Page 34 of Unexpected Love

I received notice late Friday afternoon they scheduled the hearing for Scott's custody case on the twentieth, the last day courts are open before the holiday break.

“No. I’m actually planning on staying indefinitely. If that’s okay with you, that is.” I stand across from him, my own cup of coffee cradled in my hands.

“Ava, you’re more than welcome here as long as you want. Selfishly, I would love it if you were here permanently.” He studies me for a minute before continuing. “I just want it to be because it’s what you really want and not because you’re running from something.”

I take a deep breath, preparing to give Declan a little more of the truth. “It’s probably a little bit of both.” I shrug. “But I haven’t been happy in Boston for a while now. The law firm was sucking the life out of me.”

Declan sits at the counter, getting comfortable for a longer conversation. “You worked really hard to get your degree and prove yourself at that place. I’d hate to see you put all that to waste.”

I move around the counter, taking a seat next to him, both of us facing each other. “Is it a waste if I learned something about myself?”

“No, but you seemed passionate about it in school. Was that real, or just for Mom and Dad’s benefit?”

“I honestly don’t know anymore. That’s what I’ve realized since I got here. I don’t know what was because I wanted it or because it’s what Mom and Dad manipulated me into. It’s all a jumble in my head, and I’m determined to figure it out.” I look down at the mug on the counter and tuck a piece of hair behind my ear before looking back at him. “I’m not saying I’m done with law forever, but I am done with it for now.”

“Okay.” He lifts the mug to his mouth, taking a sip. “I’m all for taking the time to figure out what makes you happy, but you’ve got to do something.” His voice is gentle, like he might be afraid of hurting me.

“I completely agree. That’s part of why I’m up and ready so early. I want to get into a routine, and step one is getting a job.” Declan opens his mouth to say something, but I don’t give him a chance. “No. I was in town a couple of weeks ago and saw a help wanted sign at the bookstore. I haven’t had the time to read in years, but I used to love it. I think it would be a perfect place to start. Plus, it’s only part-time, so I’ll have plenty of time to try other things.”

“You’ve clearly put a lot of thought into it.”

“I have.”

We’re both quiet again, Declan watching me closely. I’m sure he’s trying to decide if I’m being honest about everything, and I understand. I’ve been holding a lot in and keeping him at arm's length, both things I don’t normally do. But I haven’t lied about a single thing this morning. I may not have given him the whole story, but I didn’t lie.

Declan sets his mug down. “There’s more, isn’t there?”

I sigh, setting my mug next to his. “Yeah, but I’m still not ready to talk about that yet. But I promise, I’m okay.” I reach for his arm, squeezing. “I might not be as happy-go-lucky as I was before, but I’m getting there. This is the closest I’ve felt to myself in a while.”

Declan takes my hand in both of his, squeezing tight as he looks me in the eye. “I love you, Ava. I just want you to be happy and content in your life. I’ll do whatever I can to help you achieve that. I hope you know that.”

I give him a watery smile. “I’ve never doubted that.” I stand from my seat, pulling him into a tight hug. “I love you, big brother.”

Declan holds on for a few minutes, and when we pull away, both of us are a little teary-eyed.

“All right. Enough of that.” I move around Declan toward the fridge. “What do you want for lunch? You’ll be late if you don’t get a move on.”

A few hours later,I’m walking into Falls Book Haven, feeling lighter than I have in years. When I walk in the door and hear the bell ring, it’s like a wave of peace washes over me—solidifying my decision to stay in Ashford Falls and apply for this job.

This is exactly where I’m supposed to be. I don’t know how I know it, but I feel it in my bones.

“You’re back,” Abbey says from behind the counter, a small display case of sweets I didn’t notice before at the end.

“I am.” I step up to the other side of the counter without hesitation. “I’d like to apply for the open position.” I gesture to the sign still in the window.

A large smile breaks out across Abbey’s face. “Perfect. The job is yours.”

“Really?” I ask, surprised. “I don’t need to fill out an application?”

“Well, technically, yes, but that’s only so there’s a paper trail. The job is yours if you want it.” Her smile softens slightly. “I have a good feeling about you. I think you’ll be a perfect fit.”

Abbey bends down and rifles around for a minute before standing back up and placing a couple of papers on the counter. “Here you go. Fill this out and sign the second page, which authorizes us to run a standard background check. Once that comes back clean, you’re good to go.” She grabs a pen from a cup next to the register and places it on the papers. “I don’t think the background check will be an issue, considering where you worked before this.” She winces. It’s so small I would have missed it if I hadn’t been looking. “Sorry. Small town living.”

“It’s fine.” I shrug. “And you’re right. As far as I know, my background is squeaky clean,” I joke.

“Well, like I mentioned before, the owner doesn’t want to bring on staff until after the new year, but if I can convince her to start you earlier, I’ll let you know.”

“That would be great.” I smile, getting more excited about this opportunity the longer I’m here.

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