Page 25 of Rancher's Pride

The grocery store loomed as I turned and drove to the end of Main Street. Why had I thought this was a good idea? I hated this town, and most of the people in it, but here I was, willingly wanting to walk through the grocery store. Glancing behind me, I knew I needed to get going before Lottie started fussing.

Music played overhead, and I was happy the store was almost empty. My stomach churned as I made the turn down every aisle, not knowing who would be standing there. “Well, if it isn’t Fallon Miller.” The sickeningly sweet voice said from behind me. I didn’t even have to turn. I knew who it was.

Turning, I saw the one and only Starcie Stinener. She clapped her hands together and brought them to her mouth, blinking quickly like she was trying not to cry. How ridiculous was she?

Letting out a breath, I pasted on a smile. “Starcie, how nice to see you.” She walked over and hugged me. I wasn’t a hugger outside of people in my family.

“I heard you were back. Oh, look at this little one, isn’t she precious?” She reached in and moved Lottie’s blanket. “What did you name her?”

“Lottie.” I smiled as I watched my daughter sleeping through this nightmare of a situation.

“Oh, you Millers always choose different names.” She smirked and squinted a smile.

“Seriously?” I deadpanned. “We choose different names? Your name is Starcie.” My blood was running a little hot, and that comment had gotten my back up, so I clenched my jaw and tried to remain as polite as possible.

“You’re just so funny, Fallon. Well, I better run along. I need to get some supplies home to Mama.” She smiled snidely and looked at Lottie again.

“Oh, are you still living at home?” I asked, more out of curiosity, and to rub it in a little bit.

“Yes, I am, but I have my own apartment on the property. You’re living with Kipp and his fiancé, right?” I knew what she was doing.

“No, actually, I live with Nash now.” I sure as hell wasn’t getting into that, but I loved watching her face fall as she processed what I’d said. With a quick arch of her brow and a head to toe look at me, she turned on her heel and was gone, her grown out blonde extensions showing their wear.

Taking a deep breath, I walked down the next aisle. “You should see her. She’s haggard and that baby. My god I feel sorry for her.”

“Oh, come on, Starcie. I just saw her. Fallon looked great.” Whoever she was talking to said nicely.

“She’s living with Nash. I wonder how she roped him into that? She’s probably an easy lay for him. Damn, I’d like to get that man in my bed.” Her voice rang out through the grocery store and I was frozen where I stood. “All I know is she’s still the bitch she always was, and the sooner she runs away again, the better this town will be. How could she even think anyone around her would be friendly to her? She’s a horrible person.” She huffed and even though I still had half my list to get, I pushed the cart to the checkout.

I refused to cry in the store, and I held it together while I loaded everything in the car. Thankfully, there was nobody parked around me, and I let my head fall against the steering wheel as the tears fell.

When I pulled out of the grocery store parking lot, I had full intentions of leaving town, but here I was sitting across the street from Steam ’n Sugar. Facing Fred wasn’t on my plan today, but I ached for a good coffee and, hopefully, a friendly face. Climbing out of the car, I opened the back door and grabbed Lottie in her car seat. She’d been an angel all day, not fussing and hardly made a peep. She was happy and full from the bottle I’d given her in the parking lot of the grocery store, after I’d fled.

Darting across the street, I pushed the door open before I could second guess myself. The bell above my head rang and the woman behind the counter turned and smiled. I watched as her brain registered who I was. “Oh my, Fallon.” Wanda said as her smile grew.

“Hi Wanda.” I walked to the counter. “Could I get a latte?”

“Absolutely, honey. What kind can I get you?”

“How about a large, white chocolate raspberry latte? Is Fred here?”

“He is. I’ll get him before I make your drink.” She left the cafe, and I heard her quiet whispers in the back room.

“She’s here?” Fred exclaimed, a little louder than I was sure he intended. He stood in the doorway, smiling.

“Fallon.” His eyes softened, and I had the most intense urge to walk toward him, hoping he’d embrace me. “Welcome home. Is she with you?” His eyes darted around and I was immediately regretting not bringing Josie, even though she was under the weather.

“Hi Fred, no it’s just Lottie, I’m afraid. Josie wasn’t feeling like herself today, so she’s at home with Mom.” Home. That was a strange thought, but it was her home and I didn’t really care who’d heard me say it.

“Well, let’s sit. I want to hear, well, everything.” We sat at a table in the corner, hoping anyone that walked in would leave us alone. “May I hold her?” My heart burst at his words and my shaking handsfumbled at the clips that were keeping her in the car seat.

Handing Lottie to Fred, he adjusted her in his arms and stared down at her. “She’s perfect. Hello grand girl, you are so loved. Oh, I’m sure your mama thinks I’ve lost my mind, but you’re a Powers, no matter what. So let me welcome you to my family, little one.” He lightly kissed her forehead and looked up at me, his eyes glistening and my tears falling.

Holy hell, I’m back home for a week and I cry at the drop of a hat. I knew it was the hormones racing out of my body, but I also wondered how much it had to do with being back around people that loved me unconditionally.

Wanda brought my drink and a scone and set it in front of me before taking a seat beside Fred, her full attention on Lottie. I didn’t want to speak, or even move. This was a moment I’d wanted for my kids and it was happening.

We chatted about everything that didn’t matter and avoided the topics I knew would be hurtful. Avoiding confrontation was my superpower, but what I needed to say to him couldn’t be danced around. “I want you to know how sorry I am for keeping Josie from you and Nash.” I looked down at the cup in my hands. Fred shook his head.

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