Page 95 of Tempting the Heart

“Well…”

“And he talked about coming back to Marigold someday.” Paul looked over at me. “Do you remember that? Back in college?”

“I didn’t until now.” I shook my head, unable to believe how I’d managed to compartmentalize things so easily to survive.

Paul nodded. “Yeah. He thought he’d somehow be able to come back as the hero and talk you out of staying and move with him to…” He frowned and looked at me. “Where was it you wanted to go?”

I shook my head. “I think Florida.” The memories were rushing back in.

Mae’s eyes connected with mine, and a tender smile appeared.

“It’s always been you, Mayflower. I just didn’t want to believe it.”

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Mae

“Audrey, it was the cutest thing ever. This baby goat literally climbed into my lap and took a bottle from me. The bottle was huge, but nonetheless, it was a bottle. She just sat there drinking her milk. Her fur was all spotted in black and white. Ah, so cute.”

Audrey looked confused and glanced at Tyler. “That’s your idea of a romantic date?”

Tyler laughed and shrugged. “I started with dinner and wine, but the goats stole her heart. It happens in Wisconsin.”

I nodded enthusiastically. “You would have fallen in love, too.”

Audrey chuckled. “Honestly, with my track record, I should just adopt some goats and call it good.”

I smiled at my sister and leaned over to pet Dottie. I’d been back in town a few days, but I had Audrey watch her while I helped Tyler find a place to stay. There were a lot of short-term rentals that became available since it was the end of the summer season.

I’d invited him to move in with me, but he insisted that he find a place. I secretly thought it had to do with Brad, and considering how tiny my home was, it was probably for the best.

But just having him back on Marigold, not constantly feeling like he wanted to run away, was amazing.

He looped his fingers through mine and smiled.

“Did I tell you what happened while you were gone?” my sister asked.

“I’d assume since you were babysitting Dottie, not much.”

“Brad watched her on Saturday night for me. What was that?” She rolled her eyes. “Four nights ago? Anyway, I signed up for one of those speed dating things.”

“Oh, no.”

She scowled. “Oh, yes. Anyway, I’m cooling it for a while. Be happy you’ve got such a great guy because there aren’t many out there.”

Tyler laughed and shook his head. “I’m sure it’s not that bad.”

“It was horrible.” She shuddered. “I literally needed to shower after the event.”

“Are those my two girls?” a warmly familiar voice floated down the pier.

I spun around to see my mom and dad walking toward us. My mom opened her arms, and I couldn’t help but jog toward her with Audrey right behind.

She squeezed me hard, and it felt like a lifetime had passed between us.

Audrey snuck in as I hugged my dad, and Tyler walked up behind us with Dottie.

My dad looked at Tyler and smiled. “You’re still here, huh?”

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