Page 52 of Cherishing Happily Ever After

“Your father called them.” Her mother’s voice snapped, her words tight. “I already told you. We were worried and the mayor lady wasn’t going to do anything and—”

“I’m fine, Mom. I told you I was.”

“And I told you that we were worried.”

“If you were so worried about me, why didn’t you come for Mother’s Day the way you were supposed to? Why is it you refuse to come and visit me here and see why I love it so much? Why—”

“It’s not always about you.”

Stephanie felt the words like a blow to her chest. “What?”

“That’s not what I meant.” Her mother’s voice softened. “It’s just…sweetie, it’s been hard…and we’re happy you’ve found this new home in Glacier Falls and your sisters and…”

“Mom?”

“Yes?”

“You know that nothing and no one can replace you and Dad, right?”

There was a silence on the other end. She heard her mom try to stifle a sob, but finally, her mom said, “We know.”

She believed her. “I know this is hard, Mom. And I know you were just worried about me.” She sighed. “I’m sorry,” Steph said. “But I really do want to share this with you. Will you come?”

Another silence and then, “Yes. We’ll come.”

“You’re cute.” Travis shook his head. “But I don’t know how smart you are.”

As if to prove him wrong, Tink chose that second to pick up the stick Travis had been throwing for her, and happily trotted back to him, where she dropped it at his feet.

He couldn’t help but laugh. “Okay, I take it back. You might actually be too smart for your own good.” He scratched the dog behind her ears. “And you’re going to be huge.” Tink barked in response. “Should we go inside and see about a treat?”

He couldn’t be sure about the dog, but as far as he was concerned, a treat from Steph for him could very well include a kiss or a cuddle. And that seemed like a very good reward indeed.

“Hey,” he said as he pushed through the front door, already pulling his cowboy hat from his head. The fact that he’d fallen into such an easy rhythm so quickly with her wasn’t lost on him, but what was the point in dwelling onhowit had happened? The only thing that mattered was that it had. And he felt better than he had in his whole life. More…whole. “You’ll never guess,” he said before turning around. “Tink finally brought a stick back and I think that deserves a—” His words died on his lips when he turned and saw the look on her face. “What happened?” Treat forgotten, Travis moved quickly across the floor toward her. “Are you okay? What—”

“I’m fine.”

It was a lie and he knew it.

“Talk to me.” He held her arm, but not too tightly. She looked as if she might run. And he knew that feeling all too well. But not with Steph. Not anymore. No more running, and he wouldn’t let her do it either.

“I don’t want to scare you.” She dropped her head and ran her free hand through her hair.

“You do know that’s exactly what you’re doing now, right? Scaring me?” He purposely kept his voice light, and she laughed. “Are you going to tell me you were just diagnosed with some sort of incurable disease and only have twenty-four hours to live?”

Steph lifted her eyebrows and, with a smile on her face, she shook her head. But then the smile faded. “Not quite that bad.”

“Then whatever it is, it’ll be fine.” Travis stepped toward her and kissed the tip of her nose. “Tell me what’s not quite as bad as an incurable disease,” he urged. “I promise you, it will be okay.”

“Paparazzi.”

What?Travis blinked and shook his head. “Did you just say paparazzi?”

“I did.”

He couldn’t help it; he released his hold on her arms and started to laugh. He’d heard from Logan and Levi that both of Stephanie’s sisters had definitely had their dramatic moments, and to hear the guys tell it, they both had a tendency to blow things out of proportion. Perhaps Stephanie had inherited the same propensity?

“It’s not funny.” She put her hands on her hips and glared at him. “I don’t think you understand.”

---