Page 52 of New in Town

“No judgment here. Like I said, he’s a good one.”

She nods as she takes a sip of coffee. Lou seems to care about her, even if it is due to his connection to Henry. If he has any concerns about Grey cutting and running after getting her in bed, he’ll surely voice them.

“So,” Lou continues, moving to prepare dough for proofing. “Have you read any more of Henry’s letters?”

“No, I haven’t made it through many,” she admits.

“I don’t blame you. But try your hand at another few? Might be better to hear things directly from him, the only way you can now.”

“What if I hear something that makes this all feel worse?” she asks, voice laced with uncertainty.

Lou leaves the dough in the bowl and wipes his hands on his apron. Coming back around to Maddie, he takes her hand in his. His grasp is warm and comforting, the gesture almost fatherly.

“The thing about Henry, he was fearless. Except when it came to facing down the choices in his past. He tried to keep his promise and stay in Denver. But at the end of the day, he knew he couldn’t ever sell his saddle. Those letters, he wrote them out of love. I don’t see how love can make things worse. Harder, maybe. But never worse.”

She casts her gaze down towards the bag at her feet. She’s been carrying the next letter around with her. Maybe if she has time at work today, she’ll read it.

* * *

She has time at work today. Admittedly, not as much as before though.Maybe this is working out after all, she allows herself to hope as she stares at the envelope on her desk. She slides the letter out and unfolds it.

Madelyn,

You were the best baby. I’m being serious. You slept through the night, smiled always, you were a delight. You made me believe I could be a dad. That wasn’t the problem. It was that place. I couldn’t do what I did or be who I am.

There’s a saying—take me as I am or let me go. Plenty of folks have sung about it, it’s a pretty true thing. Your mama and I had to let each other go, and that meant losing you too. And believe me, little lady, I know I lost out.

You’re off to college this month, and I hope you get to be who you are. Always. Don’t ever give up on your dreams. The right things will take hard work, but you’ve got Wells blood in you. You’ll roll up your sleeves and get to work just fine.

Henry

She smiles as she folds the paper back into the envelope. A place of love, she could hear it in this letter. No matter what, Henry saw her as his. Maybe she can be a Wells, after all. Her phone vibrates on the desk beside her, Grey’s name appearing.

Grey

Do you want me to come get you?

Maddie

I can drive, unless you’re offering a motorcycle ride?

Grey

That can be arranged.

“Ready to head out?” Arlo asks from the doorway of her office. She packs her things into her bag and throws it over her shoulder.

“Ready.”

“Any plans with Mr. James this weekend?”

“Actually, yes. He’s on his way,” she replies with a smile. “Hey, can I ask you something about him?”

“Certainly,” Arlo says, holding the door for her as they move towards the lobby together.

“Why did you suggest I spend time with him?”

“Grey is one of the finest young men I have ever known. I wouldn’t have trusted just anyone with you, being new and not knowing anyone in town.” They reach the sidewalk and Arlo stops her before parting ways. “Besides, I saw the way you two were looking at each other.” And then with a wink, he turns and strolls away.

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