Page 71 of Finding You

Wordlessly, she nodded.

“And when you come, make sure you’re coming for the right reasons. Don’t do this because you think you have to, because I’m all you have left. I’d hate to think of you putting in so much time and effort to come all the way here when it’s not what you want.” She paused again. “Surely you must have a job or a boyfriend or friends that you’re going to miss.”

Looking around, she found a chair and sat down before giving her mother the Reader’s Digest version of her life.

Including what was happening right now in Sweetbriar Ridge with Devin.

“So…wait. You met a guy who sounds incredible and you’re still ready to leave? Why?”

“Because I’m trying to do the right thing! Geez! How come nobody sees that?”

“Because maybe it’s not the right thing for right now.”

“Um, yeah. I don’t know what that means,” she murmured.

“Mac, it would be wonderful for you to come to Oregon. I’d love to see you. But that doesn’t mean it has to happen right now.”

“I knew it! I knew you were trying to get out of it!”

“Oh, my goodness! We’re talking in circles here! All I’m saying is that you can come to Oregon! I want to see you! But maybe wait a few weeks and see if this life you’re enjoying in…I’m sorry, what was the town’s name again?”

“Sweetbriar Ridge.”

“Now that is just precious!” Then she cleared her throat. “I mean, I’m still going to be here. I’m not going anywhere. And now we have each other’s numbers and we’ve taken that first step toward having a relationship again. Just think of how much better seeing one another in person will be if we have some time to chat and get to know each other before getting together.”

And again, it made sense.

Which was really starting to annoy her.

“What if…what if I decide that I want to come to Oregon now for a visit and then just come back here to Sweetbriar Ridge and Devin?”

“Then I’d say that’s wonderful and maybe you should consider flying instead of driving. I’m going to worry about you driving all alone for over two thousand miles.”

“Unfortunately, I’m kind of terrified of flying, and once the Mustang’s fixed, I’m going to need to drive it. It’s costing me a fortune.”

“I still can’t believe you’re driving your father’s old car. He loved that thing. Probably more than he loved me,” she said with a laugh.

“It’s a great car and once Devin’s worked all the kinks out, it’s going to be even better. I’m really okay with driving to you.”

“Then let me know when you’re on your way and I’ll get the guest room ready for you.”

“Oh, um…seriously? I figured I’d stay at a hotel or…”

“Mac? If we’re going to do this, we’re going to do it right. If you’re not comfortable staying here, then you are more than welcome to stay at a hotel. But I thought it would be nice if we had the time together. Like a family.”

Her heart squeezed at the thought. It was something she’d always wanted, and it was possibly only a five-day drive away.

“The car should be good to go tomorrow, so…I’ll call you and let you know when I’m on my way!”

They talked for a few more minutes, and when she turned around, she saw Ashlynn, Avery, Billie, Jade, and Chloe, all watching her. And their somber expressions said that she maybe wasn’t speaking as quietly as she thought. They knew she was leaving.

Now she just had to find a way to tell Devin.

“I talked to my mom and I’m going to Oregon,” MacKenzie blurted out the moment he joined her at the festival. “Hopefully the car will be done tomorrow and if it is, I’d like to be on the road by noon on Tuesday.”

He knew it was coming and yet it just about gutted him.

“I know we talked about me staying and all, but…”

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