The Butterfly Effect (Boggy Creek Valley 1)

“What’s that?”

“I sort of volunteered to drive you home since you wanted to leave as well…otherwise Hunter was going to walk me out to my car.”

A smile slowly spread over my face. “Well, if I wanted to stay, I could always walk you to your car and then come back in.”

Her mouth opened and then promptly shut again. She pressed her lips tightly together. “Yes. Of course, if you want to come back in. Sorry, I…I don’t know why I…”

Willa’s voice trailed off, and she looked embarrassed. She was so fucking adorable I could hardly stand it.

“I don’t want to stay, Willa. Are you sure you want to leave? This was a celebration for you.”

She dug her teeth into her lip for a second before she said, “Honestly, I never was the bar scene kind of girl. Don’t get me wrong, I like a good night out, just not tonight.”

I gave her a nod. “Fair enough.”

A smile broke out over her face. “Good. Shall we leave then?”

Motioning for her to lead the way, I took one last drink of my beer, set it on the table, and then looked over at Hunter. His expression said one thing: Don’t even think about hurting her.

I gave him a nod and then turned and followed Willa out of the bar.

Willa had scored a parking spot in front of Brew’s Place, so we were in her car within a few seconds. She backed up and drove down Main Street as I took it all in, this time not lost in thought like I had been when I rode into town with Hunter.

Each side of the street was lined with buildings more than two-hundred years old. Most of which had been built by an ancestor of mine or, most likely, Willa’s. Boggy Creek had been founded in 1775 and was the type of town people came to if they wanted to take a step into the past. It had been voted one of America’s best small towns and best main streets on more than one occasion. Of course, the fact that you walked over the Pemigewasset River on an old covered bridge in the center of town helped add to the charm.

Main Street was lit up with lampposts that had been placed every ten feet and boasted hanging plants overflowing with flowers. Willa drove slowly as we passed Millie’s Candy and Chocolate store. I felt myself smile at memories of standing with my friends at the long counter, dreaming of eating everything in there. Millie always gave each of us one free piece of chocolate per day and never an ounce more.

“Does Millie still own the candy shop?” I asked.

Willa chuckled. “Yes. And she still makes the best damn fudge I’ve ever had in my life. I bet if you go in, she’ll give you a free piece of chocolate.”

I couldn’t stop the smile on my face if I tried. “Her fudge was the best.”

“Still is.”

A little farther up was the old movie theater. Boy, did I have memories of that place too. Some not so innocent as standing and waiting for chocolate.

“Movie theater is still open. I can’t believe it.”

“Well, Mayor Apthorp has worked hard at keeping our downtown thriving. The shops are able to stay open because the tourists love to come and take a step back into history. Who doesn’t love to see a movie in an old theater that still has intermission?”

“Yeah, I can imagine that might be fun for some folks.”

As Willa drove by the First United Methodist Church, I glanced over at it. “Preacher Gale still there at the church?”

“No, he retired a couple of years back. His son took over his position.”

“Buck? Buck Gale became a preacher?” I laughed and shook my head.

“What’s so funny about that?” she asked.

“Considering he fucked nearly every girl in my graduating class, a lot.”

Willa didn’t say anything at first. “Well, you didn’t have a very big senior class, so it couldn’t have been that many girls.”

When I looked at her, she had a smile on her face. “I guess he asked for forgiveness then.”

She shrugged as she said, “More like I think his father gave him a choice. Get your shit together, or you’re on your own.”

I lifted my chin. “Ah, that makes sense now. The Gale family has a lot of money. Old Boston money.”

“Yep!” Willa said, popping the P.

“Looks like a lot of stores were added to the gristmill building,” I said. Willa slowed even more so I could take a look.

“Your grandfather just finished a huge renovation project on the old mill. Everyone has been so excited about it. That giant building has been turned into adorable little shops and office space. There’s even a barber shop in there.”

Willa pulled in front of the old gristmill for me to take a better look.