Page 17 of Chasing Forever

He didn’t have to tell me twice. I threw down some money to cover my tab, shot him a quick “good night” and headed for the door.

Maybe if I drove fast enough, I could get home in time to hear all about Levi’s day before he had to go to bed.

Chapter Ten

Merritt

Iwiped my sweaty palms on my skirt and breathed in for a three count, then let it out slowly as I stared through the windshield at the gorgeous, rustic structure before me. The glass and wood somehow blended perfectly with the mountainous backdrop, looking like it was meant to be a part of this land from the very beginning.

Although it really was beautiful, the size of Second Hope Lodge was intimidating, and what lay inside had my nerves tangling up my stomach. I hadn’t even made it inside, yet I was already sweating in places that ratcheted up my discomfort ten-fold.

My cellphone buzzed in the cupholder in my center console, giving me a jolt. “Jesus, Merritt, get it together,” I chided as I snatched my phone and clicked the button on the side to bring the screen to life. The text from Tristan that had just come through tugged the corners of my mouth upward.

Tristan:Stop stressing out. You’re gonna nail it. Bringing home pizza from Momma Gianna’s for dinner to celebrate.

My grin widened at his encouragement as my fingers typed out a reply.

Me:Getting a little ahead of yourself, don’t you think?

I had officially been back in Hope Valley for a week and a half. Well, a week and three days, to be exact. And while the foundation of this new life I’d been thrust into was still a little wobbly, it was getting a little more comfortable—a little more solid—every day.

The home inspection with the woman from social services had gone better than I’d hoped, and with my brother currently locked up for child endangerment, I was looking into what it would take to gain full and permanent guardianship of Levi.

Tristan and I were still getting to know each other better, but I felt confident in saying that, while we weren’t full-blown besties or anything, we were at least in the friendship area. He was easy to be around. I noticed that, unlike most people who wouldn’t be able to ignore their instincts to push and prod, he waited with quiet patience for me to be ready. It was certainly unexpected, and I appreciated it more than he could possibly know.

Though he was careful with me, he was lively and loud and full of energy with Levi. He was more intuitive than anyone I’d ever met, knowing exactly how to handle each of us and spreading himself out in a way that made him accessible in any way Levi and I might need.

My phone buzzed with another text.

Tristan:I have no doubts. Now get in there and show them how amazing you are.

There was that intuitiveness at work again. He couldn’t have possibly known how badly I needed a pep-talk in that moment, but he’d been there to give it.

With one last fortifying breath, I stuffed my phone into my purse and shoved out of my car. If I was impressed by the outside of the lodge, it was nothing compared to the beauty inside. Stepping into the lobby took my breath away. The Paulsons—the family who owned and operated the lodge, as well as the ranch it sat on—had managed to blend the perfect amount of rustic western and modern together in a way that totally worked. It felt like walking into John Dutton’s living room onYellowstone, complete with the cowhides on the floor and the oversized, butter leather furniture.

The woman at the front desk wore her silver hair in a fashionable bob. The lines around her smiling mouth and kind eyes told the story of a life full of happiness and laughter. The nametag pinned to her stylish blouse readBecky.

“Hey there,” she greeted. “Welcome to Second Hope Lodge. What can I help you with, darlin’?”

I clenched my fists to hide the fact they were shaky. “Hi.” The word came out too high-pitched andwaytoo loud. I cleared my throat and tried again. “Hi. I’m Merritt Bell. I’m here for a one o’clock interview with a Ms. Young.”

The woman’s smile brightened. “Sure thing, dear. Why don’t you have a seat? Make yourself comfortable, and she’ll be right with you.”

Her kindness helped to put me at ease. “Thanks so much.”

“No problem. And for the record, you’re gonna love workin’ here. And I’m not just sayin’ that because my family owns this place.”

So Becky was a Paulson. Good to know. “Well, if that’s the case, wish me luck with my interview.”

She held up her hands and crossed her fingers for me.

“Merritt?” I heard a few minutes later, and spun around to see a familiar face descending the grand staircase that led to the second floor.

My eyes widened and my mouth dropped open as I shot to standing. I recognized the woman from the obstetrician’s office where I used to work. It had only been a few months since I last saw her, but with everything that had happened in that short time, it felt like a lifetime had passed. I moved in Ivy Young’s direction, meeting her at the bottom of the stairs. “Oh, my gosh!”

She pulled me into a familiar hug, her rounded belly causing her to have to lean into the embrace so she could fully reach.

She pulled back from the embrace and smiled at me, “It’s so good to see you.”

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