Page 109 of My Lucky Charm

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Gray

Loveland is the kind of town I want Scarlett to grow up in.

Even though her car is still parked near my apartment, I insist Eloise ride with us, mostly because—and I don’t say this out loud—I don’t think she should be alone after that. I want to make sure she’s okay.

She navigates us out of the city and back on the road to her small hometown, and just like the two other times I’ve been here, I’m taken by how peaceful it is. It feels different even pulling onto her street.

Maybe this is why Dallas chose to buy a house here.

Maybe I should buy a house here.

The thought comes out of nowhere, and it makes zero sense. A house? I don’t need that much room. I don’t need a commute, and Scarlett doesn’t live with me full-time anyway.

Though when she is here, it’d be nice to have her in a place like this instead of in the city. The air is—lighter—somehow. And even though Eloise did a good job with her tour, I won’t lie; I’m more interested in her hometown.

The ride out here is quick enough, but with a silent Eloise sitting in the passenger seat, slowly massaging her right hand, it feels hours long. I’m not used to her being quiet, and it signals that something is bothering her.

Understandable after what happened.

“Here, park right here.” Eloise points to a spot in front of a little restaurant right on the main strip of her town’s downtown. By the looks of it, I suppose some people would call this place “charming.” I park the car and turn off the engine.

“This is my sister’s restaurant.” Eloise glances at the small building with a sign over the door that says “Poppy’s Kitchen.”

We go inside and a waitress with a name tag that says “Selena” leads us to a booth in the back. At the sight of her, Eloise brightens, and it’s obvious she’s genuinely interested in the waitress’s story—something about a random goose attacking the mayor in the crosswalk.

Even though she’s smiling and engaged and talkative, I can see behind her eyes she’s still reeling.

I want to help, but I don’t know how.

“Is Poppy in the kitchen?” Eloise asks as we sit.

Selena smiles, handing over our menus. “She is.”

“Could you tell her that I’m here?”

“Of course,” Selena says, then rushes off.

“You need to get some ice on that hand,” I tell her, nodding toward her swollen knuckles.

Eloise pulls her hand into her lap, like she’s ashamed, and I want to tell her not to worry about it. Scarlett is old enough to know better than to throw hands. At least, I thought she was.

Knowing that she’s playing hockey has me questioning everything right now.

A part of me is insanely proud, knowing that my kid doesn’t take crap from anyone. Just like I was proud of Eloise for clocking that guy.

Probably horrible dad advice, but that same proud part of me doesn’t care.

Seconds later, Poppy appears beside the table, visibly confused.

This looks a little less than professional, doesn’t it? Me and Eloise and Scarlett. We look like we’re on some sort of family outing.

But she recovers quickly, looking at Scarlett. “Oh my goodness! You must be Scarlett!”

Eloise glances at me, apologetic.

Poppy must’ve caught that look, because she says, “She didn’t let anything slip. Dallas mentioned your daughter was in town.” Then to Scarlett, “I feel really lucky I get to meet you before you head back.”

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