Ivy frowned, Clark’s offer making her rethink her tantrum. “But...but...”
“We’ll be right here,” Eden said, pointing at the park. “I bet if I stand on the bench, I’ll see the parade. But Lily won’t hurt everyone’s ears with her crying.” She tried to tease.
“Stop fussing, Lily,” Ivy said. “Please.”
Lily sniffed, her feet kicking, then burst into tears.
“That’s not nice, Lily,” Ivy scolded. “Momma likes horses, too.”
“It’s okay,” Eden said. “After the parade, we’ll go see Dr. Archer’s horses, okay?”
Ivy nodded. “Okay, Momma.”
“Ready?” Clark asked, taking Ivy’s hand.
“Yep,” Ivy said, skipping. “Hurry.”
Eden sat on the bench and put Lily in her lap. “What’s up, little bug?” she asked, kissing the baby’s forehead. “Those gums bothering you?” She offered her the teething ring she’d packed in the ice chest. It was cold, soothing, and Lily started gnawing it with a vengeance.
“Better?” Eden asked.
She sat back, watching the crowds gather on the sidewalk. It was going to be a scorcher. She didn’t miss being packed shoulder to shoulder in this heat. The sounds of sirens started, making Lily jump. “It’s parade time,” Eden said, grinning down at her daughter.
Lily returned to gumming her teething ring while Eden watched the people of Stonewall Crossing. Nice people. People who said hello and waved. Like the Boones. Sure, they were curious—she was an outsider. But she didn’t feel like an intruder.
Yes, the town was small. But did she need shopping malls or a movie megaplex, massive gyms or supersized grocery stores? Not at all. She needed a home. A place to start over as Eden, not a Monroe. A place she’d want her girls to grow up.
Stonewall Crossing had a lot to offer her.
“Eden.” Renata waved. “You’re missing the parade.” She wore a full getup. Pink plaid shirt, chaps, jeans, boots and a hat with a long feather.
Eden smiled. “I was afraid Lily would deafen the crowd. She’s teething. Why aren’t you riding?”
“We’re bringing up the rear,
” she said. “I’m late. Just left Dad.”
“How is he?”
“Good. Growling like a bear to get out.” She paused. “Wanna walk with me?” Renata asked. “Since she’s calm?”
“Sure.” Eden shifted the diaper bag and snapped Lily into the front pack, holding the teething ring close so Lily would stay happy.
“Still planning on leaving soon?” Renata said, leading her through the crowded sidewalk.
“I don’t know,” she answered honestly. “I was just thinking about that.”
“You realize you’re his first...girlfriend. Ever. He took our mom’s death really hard and I think, and you know I’ll tell you what I’m thinking, he doesn’t want to go through that again—loss, I mean. So he’s made a point of avoiding people and relationships...and feeling his whole life. Until you and your girls.” Renata kept walking, but Eden had come to a stop.
How was that possible? Besides the fact that he was brilliant and well-respected, he was smoking hot. Women would notice him.
“Coming?” Renata called back.
Eden hurried to catch up, still processing Renata’s words as they rounded another corner and cut through an alley. She watched a fire truck going down the main street, followed by a large tractor pulling a trailer, but Renata’s words still echoed.
When Eden finally spied the Boone Ranch Refuge truck, she was surprised to see Ivy and Clark.
“Who is that?” Renata asked, an appreciative purr to her voice.