Page 66 of Chocolate Cherry Cabin

“Hi, Louis. Hannah. Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas,” they chimed back.

“I thought I might find you here.” MayBeth waved in the general direction of Hannah’s house. “Sorry I got your dog all excited, knocking on your door just now.”

“Oh. No problem. What’s up?”

“I was just in the neighborhood and thought I’d drop off my card,” she trilled.

“For me?” Hannah took the business card, feeling confused. Didn’t she mean Louis? MayBeth had helped Hannah find her home, and they were already friends on every form of social media they both belonged to. She knew where to find MayBeth if she needed her.

Had Calvin made the decision to move to France? Was he already setting things in motion without talking to her? They were supposed to discuss things. And yeah, she’d broken that agreement by applying to school without telling him, but it wasn’t like she’d packed her car and was already city-bound.

She focused on MayBeth, who was saying, “Spring is the optimal time for selling, but as soon as you’re ready I can help you get your place on the market. We can work together on how to get the most money back in your pocket. I do have a family looking for a small starter home right now, though, and there’s not a lot in this price range available. Do you want me to set something up? I’m sure you’re eager to get moving and reclaim your down payment.”

“Were you talking to Calvin?”

What time was it in Paris? He must have called MayBeth in the middle of the night to set things up.

“No, no. I heard y’all are moving. I thought maybe France, but your mom said back to the city.” Her smile was bright. Innocent. “To go to school next month?” Her tone became uncertain as Hannah remained speechless. “I assumed you’ll want to sell?”

“Thanks, MayBeth. Hannah will let you know if she needs anything.” Louis edged between them, reaching for the door. MayBeth’s eyes strayed down his naked chest, spending way too much time on their joyride for Hannah’s comfort.

“I’m taking online courses. Maybe,” she said through gritted teeth. “Things haven’t been totally decided yet. Same with France.”

“Oh. Well, I think it’s great you’re going back to school. You’ll be a good teacher.”

“Merry Christmas,” Louis said, edging the door closed.

MayBeth began backing down the steps. “Merry Christmas!”

As soon as they were alone again, Hannah turned to Louis.

His smile was weak as he caught her expression.

“Thanks. A lot.” She crumpled the business card and hunched her shoulders, struggling with her emotions.

“Uh, you’re welcome?” He scratched the back of his head and gave her what was likely supposed to be a confused look.

“Why does the entire town think I’m moving to the city? And how did Calvin know I’d applied for school before I even had a chance to tell him?” She marched closer. “Why does my boss think I’m resigning?” Yeah, that had been a fun conversation. “Why did MayBeth just pop by to discuss putting my house on the market?”

The rumors and uncertainty stemming from all of this was going to be hard on the boys. She needed to get the town under control before she picked them up from the airport tonight. They’d weathered the divorce well, but another move—possibly international—within a year, or their mom suddenly heading back to school and being less available? It might be too much uncertainty and change for two young boys.

What had she been thinking? She’d allowed herself to get pulled into some grand dream with no link to reality. That was the problem with Louis. He made her believe she could have a big life of fulfilled dreams without even noticing that it didn’t fit with the things she truly valued, such as creating a stable home environment.

“This isn’t the right time for this,” she said. “None of it is.”

“The whole town’s proud of you,” Louis replied gently. “They want to help you follow your dreams.”

Hannah closed her eyes, trying to remain focused. She’d wanted support, and for the community to understand why she needed to do this. But now it felt like things were moving forward without her, and that was because of Louis. It felt as if she was undermining Calvin’s desire to strike out fresh in Paris, as well as jamming a giant wedge between them and their ability to co-parent.

To make things worse, she must seem like a flake. First she was going to become a doctor, then she wasn’t. She moved away to go to college, but didn’t complete a diploma. She got married, then divorced. Moved back. Now she was moving to France or to the city or going to school? Whatwasshe doing?

“What if something goes wrong with getting this degree?” she asked, feeling a headache starting. “What if I can’t hack it? What if I can’t afford to finish? What if life happens?”

“You’ll make it.”

“I know I’ll end up where I need to be, but you have to stop meddling, and let me be the driver. Stop trying to make my life into what you think it should be. I’m taking classes while living here in Sweetheart Creek. I’m not moving.”

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