That Night (Coming Home To The Grove 4)

I know that Carrie is stunned and doesn’t know what to say. She wants to argue with me—heck, right now she looks as if she wants to slap some sense into me.

Lacy reaches across the table and pats the empty spot in front of me. “Whatever you need, we’re here. Whatever you decide, we’ve got your back. We just want you to be happy.”

And everyone else agrees with her. Encouraging me to do what I need to do to be happy.

Happy. I thought I was happy. I’m happier now than I’ve ever been, but the fact that the preschool teacher is worried about Katie’s behavior since her father left, well, I feel like I need to do what’s best for her. Even if that’s bringing my ex-husband back into my life.

“Thank you guys. I don’t know what I’d do without you,” I tell them honestly.

The conversation goes on around me, and I’m so lost in thought until I hear Carrie say her brother’s name.

“Yeah, Bart is coming to visit. He’ll be here in the next few days.”

“Is he coming to visit or on a special case?” Rose asks. Bart is a detective in Knox. It’s only an hour away, but he still hardly ever comes to Forest Grove. I guess being a detective in the big city keeps you busy.

Carrie shrugs her shoulders. “I guess to visit. He hasn’t really said.”

Carrie looks over at me, and I know what she’s looking for. I used to be in love with her older brother. Not that he ever knew it. I spent all my time watching him, but I made sure he never knew how I felt. When he left town after graduation, I was devastated. It was during that time that I met David. I know Carrie’s probably wondering if any of my old feelings are still there, but I just smile easily at her. “That’s great. I know your mom will be happy to see him.”

She agrees with me, but she’s my best friend. She sees through my words, and she knows that I still have feelings for Bart. I probably always will.

So now I’m going to have to deal with my ex-husband wanting me back and make sure I avoid my first love while he’s in town. The stress just keeps piling on, and I’m hoping nothing else comes up. I don’t know if I can handle much more.

THE END