into town real quick and grab some.”

“Sorry, I can’t help. I really don’t know either.”

She waves me off. “It’s fine. Do you need anything while I’m gone? I’m going now so I can get back before everything starts.”

I think it over and then shake my head. “I’m good. Check with Dad, though. I think we’re all set, but I could be wrong.”

“Will do. Hunter just got here and he’s helping a few other guys put up the lights in the barn. Can you make sure he doesn’t break his neck please?”

I grin, pulling off my gloves and jumping down from the trailer. “I’m sure he’ll be fine. He literally works on ladders for a living. Hanging up lights is nothing.”

“Ugh, thanks for reminding me,” she scoffs, body slumping. “Now I’ll worry every time he goes to work.”

I cock a brow as I stuff my gloves into my pocket. “Worry? Don’t tell me my coldhearted sister is actually catching some feelings? Never thought I’d see the day.”

“Yeah, yeah. Don’t tell anyone. I’ll deny it.”

Hunter appears out of nowhere, picking Ember up and twirling her around. “Too late for that, babe. I heard every word.”Yes, karma, you are real!

She shrieks, smacking his shoulder, trying to get him to put her down. “Hunter! You’re going to drop me. Put me down before I fall.”

“Aw, but you’ve already fallen,” he says, letting her slide down his body and stand once more. “And so have I.” Then he cuts off whatever she was going to say next with a kiss.

It’s cheesy but so sweet at the same time. I’m happy for them. They both deserve all the good things and I hope it lasts. The smile drops from my face though as I think of a time when that used to be me and Paxton. It seems like a lifetime ago, but yesterday all at once. It’s all so confusing and hurts to even think about it.

Shaking my head, I clap my hands together. “Alright, you two, break it up. We still have so much to do.”

“Ugh, way to ruin the moment,” Hunter jokes, kissing my sister one last time before stepping back. “Be careful driving.”

“I will,” she mutters, cheeks flushed with embarrassment at being caught by Hunter. “Bye.”

She scurries off, not sparing us a second glance. All the while, Hunter can’t tear his gaze away, keeping tabs on her until she pulls out of the driveway.

I give him a push and he stumbles before catching himself. “Oh, boy, you’re love-drunk. Never thought I’d see the day, and with my sister no less.”

“And proud of it. She’s something else.” He beams, throwing his arm over my shoulder. Yeah, she’s something alright. A damn messy disaster, but more power to him for being able to handle her.

“I’ll pray for you.”

He snorts, tightening his hold on me. “Come on, party pooper. Didn’t you say we had things to do? To the barn!” he cheers, tugging me with him.

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